Tuesday, May 12, 2026 – 5:30-8:30 p.m. OR Wednesday, May 13, 2026  – 9 a.m. to Noon

(NOTE: This is a one part training being offered twice.)

3 hours of Advanced Boundary Training for Authorized Ministers

Participants will engage in discussion around a general framework for boundaries in ministry with older adults in congregations, community, and ministry settings.  Included specifically will be the clergy relationship with older adults recognizing and preventing financial exploitation and scams.

Using Financial Exploitation and Elder Abuse as the case Study

Abuse and financial exploitation of older adults are complex and often hidden realities within congregational life. Most harm occurs in the context of trusted relationships, which means clergy may find themselves alongside those who are harmed, those who cause harm, and those who feel unsure how to respond. Older adults themselves may struggle to recognize or disclose abuse, particularly when health, cognition, family ties, or dependence are involved. In this interactive training, clergy will explore how financial abuse and exploitation—both online and in person—shows up in pastoral contexts and how appropriate boundaries, theological grounding, and congregational support can shape faithful and compassionate responses.

Rev. Beth Long Higgins is the Vice President of Engagement and the director of the Center for Abundant Aging the United Church Homes of Marion, Ohio.  She is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, musician, amateur birder and fiber artist. 

This is an online only training, via Zoom. A Zoom link will be sent beforehand.