Resource Browser Page
Date |
Average Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| October 28, 2011 |
Abuse Prevention...Stop it Before it Starts!Safe Church The old saying, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is never truer than in situations involving abuse. The deep hurt and devastation left in the wake of an abusive incident leaves scars that last in individual relationships, in families and in church communities. Rather than dealing with the aftermath, wouldn’t it be wiser to ... |
|
| August 8, 2011 |
The "Frame" for Safe Church Initiatives - Part 2Safe Church The hurt and suffering caused by abuse may envelop not only people who are abused, and those who abuse them, but friends, neighbors, and even whole congregations as well. Though we know that suffering can be redemptive, that fact should never be used to recommend continue toleration of suffering, or the ... |
|
| August 1, 2011 |
The "Frame" for Safe Church Initiatives - Part 1Safe Church Sometimes it's difficult to determine the extent of alleged abuse and the damage it has done. This is especially true of those cases that take place, as it were, at the "edges" of the frame. Here puzzling questions of whether one has, or has not, crossed the boundary separating abuse from non-abuse can arise... |
|
| June 20, 2011 |
Understanding Consent - Part 2Safe Church, Sexual Abuse All the states and provinces have laws which declare sexual acts with minors to be criminal. In addition, a related law might specify at what age a minor can give consent to sexual acts. If the child is below the age of consent, the judicial system will likely hold the offender responsible |
|
| June 10, 2011 |
Understanding Consent - Part ISafe Church Consent is a short word, but long on meaning. There is much to know about consent, and there is much to misunderstand about consent. Consent is more than permission. Consent implies that you understand your decision or your behavior, and you understand the consequences of that decision, too. |
|
| April 11, 2011 |
Shaping the Path to Safe ChurchesSafe Church In 1994 a social worker with Bethany Christian services was given a mandate by Synod to start an abuse prevention office for the Christian Reformed Church in North America. She was asked to address a sinful side of human behavior that, at that time, was rarely recognized, acknowledged, or spoken about. In the years since |
|
| December 29, 2010 |
Tips to Make a Facility SaferChild Safety I recall taking the tour of a brand new church which boasted a nursery on the lower level with its own entrance off the parking lot for late-arriving parents. I wished the architect had thought about a late-arriving person who, with just the twist of a nob, was inside a room of infants and small children who were more than a loud cry away from calling for help... |
|
| July 8, 2010 |
End It Now Today!Domestic Violence Looking back, Pastor “Jones” should have known. All the warning signs were there. “Stella” often seemed anxious and nervous when “Mike,” her husband, was around. She was always very subservient, so intent on doing whatever he said. Even then... |
|
| May 5, 2010 |
Results and Summary of the Child Safety SurveyChild Safety The Survey was sent by email to 1022 active pastors in the Christian Reformed Church on Feb 16, 2010. One hundred ninety-one surveys were returned. Nearly one-half of the respondents were pastors in their present church for five years or less. Overall, the return rate was 17% which statistical experts suggest is... |
|
| April 21, 2010 |
The Voices of the SilentSexual Abuse We can get caught up with the tragic stories that describe the awful ways that people treat each other. We feel sad....we feel helpless. We wonder, "When will it all end?" Then along comes a sweet story about a person being in the right place at the right time to offer comfort and encouragement. Perhaps if you look closely, you might see that you could be in the right place at the right time now for someone else who needs to be loved unconditionally, without judgment, and without explanation. I hope you will find this story uplifting. |
|
| January 26, 2010 |
How to Form a Safe Church TeamSafe Church Team Because all forms of abuse harm both the victim and the offender, we should take the steps necessary to prevent abuse. And because all forms of abuse bring chaos to a congregation, we should take the steps necessary to create a safe culture within our churches. |
|
| January 25, 2010 |
Who Are the Safe Church Team Advocates?Safe Church Team The Christian Reformed Church has more than 20 safe church team advocates who respond to and provide a range of assistance to claimants going through the advisory panel process – a synodical-approved process for an individual who has made a claim of abuse against a church leader. The panel process can be complicated and... |
|
| January 25, 2010 |
Safe Church Team Chairpersons Meet Restorative Justice at Annual ConferenceSafe Church Team What happens to the victim and the offender after the advisory panel concludes its work? Read how restorative justice practices may play a part in the transition between fact-finding and restoration. |
