July 29, 2020
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A Reflection: Is This OK?
What does our response to the words of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez say about us? Is this OK?
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April 25, 2020
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Changes for Safe Church Ministry as Director Plans to Retire
Safe Church leadership will soon change as I plan to retire in November. Yet the work of equipping congregations in abuse awareness, prevention, and response will continue.
March 1, 2020
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A Lenten Call to Prayer
Perhaps especially in times of transition, but really in all of our days, the Lord invites us, with soft and contrite hearts, into his very presence. Let's pray.
December 29, 2019
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A Post-Christmas Reflection
As we celebrate and care for our wonderfully created bodies, we must acknowledge a tendency to place evil there, in our flesh, in our bodies.
May 21, 2019
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Back to the Future! Safe Church at Synod 1994 and 2019
For 25 years, we've been talking about preventing and responding to abuse in our church contexts. Here's a look back and a prayer for the future.
January 29, 2019
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Working in Opposites
Light and dark, evil and good, right and wrong, mercy and justice. These concepts work in opposites. How do we, the church, walk in the tension of the in-between space where we all live?
November 21, 2018
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An Early Advent Reflection
Of all The Network articles floating around in my mind I wanted to write, all important topics for Safe Church Ministry—this is what came out when I sat down to write. It's a hopeful reflection on life with God.
December 4, 2017
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#MeToo and #ChurchToo
We’ve seen various responses to stories of sexual harassment and abuse, in the political realm and in the celebrity realm. What about in the Church? What will our response be?
August 22, 2017
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Connecting With Your Community
Three CRC ministries, Race Relations, Disability Concerns, and Safe Church Ministry, are excited to put on a free, four-hour workshop on Sept. 9 that will bring together resources and opportunities to learn from each other. Come!
March 8, 2017
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Welcoming Eric to the Safe Church Team
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.
January 31, 2017
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One Week Later: The Women’s March
Let’s acknowledge honestly that we still have a long way to go when it comes to equally valuing women.
January 3, 2017
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Trauma Healing
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.
December 23, 2016
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Christmas Peace Here and Now
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.
November 21, 2016
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Safe Church Ministry Conference
“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.
November 18, 2016
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Partners in Prevention – Samaritan SafeChurch
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.
November 15, 2016
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Whose Ministry Is This?
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?
September 12, 2016
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Without You, It’s Really Nothing
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.
September 12, 2016
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New Resources and a Conference for YOU!
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!
August 16, 2016
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Safe Church Works When We All Work Together: You’re Invited!
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.
June 28, 2016
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Listening to Our Elders: Following Role Models in Our Calling
Sometimes the work of Safe Church Ministry is heartbreaking. But I'm so thankful for my elders, for those who have come before me, giving me courage to continue the journey. Who are your elders?
May 10, 2016
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Abuse Awareness: First Steps and What to Expect
Before we can prevent and respond to abuse we need a basic awareness of what abuse is. What are the dynamics? Are there signs that can help us recognize it?
January 5, 2016
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A Post-Christmas Advent Reflection
As Christians, waiting is our posture before God. God uses our waiting to transform us into his likeness. How do we persevere in hope as we wait?
October 22, 2015
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Blessed to Be a Blessing
Safe Church says a fond farewell, with prayers and best wishes, to Robin. And we say a warm welcome to Monica, our new Safe Church Network Guide.
June 19, 2015
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Entering into Pain – A Sacred Journey
Even in the walking alongside, there is a decision to enter into places of pain, knowing that you will hurt along with them, knowing that there may not be answers to the deep questions that arise.
May 11, 2015
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Can We Talk?
In April, Safe Church leaders from the U.S. and Canada came together for strategic planning. One priority rose to the top. “We need to be able to talk about abuse!”