Safe Church Conference Reflections

About 60 people attended the Safe Church Ministry conference April 25-26. The conference included a wide variety of workshops for those who are new to safe church as well as for those who have been involved for many years. There were many “newbies” present from classes where there are no active safe church teams, such as Red Mesa, Arizona, Rocky Mountain, and Hackensack.

Here’s what attendees said about the conference: “As someone who is new to Safe Church, this conference was extremely beneficial! I had the general idea of what needed to be done, but now I have more specifics, as well as more motivation to get it going in our classis!” And “I really loved the conference this year. Every workshop was meaningful, well presented, and applicable. Great presenters were very responsive to the attendees.” And, “It was an affirming time to be with other chairpersons who are involved in a unique ministry which at times is difficult. Sharing some of our burdens in this ministry is very helpful.” And, “After attending the keynote and the workshop on Circle of Grace I am much more equipped to promote this to the churches in our classis.” And “Before I left for the conference, I told my pastor that I did not like speaking in front of church, but now I am fired up to do just that in order to bring issues of abuse out in the open. They won't be able to keep me quiet!” And “I was blessed by the whole conference; I just want to say thank you.”

This is exactly the kind of response we were hoping for! During the conference, it’s especially helpful for the Safe Church office to hear from volunteer team members working in the field doing the real work of Safe Church Ministry. Join us in prayer that what was gained at the conference will take root and grow, yielding new resources, better ideas, and safer churches and communities free from abuse. A big THANK YOU to all who participated!