|
| January 22, 2010 |
When CRC Ministers Abuse Part II: Shattered FaithSexual Abuse As a teenager Joanne Ravensbergen was abused by her brother-in-law, now a retired CRC pastor. After her brother-in-law pleaded no contest to indecent assault, Ravensbergen said she “could not worship in a church that had [the abuser’s] picture in the council room.” Even worse, the abuse “destroyed my faith,” she said. “I’ve burned my Bibles.” |
|
| January 22, 2010 |
When CRC Ministers Abuse Part ISexual Abuse In a timeless article, the author interviews several victims and experts who describe the heartache and the harm that occurs when a clergy person commits sexual misconduct. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
How We Fail to Create Safe ChurchesChild Safety, Safe Church Team About 25 years ago reports began to surface about physical, emotional, and sexual abuse perpetrated by members and even leaders in the Christian Reformed Church. Synod appointed a committee to study the matter. The committee hired social researchers to conduct a professional survey ... |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Abuse Prevention: "We're Halfway There"Child Safety Half of the Christian Reformed Church’s 1,100 congregations now have a Child Safety Policy in place. And approximately half of the 47 classes (regional groups of churches) have Safe Church Teams in place. A curious Canadian-American difference is noticeable. All 12 Canadian classes have Safe Church Teams in place, but only one-third of U.S. classes do. |
|
Date |
Average Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| May 14, 2012 |
Becoming a Safe Place for Victims of Domestic ViolenceSafe Church, Domestic Violence To make churches safer places, leaders must begin by recognizing that some families in the congregation may be experiencing violence. You can't tell from the outside which families are affected. |
|
| May 7, 2012 |
Honey Works Better than VinegarChild Safety, Safe Church, Domestic Violence, Elderly Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse “The classis safe church team saved my ministerial butt,” was how one British Columbia pastor put it. Within one week of arriving in his new charge, he was informed that an allegation of abuse had been made against the pastor that preceded him. |
|
| April 29, 2012 |
Silence Hides ViolenceChild Safety, Safe Church, Domestic Violence, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse We slog away in meetings, we write safe church policies, we try to get our ministers to preach on safe church issues and abuse prevention. Some days, we wonder if it is even making a difference. And then we hear a story like that of ... |
|
| April 24, 2012 |
Safe Church: Taking the First StepsChild Safety, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse What is holding your congregation back from establishing a safe church policy? Writing a policy can seem like an onerous task, but lots of helpful tools are available. Sometimes the best way to develop a policy is to adapt an existing policy from a neighbouring church. Or, you can check out the sample policies available |
|
| April 17, 2012 |
The 4/14 Window and Why it MattersYouth Issues The 4/14 window represents an exciting time of potential in a child’s life." This past Saturday, April 14, (4/14) was the Global Day of Prayer and Fasting for children aged 4-14. |
|
| April 10, 2012 |
Emotional Abuse: The Crushing of the Human SpiritChild Safety, Safe Church, Domestic Violence, Elderly Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team Individuals who have experienced emotional abuse often suffer from “a crushed spirit.” The wounds caused by emotional abuse may not be visible to the human eye, but they leave an indelible mark on the human heart... |
|
| April 3, 2012 |
Tips for Supervising Child & Youth ActivitiesChild Safety, Safe Church, Safe Church Team, Youth Issues Outings, retreats and social events at the church can be fun for children and youth. However, fun can turn into tragedy if supervision is inadequate. How can your church provide supervision that will ensure the least risk possible? |
|
| March 27, 2012 |
Getting Focussed on Keeping Our Kids SafeChild Safety, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse, Youth Issues “Children often keep abuse a secret, but barriers can be broken down by talking openly about it.” |
|
| March 20, 2012 |
The Reaction is the MessageChild Safety, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse We send a message in the way that we respond, as individuals and as congregations, to allegations of abuse. What kind of message are we sending? |
|
| March 14, 2012 |
We Wish We Hadn’t Waited Until Abuse Occurred…Child Safety, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse Don't wait until it's too late. Your safe church policy can help stop abuse before it happens. |
|
| March 6, 2012 |
