Safe Church Policy Statement
The vision of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church is to be a growing church that is spiritually alive to God and actively caring for others.
In keeping with that vision, the congregation of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and adults who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church. The Safe Church Policy reflects our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a safe sanctuary for all who enter and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.
Why This Policy?
As members of Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church, we wish to create an environment in which everyone can grow in their understanding of and relationship to God. We especially wish to support our children, youth, and volunteers in this endeavor.
From our pastor, the Rev. Dr. Steve Harrington
Our congregation is committed to providing a safe environment where children, youth, and adults can grow in their relationship with God. As part of this commitment, our church leadership has been developing policies and procedures to better protect children and youth involved in church activities, as well as the adults who work with them. A new program, the Safe Church Program, has emerged from these efforts.
The purpose of the Safe Church Program is to create a safe sanctuary where all of God’s children can experience the love of Jesus Christ through relationships with others. We believe that effective ministry for everyone, but especially children and youth, requires relationships with caring, loving, and mature people who can demonstrate God’s love to them. The Safe Church policies and procedures are intended to keep these relationships and all aspects of ministries with children and youth safe. They are also designed to support the staff and volunteers who work with children and youth, providing appropriate guidelines, boundaries, and support that they need to be effective in their roles.
Fortunately, many of our programs have already been following effective procedures for keeping children and youth safe. The Safe Church Program builds on this solid foundation of safety by formalizing much of what we have already been doing and making improvements in a few areas. Improvements include screening all paid and volunteer staff who will be in contact with children or youth, providing Safe Church training to those involved with children and youth programs, and promoting awareness of Safe Church policies and principles among the entire congregation.
Over the next few months, we will be phasing in this new safety program. Beginning this month, Safe Church training will be offered. Anyone currently working with children or youth will be required to participate in training, but parents, community members, and anyone interested in working with children or youth in the future are also encouraged to participate.
Creating a safe environment is not just the responsibility of those directly involved in ministry activities; it is the responsibility of the entire congregation. By fostering awareness of appropriate behaviors in the presence of our children and youth, we will witness and practice Christian love and respect for one another.
I am thankful that our church is so committed to helping children and youth discover God’s enduring and amazing love. Thank you for your continued support in making our church a safe and nurturing place for all of God’s children.
Grace and peace,
Steve
For questions contact either:
| Nancy Moffett Email | |
Marsha Dyslin Email | |