Monday, January 24th, 2022
Imagine this scenario: You are the office manager at a small church. Because you are at a small church, you wear many hats and also fill in for the children’s ministry, including helping in the classrooms periodically. You’ve heard the term “mandatory reporter,” but you don’t know whether it applies to you. What do you […]
Read More >>Monday, January 24th, 2022
I think we can all agree on one thing: it’s been a difficult couple of years for most people. Covid-19 has been at the forefront of everyone’s mind, whether it’s been an illness or death among family and friends, an uncertain work situation or the general sense of unrest. In challenging times, we also know […]
Read More >>Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
Over the past few months, Safe Gatherings sent window clings to churches and organizations that met the criteria so far in 2021. We send these out each year to recognize those organizations that demonstrate a commitment to the Safe Gatherings program. When churches and organizations post the window clings on the windows and doors of […]
Read More >>Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
You are volunteering in a children’s department at your organization, and you are supervising kids outside on the playground. A child approaches you and says his uncle has been hurting him. The child says his uncle told him it is a secret just between them, and the boy is afraid he will get in trouble […]
Read More >>Wednesday, October 20th, 2021
There are many areas in life where adults don’t need a written set of instructions on how to do something, or a set of rules or guidelines to review. We just know what to do—whether by experience or by instinct. The same does not hold true when it comes to a child protection policy at […]
Read More >>Tuesday, July 27th, 2021
Comparing the store brand with the name brand in a grocery store is a good use of time. The ingredient lists are often the same, despite one being a little more expensive. When it comes to background checks, though, it’s really important that you think about the phrase, “You get what you pay for.” In […]
Read More >>Friday, April 23rd, 2021
You are a leader in a children’s ministry and your current policy is that all staff, volunteers, and congregants wear protective masks during church activities because of COVID-19. This policy was communicated to all staff and volunteers and is posted on your church doors. You have a volunteer that refuses to wear a mask, saying […]
Read More >>Friday, April 23rd, 2021
Over the past year of the pandemic, there has been great loss and suffering to many across the globe. It was a year of panic, anxiety and a range of other emotions for people of all ages. But in the midst of it all, many were hopeful, optimistic, steadfast and came together in ways they […]
Read More >>Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
As churches across the country plan for reopening, what can you do to prepare? We have many helpful reports available on your dashboard. Check out the Applicant Status report. It provides a list of all who are approved and those pending. For those pending, this report lets you know which items are still needed. Another […]
Read More >>Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
You are a volunteer for a small organization. One day while volunteering in the children’s area, a man comes to pick up a child he says is his daughter. The girl runs to the door to greet the man; she is very excited to see him. However, the man did not drop her off before […]
Read More >>Tuesday, January 26th, 2021
What is mandatory or mandated reporting? You may have taken training required by your state—or you may not be certain about mandatory reporting and how it might apply to you in your role at a church or organization. Regardless, if you work with children, youth or vulnerable adults, it is your responsibility to know how […]
Read More >>Tuesday, October 27th, 2020
You’ve been leading a children’s Bible study via Zoom for months now. One of the children who is on the call periodically is someone you have known for about a year from your in-person work at the church. A parent drops her off but doesn’t stay for services, and you suspect she has a rough […]
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