Is Your Teen Safe?Child Safety, Domestic Violence, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse, Youth Issues Despite the abundance of evidence showing that teen dating violence is a serious issue in North America, awareness of the problem is low. According to The Rave Project, teen dating violence is more common than you might think. Here are some surprising facts about teen dating violence... |
|
| February 29, 2012 |
The What, Why, and How of Safe Church MinistryThis webinar will provide an overview of CRC Safe Church Ministry and discuss the reasons why abuse prevention and response is critical to the life of our churches. In addition, we'll briefly look at how Safe Church Ministry is changing and discover the ways it can help provide opportunities for powerful, transforming ministry to individuals and churches. |
|
| February 27, 2012 |
Meet Your New GuideEmotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse When my friends and coworkers ask me about the church, I want to be able to tell them – with 100% conviction – that we’re doing all we can to provide safe environments for worship, learning and fellowship. |
|
| February 20, 2012 |
Something New for Safe ChurchSafe Church Is it true that we are never too old to learn? I’m testing that theory on myself as I plan for an upcoming Webinar – The What, Why and How of Safe Church Ministry. |
|
| February 14, 2012 |
Power and LoveSafe Church, Emotional Abuse, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse Power removed from love is, as Martin Lurther King, Jr. stated, “reckless and abusive.” Trace back almost any story of abuse – whether in churches, families, institutions, or society – and you will find corrupted power, a deadly force. |
|
| January 31, 2012 |
But We All Know Each OtherChild Safety, Safe Church Team, Sexual Abuse No-one likes to focus on the negative for long. But, the assumption that abuse cannot occur in your church, or that, if it were to happen, you would recognize it, is extremely naive. |
|
| January 16, 2012 |
Why Churches Should Have A Child Safety PolicyChild Safety, Safe Church Team Safe Church Team members and the office of Safe Church Ministry often field questions from churches that are creating or updating their policies. We love these questions; they are a positive sign that churches are considering this important issue. One common question is |
|
| January 9, 2012 |
What Else Makes A Safe Church Safe?Child Safety, Safe Church Team Should a Safe Church committee be restricted solely to the three primary goals of awareness, prevention and healing of abuse? If the mandate is to keep the church safe, can we expand the role of the Safe Church Team? |
|
| December 20, 2011 |
A Christmas BlogSafe Church I grew up watching A Charlie Brown Christmas. Charlie Brown can’t seem to get anything right as he plans for the Christmas pageant, even choosing a bad little tree that could scarcely hold an ornament. This year, wanting to have some kind of Christmas decoration for my office, I came upon a Charlie Brown Christmas tree in a local store. |
|
| December 5, 2011 |
First Annual Safe Church ConferenceSafe Church It’s coming… The first annual Safe Church Ministry Conference! Now is the time to talk with your church to see if they will “sponsor” you to attend this conference. There are many advantages for ALL Safe Church Ministry volunteers to gather for this event. Here are just a few... |
|
Date |
Average Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| July 18, 2011 |
Church Safety NewsletterSafe Church This free newsletter from Christianity Today can provide those of you who work in church ministry with critical information and tools to help you evaluate, address, and improve the financial, legal, and physical safety of your church. |
|
| January 26, 2010 |
Safe Church Team: What a Church Member Needs to KnowSafe Church Team In the Christian Reformed Church, Safe Church Teams are encouraged to be formed at two levels—at a Classical (or regional) level and at a local congregational level. The goal of a classis Safe Church Team is to help each congregation build and sustain healthy interactions between church leaders and those who participate in church programs or worship at the church. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
The Facts About Dating ViolenceYouth Issues A booklet from Faith Alive Christian Resources describing dating violence and how to get help. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Rose's New Shoes: A Story About BullyingChild Safety A small booklet from Faith Alive Christian Resources for children ages 5-9 about bullying and what can be done to stop it. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Know What? Your Body is Yours!Child Safety An activity booklet Faith Alive Christian Resources for children ages 5-9 to help them learn about safe and unsafe touches. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
