1. Safe Sanctuary Training
Zion United Methodist Church

2. We believe that God intends for us to welcome and protect children, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and employees

3. Holy Baptism
When a child is baptized we make this promise as a congregation:
With God's help we will proclaim the good news and live according to the
example of Christ,
We will surround these persons with a community of love and forgiveness, that
they may grow in their trust of God, and be found faithful in their service to
others.
We will pray for them, that they may be true disciples who walk in the way that
lead to life.

4. REALITY CHECK There are many cases of abuse in churches
The church is not exempt
There are many costs involved: Victims, Financial, and Ministry

5. Updated Statistics (American Psychological Association)
Most children are abused by someone they know and trust
60% of perpetrators – known to the child but NOT a family member
About 30% are family members
Just 10% are strangers to the child. Child pornographers/Abusers who are strangers may make contact with children via the internet
23% of reported cases are perpetrated by individuals under 18

6. Our Policies and Procedures are put in place to:
PREVENT
Abuse from happening
in our congregation

7. Our Policies and Procedures are put in place to:
HELP
Everyone feel safe in
disclosing abuse
PROTECT
The volunteers and
employees that minister
to our children, and
vulnerable adults

8. In Order to Comply With the Provisions of Zion’s Safe Sanctuary Policy:
All volunteers and employees who have regular and direct supervision of children or vulnerable adults will:
1. Complete an application and furnish references
2. Undergo a criminal background check
3. Screening will be repeated at least every 3 years for all Volunteers
4. Will receive training on the Provisions of the Safe Sanctuary Policy currently in
force for Zion United Methodist Church
You are completing the training
requirement right now!

9. The Provisions of the Safe Sanctuary Policy are designed to:
Reduce the possibility of abuse or
neglect of children or vulnerable adults
and
Protect volunteers and employees
from false accusations

10. What are the Provisions of the Policy?
No child or vulnerable adult
is to be left unsupervised
while participating in a
ministry activity.
Each room or space where
activities occur must be open
to public view, i.e., visible from
hallway with open door or have
a window
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA

11. Provisions, con’t 3. Regardless of the group size, at
least 2 adults (not spouses) should be
present. When this is not possible an
adult “Floater” will move between rooms
regularly, checking in on each room.
4. Volunteers must be at least 21 years
of age and 5 years older than the children
with whom they are working

12. Provisions, Con’t 5. Ministry events involving
transportation will require signed permission/
medical authorization from parents
or guardians, with a licensed and insured
driver. For overnight stays, two leaders
must be present. For a mixed gender
group, there must be a male and female
leader. Church sponsored programs may
be visited by parents of participating children
and church staff at any time. Contact info
must be made available to a church
representative. See Paragraph III (G) of ZUMC Safe Sanctuary Policy.

13. How Do I Recognize Abuse?
Demonstration of Hostility or Aggression
Exaggerated Fear of Adults
Destructive Behaviors
Bruises, Fractures or Burns
Depression
Withdrawal
Advanced Sexual Knowledge

14. Types of Abuse
Abuse Can be
Emotional
Sexual and/or
Physical

15. REPORTING SUSPECTED ABUSE
If you
> Personally witness an incident of abuse
> Hear an allegation of abuse from a child or an adult
> Hear someone admit to having abused a child or an adult
IT MUST BE REPORTED
TO THE SENIOR PASTOR IMMEDIATELY!
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

16. Review of Safe Sanctuary Policy
Please read and review the copy of the Zion United Methodist Safe Sanctuary Policy to complete the training.
Thank you for your Christian ministry to the children and
adults of our congregation.