Clergy
The Alliance of Baptists is home to a diverse community of clergy serving in a wide range of ministry settings. Some pastors serve congregations, while others serve as chaplains, nonprofit leaders, educators, organizers, spiritual directors, or are experimenting with new expressions of ministry beyond traditional church structures.
Over the years, Alliance clergy have connected through retreats, peer learning groups, leadership cohorts, pilgrimages, and communities of practice designed to sustain both their ministries and their spirits. More recently, many clergy have participated in initiatives such as THRIVE for Racial Justice and Beloved Mosaic, where learning, spiritual formation, and relationship-building are woven together.
As the Alliance enters a new season of ministry, we are renewing our commitment to supporting clergy. In the coming years, we look forward to expanding opportunities for clergy to gather, learn, rest, and lead together through new cohorts, retreats, learning communities, and other offerings that strengthen both individual ministers and the wider Alliance.
Renew
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Spiritual Connection
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Refresh
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Spiritual Innovation
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Advocacy
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Renew | Spiritual Connection | Refresh | Spiritual Innovation | Advocacy |
Boundary Training
In partnership with Convergence, the Alliance offers clergy the opportunity to complete a comprehensive online boundary training program at a discounted rate.
The congregational nature of the Baptist tradition often means little oversight or personal development opportunities. By partnering with Convergence, the Alliance is hoping to bridge that gap by offering a full curriculum of boundary training at a discounted rate to clergy serving in Baptist settings. You will learn about the need for and management of healthy boundaries and receive a certificate of completion at the conclusion of the program.
The self-paced curriculum includes theological reflection, case studies, best practices, interactive videos, and written reflections covering topics such as:
Boundaries in pastoral relationships with adults
Boundaries in pastoral relationships with children and youth
Boundaries with finances and church business
Boundaries in social media and digital communication
Boundaries for self-care
Upon successful completion, participants receive a certificate from Convergence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the course cost?
The full course is available to Alliance participants for $114.
How is the course taught?
The course is completed entirely online and at your own pace. Each unit includes learning objectives, theological reflection, case studies, best practices, and opportunities for personal reflection. Participants conclude the course by writing a 400–600 word reflection.
Why complete boundary training?
While many Baptist congregations do not require boundary training, completing the course demonstrates a commitment to creating safe, healthy ministry environments for congregations, colleagues, and communities.
Please note: While the Alliance is pleased to partner with Convergence to make this training available, certificates of completion are issued by Convergence rather than the Alliance of Baptists.
Does the Alliance ordain ministers?
No. The Alliance of Baptists does not ordain individuals to the gospel ministry. As a Baptist movement, we affirm the historic principle of the autonomy of the local church. We believe congregations are called to recognize, call, and ordain ministers within their own communities of faith.
For clergy serving in ministry settings that require a denominational endorsement—such as military, hospital, or other institutional chaplaincy, or pastoral counseling—the Alliance provides an endorsement process for qualified ministers. If you’d like to learn more about endorsement, you can check out our chaplains and endorsement page.
At the same time, the Alliance recognizes that ministry continues to evolve. Many faithful leaders today are called to serve in settings that fall outside traditional congregational ministry, and some experience significant barriers to ordination within existing structures. As we listen to the changing landscape of ministry and the needs of our community, the Alliance continues to explore how we can faithfully support those whom God is calling into ministry.
This conversation is ongoing, and we invite you to stay connected through our Connections newsletter for updates as our discernment continues.