Clergy membership is to the conference, and clergy are to be accountable to one another and the most vulnerable among us. We take our baptismal vows and theological and legal responsibilities seriously. At the Michigan Annual Conference in 2025, legislation was approved requiring all appointed clergy, those serving in retirement, and DSA’s to complete two trainings through Safe Gatherings (Clergy Ethics and Abuse Prevention) every three years (beginning in 2026). This page includes information about applying for Safe Gatherings, mandated reporter resources, and responses from clergy session.
Please use the clergy registration link to access Safe Gatherings.
If you have questions, reach out to Rev. Kathy Pittenger.
Clergy Safe Gatherings Registration
To register and complete the trainings, please click on the button below, which will take you directly to the clergy registration page. You will be able to access both trainings from your account homepage. The detailed registration guide provides step-by-step instructions. If your preferred language is Spanish, French, or Korean, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger for registration information.
Clergy Reimbursement
The Board of Ordained Ministry is pleased to be able to offer a reimbursement to clergy who are required to complete the Safe Gatherings trainings. Receipts and certificates of completion must be submitted within 90 days of the date on the receipt. If you have questions, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger or Rev. Susan Hitts.
**Please note for the Abuse Prevention training – the background check will be run AFTER you complete the exam. Please wait until you receive the certificate with the approval and expiration dates before submitting for reimbursement. If you are requesting reimbursement for both the Abuse Prevention Training and the Clergy Ethics training, you must submit both certificates. The Abuse Prevention certificate will arrive in your email.**
If you do not wish to be reimbursed, please send your certificate(s) of completion to Yolanda Thomas to ensure your file is updated.
Safe Gatherings
The steps to register for the mandatory training are above. If you have any questions, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger or Safe Gatherings directly at 888.241.8258.
Learn more about Safe Gatherings Abuse Prevention
Learn more about Safe Gatherings Clergy Ethics
Mandated Reporters
Under Michigan Law, clergy are mandated reporters. Mandated reporters shall make an immediate report to Central Intake by telephone or through the online reporting system, of suspected child abuse or child neglect.
For more information from Michigan Health and Human Resources visit their Mandated Reporters webpage. This site includes what to do if you suspect abuse or neglect as well as training resources.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why do I need to do these trainings?
As Michigan Conference clergy, we have a responsibility to protect the children, youth, and vulnerable adults in our care and in our communities and to know and maintain boundaries and practices to keep ourselves safe. Training increases awareness and prevents harm, equipping and empowering us to be fearless as we protect the most vulnerable and ourselves in ministry.
What is the coupon code?
We are not using the coupon code box for this training. Please leave this box empty and continue with the registration process. If you have concerns about the cost, please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger.
Where can I find the trainings?
Once you register for Safe Gatherings through the clergy link, you can access both the trainings from your “application status” page. You can return to this page at any time.
Will I be reimbursed for county background check surcharges?
Yes, you will be reimbursed for surcharges related to county background checks. Any surcharges are included in your Safe Gatherings Application fee will be reimbursed.
Where can I find the certificates?
Great question! The Clergy Ethics training completion certificate will be available as soon as you pass the exam. Yay! The Abuse Prevention approval certificate will come via email a few days after you pass the training exam. Once you complete the training, the background checks will begin. After those are complete and your file is reviewed by Safe Gatherings, your certificate will arrive via email, or you will be contacted for additional information. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger or reach out to Safe Gatherings at 888.241.8258.
I don’t need to be reimbursed. What should I do?
Please email your certificates to Yolanda Thomas. You do not need to complete the reimbursement form.
I am in my first appointment in Michigan and have not completed the in-person Healthy Boundaries training. What do I need to do?
You are required to complete ONLY the Abuse Prevention Training. You must ALSO complete the in-person Healthy Boundaries training in the Fall.
My Safe Gatherings Abuse Prevention and/or Clergy Ethics have not expired. Do I need to take the trainings during the open period?
Yes. We know this may be frustrating, especially if you completed the Abuse Prevention within the last year. We thank you for your understanding that asking everyone to complete the trainings at the same time will help us track completion and ensure everyone is on the same timeline.
What is Safe Gatherings?
Safe Gatherings is the organization the Michigan Conference Protection Policy team vetted and is currently using for all volunteers and paid staff who wish to work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults during district or conference events. Safe Gatherings handles the process from beginning to end and provides all customer service needs. We have worked with them for over five years and have had a very positive working relationship.
Didn’t I already do something in Safe Gatherings?
You may be referring to the mandatory Clergy Ethics training that all clergy were required to complete in 2023. While under the Safe Gatherings umbrella, Clergy Ethics and Abuse Prevention are two different trainings.
What do I need to do to complete the Clergy Safe Gatherings requirements?
Safe Gatherings begins with an application and payment. The abuse prevention portion includes 4 levels of background checks, online abuse prevention training, and an exam. The clergy ethics portion includes the training and an exam. Once you have completed the trainings, you need to provide your certificates of completion either through the reimbursement form or emailing Yolanda Thomas.
What is the time commitment?
The application will take 5-10 minutes. Each training will take 1.5-2.5 to complete.
What is the cost?
The base cost for Safe Gatherings is $47. Some counties charge an additional fee for the background check. Most of the counties with additional fees are in the Upper Peninsula.
The cost of the Clergy Ethics course is $29.
These fees will be reimbursed by the Board of Ordained Ministry for those who are required to complete trainings, if you so desire.
In a time when we have a million things, why are you asking us to do one more thing?
Clergy model and set the tone. When we do the hard, right thing – we set the tone for our congregations that they can too. Clergy who are Safe Gatherings approved have completed the requirements to be an authorized Leader at district or conference related events with children, youth, or vulnerable adults. When churches receive a new appointment, they know their incoming clergyperson has been trained in current practices and has been background checked.
In Fall of 2024, Rev. Kathy Pittenger attended a conference about the new Safer Sanctuaries resource. Many of stories of abuse and stories of how knowing what to look for potentially prevented abuse were shared. Most of us have heard those stories. These stories are important because each one features God’s children who have been harmed. We also see too often in the headlines a story of another clergyperson who has been accused of sexual abuse of a minor. (Kalamazoo Diocese) And we are living in the aftermath of the Boy Scouts of America sex abuse settlement, which has significantly impacted many scouts, as well as many of our churches.
We believe that regular training helps us shift from a reactive position to a proactive, responsive one. Training equips and empowers us to address an issue before it becomes a problem. It helps us recognize warning signs and provides the information needed to take further steps. Training also gives us the tools we need as mandated reporters in the state of Michigan. Training increases awareness and prevents harm.
Do other conferences do this?
Yes, while not an exhaustive list, Great Plains and Rio Texas require all clergy to go through Safe Gatherings, and Cal Pac requires all clergy to go through Ministry Safe. (as of 2/2026)
What if I don’t have any children or youth in my congregation?
The Safe Gatherings training also includes vulnerable adults, including older adults. We don’t always think about the potential vulnerability of older adults. This training provides helpful information and practices around caring for older adults in your congregation. Plus, you never know when you might have children or youth show up or be in a situation where you must act as a mandated reporter. It’s not just about ministry in the church.
I’m retired or working in extension ministry or beyond the local church, does this apply to me?
All Michigan Conference clergy appointed to the local church or extension ministry are expected to complete the Safe Gatherings certification process. Retired clergy who are active participants in a church or who regularly work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults (including older adults) are strongly encouraged to do so as well.
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please contact Rev. Kathy Pittenger with any questions.