Safeguarding Training Seminars for Church Leadership

February 3rd, 9a–2p (everyone)
February 4th, 1p–4p (church officers, pastors, key staff only)
lunch & childcare provided both days

February 3rd—The Whole Church

GRACE’s Safeguarding Training is designed to give every adult the education and tools they need to live the policy of the church well. Everyone in a church plays a role in keeping kids and other vulnerable people safe. The safest church is an educated church.

The training is divided into four segments:

1. Facing the Reality of Abuse in the Church

  • How the Bible Speaks to Abuse

  • Jesus’s Teaching and Basic Abuse Dynamics

  • Definitions and Prevalence of Abuse

  • Scenario: Recognizing Abuse Dynamics

  • The Role All Play in a Safe Community

2. Responding to the Impact of Abuse

  • Common Impacts of Abuse

  • Introduction to Trauma

  • Becoming a Trauma-Informed Community

  • Practical Skills When Caring for Survivors

3. Understanding Offenders and Their Tactics

  • Common Offender Dynamics

  • Grooming Behavior: Clergy and Child Offenders

  • Interactive Exercise: Recognizing Grooming Behavior

  • Recognizing DARVO as an Offender Tactic

  • Accountability and Forgiveness

4. Your Role in Prevention and Response

  • Your Role in Upholding Safe Boundaries

  • Responding to Concerning Behavior

  • Reporting Child Abuse: Basics and Q&A

  • When to Report Child Abuse: Common Reporting Situations

  • How Children Disclose Abuse

  • Responding to Adult Abuse

The training will address such questions as:

  • What does the Bible have to say about abuse?

  • How prevalent is child abuse in the US and in our churches?

  • What are common myths about abuse?

  • How do we care for survivors of abuse?

  • What are common indicators of child abuse and why do they need professional care?

  • How do we recognize and respond to concerning behavior?

  • How can we prevent abuse well without being paranoid or suspicious of everyone?

  • How does abuse prevention really work?

  • How and when do we report abuse?

  • How do children normally disclose abuse?

February 4th—Officers, Pastors, and Staff

GRACE’s Leadership Training is designed to give leaders essential tools to shape a culture where the policy and training on abuse are effective. The training explores the key systemic issues leaders need to work on so the community is better equipped to take ownership of protecting the vulnerable. The broad topics covered include a framework for leaders as they cultivate a strong culture of protection:

1. Leaders Must Connect Issues of Abuse to the Christian Faith

  • How God Speaks to Abuse

  • Abuse and the Church’s Mission and Values

  • Abuse of Power and the Bible

2. Leaders Must Raise the Education Level of the Church

  • Meeting People in Denial and Myths

  • Educating the Community

  • Education and Survivor Dynamics

  • Education and Offender Dynamics

3. Leaders Must Implement Appropriate Standards of Conduct

  • Establishing Community Boundaries

  • Establishing Pathways for Accountability

4. Leaders Must Develop a Culture of Accountability

  • Categories for Response

  • Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

  • Leadership Priorities after a Report

  • Responding to Adult Abuse

  • The Importance of Independent Consultation and Investigation