Safe Church Not Alone: Dove's Nest

This week we dedicated the renewed building of the Canadian office of our CRCNA. Speakers reflected on the call of Ephesians 4:12: “To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” 

We were reminded that all ministries, all organizations are needed to live as Christ’s body in the world, seeking justice and peace for all of God’s people and God’s world.

At Safe Church Ministry, we are grateful that we are not alone in the ministry of abuse awareness, prevention, and response. 

In particular, we encourage you, as individuals, leaders, and safe church team members, to take advantage of the work of Dove’s Nest. We celebrate and are keen to partner with them in ending child sexual abuse. With them, we encourage congregations to use the Circle of Grace curriculum with children and young people. This is a program from the Arch Diocese if Omaha, which offers both Catholic and Protestant versions. In a recent Banner article, Eric Kas wrote, “It was designed from the ground up with God’s presence as a central theme. God lives with us in our circle of grace; God loves us, wants us to be safe, and is ever present to help us. To date, about 80 Christian Reformed churches have ordered the Circle of Grace program, and many have integrated it into their congregational life.” 

We were lucky to have them offer a workshop on the program at our conference this past fall, and if you missed it, they will be back to offer another workshop at Inspire 2019!

As well as the Circle of Grace curriculum, Dove’s Nest offers many resources and tools for survivors of abuse, teachers and leaders who work with children and more vulnerable groups, and a speakers bureau where Americans can access presenters on various topics. At Safe Church Ministry, we stress the importance of having a safe church policy in each congregation and they provide great guides in creating your own.

We especially encourage you to sign up below their free newsletter to stay up-to-date with their great resources! It is a joy, and a privilege to work with organizations like Dove’s Nest for the building up of Christ’s body in a loving and faithful way.