The Integrity of the Body of Christ: Boundary Keeping as Shared Responsibility by Arden F. Mahlberg and Craig L. Nessan (review)

The authors provide a long-needed and comprehensive study of the necessity of boundaries in ministry that is grounded in a theological understanding of trust and faith. Their work is well-informed by contemporary psychological theories of the person-in-relationship, by behavioral ethics, and by their many years of combined wisdom from the vantage points of psychologist and theologian. The text is divided into three sections: first, the authors offer contextualized definitions of boundaries which are rooted in scripture, even as they answer the question, "Why do we need to consider boundaries?" The second section examines the necessity of boundaries in communities of faith when they are at worship, when bearing witness, and concludes with the need for Sabbath. The third and final section focuses on the complexities of boundaries in individual relationships, and how family of origin dynamics create unique contexts as well as challenges, for ministers and the individuals or communities they are called to serve. Each chapter provides potential scenarios for consideration as the nuances, complexities, and challenges of boundary-keeping are examined. This text has a refreshing approach insofar as it holds all persons accountable for the maintenance of healthy boundaries. Many of the programs and educational materials written today take an overly simplistic and accusatory tone toward ministers, much of which is deserved when one considers the number of times ministers have knowingly violated interpersonal boundaries and thereby have irreparably harmed individuals and communities of faith. Nevertheless, this text considers the importance of context and the responsibility of all persons for maintaining the integrity of the body of Christ by attending to roles, healthy self-care, and family dynamics with practical suggestions in the final chapter for improving communication and interpersonal relationships. The text also includes a helpful discussion guide that would be appropriate for congregational leadership groups or seminary classes focused on congregational care or contextualized ministry to use as a foundation for group discussion or individual reflection in supervision.

Mention the words "boundary education" in the midst of a group of church professionals and one is most certainly met with sighs, resistance, and at times, antagonism because mandates for annual continuing education on boundaries exist in many denominations. Ministers are weary and want to use their continuing education time for something more stimulating. As a theological educator who has been responsible for leading these events in a variety of contexts for more than two decades, I give this book a resounding endorsement and wish it had been available when I began my vocation as a seminary professor in pastoral care. This text should be required reading for anyone preparing for a church vocation, and it would be a helpful addition to congregational leadership retreats or leadership education programs. The authors do a credible job of avoiding technical language that would render their work inaccessible to lay people. Some may want to suggest that in an age of social distancing during a pandemic, there is less of a need for this kind of work, but I would beg to differ. When social distancing rules are relaxed, individuals and communities will be more vulnerable because social contact has been so limited. If I have one critique, I wish the authors had more directly addressed the need for integrity with social media boundaries and digital platforms but their skillful, in-depth theological and psychological reflection on communication is easily translated for electronic forms of communication.