CONGREGATIONAL CARE

RESOURCES FOR CREATING SAFE CONGREGATIONS

• For numerous downloadable samples of policies, forms and information regarding creating safe congregations to guard against child sexual abuse, go to the site for Kyros Ministry at http://kyros.org/NEWKyros_Resources_Index.htm
  

• For many free downloadable booklets on church safety, including policies guarding against child sexual abuse: http://churchmutual.com/index.php/choice/risk/page/intro/id/21

• Making our Churches Safe for All-downloadable policy information and suggestions for Abuse Prevention for local congregations from the UCC: http://www.ucc.org/ministers/safe/

• REV. MACKAY'S DILEMMAS
  
  by Kibbie Simmons Ruth and Karen A. McClintock
  "Every congregation faces decisions about how to manage sensitive information, and some congregations have to make difficult decisions in the midst of crises. Highly stressful situations rarely bring out the best in anyone. Faith leaders can practice making difficult decisions wisely now--instead of waiting until a congregational predicament forces them to become instant specialists at information management. Carefully made decisions enhance the congregation's long-term health, without unnecessarily harming individuals. Knee-jerk reactions, especially during a crisis, have lasting negative repercussions. Taking time to seriously pay attention to the process of making decisions results in information management that creates a stronger faith community".
  
  This material made available with permission of The Alban Institute:
  "Rev. Mackay's Dilemmas" by Kibbie Simmons Ruth and Karen A. McClintock is reprinted from Alban Weekly (No. 306, June 7, 2010), with permission from the Alban Institute. Adapted from Healthy Disclosure. Solving Communication Quandaries in Congregations Copyright 2007 by The Alban Institute, Inc., Herndon, VA. All rights reserved. Alban Weekly is a free electronic newsletter sent once a week with timely and concise information on emerging trends and Alban's latest resources and upcoming events. Sign up at www.alban.org/AlbanWeeklySignup.asp
  
  

RESOURCES SPECIFICALLY PERTAINING TO POLICIES AROUND REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS AND THE CONGREGATIONAL SAFETY:

• http://kyros.org/PDF's/11-ss_Sex%20Offenders.pdf
  
  
• Disclosure of Presence of Convicted Sex Offender (pdf)
  
  
• Legal Q&A about registered sex offenders (pdf)
  
  
• Protocol of Sex Offenders to attend church (pdf)
  

RESOURCES FOR POLICIES AND ETHICS FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Sample: Volunteer Code of Ethics (pdf)
  
  
• Regional Policy and ethical guidelines for Volunteers at official Region-sponsored events: (pdf)
  
  
• Sample: Policy for Local Congregation Volunteers (pdf)

RESOURCES FOR STRONGER CONGREGATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• Ten tips for Healthy Church Conflict: http://cascadecov.com/home/pub/AboutCCC/ResourceLibrary/Conflict/tabid/107/Default.aspx

• General resources for congregations:
  Ethical Guidelines for Congregational Conduct

RESOURCES FROM NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES

These resources from National Council of Churches go GREEN by helping congregations conserve energy, reduce toxic materials and products, and conserve water and land. They will also encourage churches to take practical steps such as replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, along with installing occupancy sensors, getting an energy audit, and putting in thermostats that automatically reduce heating and cooling when areas are unoccupied. Learn more at: www.nccecojustice.org/earthday/earthday2010.php

Join our FREE eNews Mailing List

For Email Newsletters
you can trust