A Christmas Letter to our District Churches:
As I look over this past year. I am again thankful for our District family of churches. Together we are making a difference in our communities for the cause of Christ and the Gospel message!
As we make every effort to keep our churches safe, we are also making a clear statement to our communities that we care... that we care enough for them and their families to take the extra time and steps to provide a safe environment in every way possible. With these intentional actions we have the opportunity to build trust in a cultural environment of mistrust of churches, clergy and volunteers. They need to see that safety is not only a high priority, but it undergirds all that we do in our church and ministries! Don't be shy...let your community know that you have a protection policy in place that you are committed to following...
So, in order to build this trust, here are 12 pertinent questions to ask ourselves:
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Do we have our Safety and Risk Management Policy firmly established?
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Are our BOE and church leadership fully apprised and supportive of the S&RM policy that has been signed and submitted to the District? In fact, do we know what it is?
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Are the details of our S&RM Policy being carried out in every aspect of our church ministries...especially with children and youth?
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Is our facility and equipment frequently inspected and kept up to accepted safety standards?
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Are all staff and volunteers fully screened and supervised?
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Are our volunteers informed and trained in all safety procedures through annual and other training workshops?
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Is there definitive protocol in place regarding one-on-one interactions with children or youth?
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Do we have specific guidelines in place for off-site activities and/or overnight events?
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Do we keep and safely store all ongoing attendance and event records of all students and volunteers?
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Do we have specific protocol in place to cover emergencies, both medical and evacuation procedures?
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Do we know the indications of and the steps to take in reporting suspected abuse - physical, emotional and sexual?
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Who is our church spokesperson, should we need to make a public statement?
New pastors arrive, Boards of Elders change up at this time of year, and ministry leadership is an ever-changing reality. This then is a good time to readdress the S&RM policy and make sure each person on your leadership team is not only aware, but is also on board with the policy. As a reminder, this policy was passed and mandated for our CPDistrict churches by DEXCOM in March of 2010. The specifics of this policy are not optional!
That you for your readership and encouragement over the past year. It has been a privilege to serve you! Remember, I am available for questions, consult or through training seminars in your local church. We can also touch base at the District Staff Retreat in January.