My Body Belongs to MeChild Safety A small booklet from Faith Alive Christian Resources about safe touching for children ages 3-7. Available in both English and Spanish. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Questions from the Pickle Jar: Teens and SexYouth Issues A book from Faith Alive Christian Resources for teens that humorously covers topics related to healthy sexuality. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Elder Abuse--Help Put an End to ItElderly Abuse A booklet from Faith Alive Chrisian Resources describing elder abuse and how to help end it. Available in both English and Spanish. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Partner Abuse: What Women Should KnowDomestic Violence A booklet from Faith Alive Christian Resources describing domestic violence situations and how to get help. Available in both English and Spanish. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Into the Light: A Guide for Abused WomenDomestic Violence This guidebook from Faith Alive Christian Resources helps women understand how abusive relationships are created and contains basic information on safety and how to find emotional and legal support. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Emotional Abuse: What You Should KnowEmotional Abuse This free guide provides a thorough description of emotional abuse, victims, abusers, and effects along with information about what to do when you recognize it and how to report it. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Responding to Domestic Violence: Guide for ChurchesDomestic Violence This handbook is for pastors and other church leaders to help them respond to and prevent domestic violence. It provides information about the dynamics of domestic violence, characteristics and behaviors of victims and offenders, treatment and spiritual issues, the pastor's and congregation's response, and victims' safety plans. |
|
| January 21, 2010 |
Preventing Child Abuse: Creating a Safe PlaceChild Safety A book that details how to write a child safety policy and guide churches through the process of designing and implementing policies and procedures for a comprehensive abuse prevention policy. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Sample Letters of Invitation for Safe Church Team RecruitingSafe Church Team Sample letters for pastors, churches, and prospective Safe Team Members to be used for Classis Safe Church Team recruiting. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Sample Recruitment Announcements for Safe Church TeamSafe Church Team Sample bulletin announcement for recruiting members for a classis Safe Church Team. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Advisory Panel ProcessSafe Church Team A brochure detailing the key elements of the process and what the accused and the accuser need to know. It includes a description of the various roles of the Executive Committee, Council, Advocate, and the Advisory Panel in this process. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Selection Criteria for Safe Church TeamSafe Church Team Guidelines for recruiting and selecting the members of a Safe Church Team. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Process for Establishing a Classis Safe Church TeamSafe Church Team This document includes all the steps, approximate costs and the organizational structure of a Safe Church Team. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
Organizational Structure of Safe Church Team Within ClassisSafe Church Team A visual illustration of how the Office of Safe Church and the Safe Church Team relate to Classis and church. |
|
| January 18, 2010 |
The Advocate Role on the Safe Church TeamSafe Church Team Advocates provide support for claimants through the advisory panel process. This document outlines the role of the advocate. |
|
Date |
Average Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| July 8, 2011 |
The RAVE ProjectSafe Church RAVE stands for Religion and Violence E-learning. It provides excellent online resources including survivor stories and online training for pastors. |
|
| July 8, 2011 |
churchsafety.comChild Safety At this website you'll find tools and resources to help your church be a safe place. Subscribe to newsletters and take advantage of articles of interest related to kids, staff, ministries, policies, and more. You'll find resources related to VBS safety, emotional and sexual abuse, check-in and check-out procedures and guidelines for doing safety assessments. |
|
| January 11, 2010 |
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance CompanyChild Safety Insurance company devoted to reducing the risk of abuse in the church by providing sample child safety policies, insurance coverage, church volunteer training, written and video resources |
|
| January 11, 2010 |
Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO)Elderly Abuse CLEO provides many services, including booklets on abuse-related topics that are downloadable; example - Elder Abuse: The Hidden Crime |
|
| January 11, 2010 |
Safe Church MinistrySafe Church Website of the Safe Church Ministry of the CRCNA with resources to create awareness of abuse and to assist churches and organizations to respond effectively and justly to abuse incidents |
|
| January 11, 2010 |
Faith Trust InstituteDomestic Violence Faith-based organization that provides written and video resources for the prevention of sexual assault, domestic violence, and church leader misconduct |
