We want our churches to be places where everyone feels loved, valued and secure. But with that openness comes the responsibility to make sure everyone is protected.
This is especially important for children, young people and vulnerable adults, but it applies to the whole congregation too.
Creating a warm and safe church environment is really at the heart of the gospel. As church leaders, it’s part of our calling to make sure practical steps are taken to safeguard those in our care. Here’s how you can help create a church that’s both welcoming and safe for all.
1. Have a strong safeguarding policy
Your safeguarding policy is where it all begins. It needs to be up-to-date, easy to understand, and accessible to everyone. This document should lay out how the church handles safeguarding concerns, what happens with any allegations, and how support is offered to those affected. A good policy isn’t just something to tick off, but a real, working guide to keep people safe. Make sure it includes: a process for reporting concerns or incidents; regular reviews and updates; clear roles and responsibilities for staff and volunteers.
If you’re not sure where to start, thirtyone:eight can help you. We know that navigating safeguarding can be complicated, but you’re not alone. We’ve been leading experts for nearly half a century; we’re here to help.
2. Appoint and train a safeguarding lead
Every church should have a designated safeguarding officer or lead. This person needs to know the church’s safeguarding policy inside out, and be trained to deal with any concerns, or disclosures of abuse. It’s also important that they’re approachable and known to the congregation.
Training is really important too. Make sure your safeguarding officer, along with any volunteers working with vulnerable groups, get ongoing training. Whether it’s done online or in person, keep the training regular and accessible for everyone in the church.
3. Safe recruitment of staff and volunteers
When you’re bringing on new leaders or volunteers, it’s essential to follow safe recruitment practices. This includes: DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults; interviews and reference checks for all staff and volunteers; clear job descriptions and codes of conduct.
Safe recruitment helps ensure that the people serving in your church are trustworthy and ready for their roles.
4. Create a safe physical environment
Your church building itself plays a big part in keeping everyone safe. Take some time to think about how secure your facilities are. For example: make sure there are private but safe spaces for pastoral conversations, avoiding complete isolation; display safeguarding information, including contacts for reporting concerns; have clear supervision policies for children’s ministries, ensuring no adult is left alone with a child; keep an eye on who’s coming and going from the building, especially during services or events.
A safe physical environment not only prevents issues but also gives your congregation peace of mind.
5. Communicate safeguarding to the congregation
Safeguarding isn’t a behind-the-scenes activity, because it is everyone’s responsibility. It needs to be visible in the life of the church. Talk about it regularly in services, include updates in newsletters, and make sure everyone knows they can raise concerns if needed. When the congregation sees that safeguarding is taken seriously, they’ll be more aware and confident in spotting any issues.
It’s also good to let new members and visitors know about your safeguarding policies and procedures, perhaps during welcome meetings or membership classes. The more informed the church is, the safer it will be.
6. Encourage a culture of openness and care
The heart of safeguarding is creating a culture of openness and care within the church. When people feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to speak up if they have any concerns.
Encourage an atmosphere where people of all ages and backgrounds feel comfortable sharing their worries. This could involve regular pastoral care sessions or conversations about how to stay safe in different areas of life. Building this kind of culture takes time, but it’s so important for a thriving, healthy church.
7. Responding to concerns
Even with the best safeguarding practices in place, issues may still come up. How you respond is crucial. Take every concern seriously, follow procedures correctly, and offer support to both the individual and the wider church community. Always follow your safeguarding policy and seek advice from organisations like thirtyone:eight or your local authorities when needed.
Safeguarding isn’t a barrier to ministry; it’s a key part of it. When people know they’re safe, they can fully experience the love of God. A safe and welcoming church reflects the love and care of Christ. By putting strong safeguarding practices in place, you’re not only protecting your congregation but also building trust and creating an environment where everyone can feel secure.
