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Safe Church
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When we feel safe, we can be curious, learn, and grow—attributes that we especially want to foster in our children and youth. As faith communities, we need to invest time and resources into safety.
Dr. Danjuma Gibson offers helpful guidelines both for understanding the nature of trauma and responding compassionately as a church.
Are you aware of all the resources Safe Church offers? Safe Church only works when we are well-connected, working with YOU, CRC church members and leaders.
During the Rio Olympics, a disappointing report was unveiled, detailing years of USA Gymnastics ignoring allegations of sexual abuse of gymnasts by coaches. The report is a stark reminder that fighting for justice is never an easy task.
Be sure to check out the new resources on Safe Church's website, and see how you can be involved in the upcoming Safe Church conference — even if you can't come to Grand Rapids!
Safe Church Ministry is called to equip congregations in abuse awareness, prevention, and response. “It’s a ridiculous mandate,” I’ve heard myself say. It can be overwhelming, with progress slower than I'd like.
I am looking to set up a protection policy in an older generation church that wants to focus more on youth. I'm looking to put a policy in place for programs running from nursery to high school. Any ideas?
Spiritual abuse is difficult to talk about because often those who spiritually abuse have sincerely held intentions. But as Jesus clearly saw, the cost of a faith that is driven by fear and legalism is too high for us to ignore.
This is a painful election that is in many ways dividing this country and the church. But please, when it comes to assault against women, let’s not be divided.
A moving firsthand account of the impact of habitual sexual harassment on women.
Why is it that the majority of our classes have no safe church team? Perhaps one reason is the office of Safe Church Ministry itself. If Safe Church owns the ministry, then everyone else is off the hook, right?
“The presenters were so knowledgeable and helpful and compassionate." What a blessing to get feedback like this from participants at the Safe Church Ministry conference that took place Nov. 4-6, 2016.
We were absolutely thrilled to have Linda Crockett from Samaritan SafeChurch at our Safe Church Ministry Conference. She inspired us with her unsettling story and soon it will be posted on our website.
This letter on Bill 132 (a bill about sexual harassment in the workplace) is meant only for churches in Ontario, Canada. The letter gives guidelines for local churches to fulfill the new bill.
How many lives could be changed if the church talked as openly about abuse as any other chronic and life-threatening issues their congregants faced?
Women considering abortion need education, resources, and support. Here are a couple ideas for ways that your congregation can create spaces for talking about abortion with grace and truth.
If I look carefully, I can see God right here and right now. Like the “I spy” game I’ll play with my 3-year-old granddaughter, if I take time to look carefully, I can see. Please open my spiritual eyes.
Learn how to use applied Scripture and mental health principles to address wounds caused by trauma at a three day Trauma Healing event taking place February 1-3 in Grand Rapids, MI.
I have a church in my area that is considering an electronic sign-in for nursery and children's ministry programs. Does anyone have suggestions or resources that may be helpful?
The documentary Over 18 tackles an issue many within the church community would rather ignore: the serious effects of pornography on young people.
Let’s acknowledge honestly that we still have a long way to go when it comes to equally valuing women.
When we are confronted with an allegation of abuse, there are always two paths we can take, two stories we can choose from. And one story will always be easier to believe.
A truly safe church environment is one where the congregation is aware of the many ways in which abuse is normalized in both secular and Christian cultures and is prepared to help survivors.
We are excited to welcome Eric Kas as the new Safe Church Associate! He is excited to partner with you all as we strive for safe spaces in our churches.
If we want to minister effectively with those who have experienced rape, we need to examine what we believe about it, and how false thinking may influence our actions and words causing further harm.