minstry safe Procedures and policy for pine valley methodist church
“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” -Matthew 25:40
At Pine Valley Methodist Church, we take our responsibility to care for children, youth, and vulnerable adults very seriously. Grounded in the covenant of baptism, we as members of Christ’s church affirm our commitment to nurture and support one another spiritually, emotionally and physically. Therefore, we as a church adopt the MinistrySafe guidelines for all ministries of Pine Valley Methodist Church. These guidelines are intended to facilitate a safe and nurturing environment in which children and youth can grow in relationship with Jesus.
Pine Valley Methodist Church requires all Staff members and volunteers working with children or youth (and other vulnerable populations) to complete FOUR SAFETY STEPS before ministry work or volunteer placements begin. Please note that a volunteer (adult or student) must attend Pine Valley Methodist Church for six months before being eligible to serve in volunteer positions providing access to children, youth or vulnerable adults. Exceptions may be made by the Pastor of Discipleship or Lead Pastor.
Because we love children and desire to protect them, Pine Valley Methodist Church requires all Staff members and volunteers working with children or youth (and other vulnerable populations) to complete FOUR SAFETY STEPS before ministry work or volunteer placements begin:
STEP ONE: Application and Screening Process
-Staff members and volunteers (adults and students) are required to complete an Employment Application or Volunteer Application (whichever is applicable to individuals), provide references, and complete a face-to-face interview.
STEP TWO: Criminal Background Check
Pine Valley Methodist Church requires that all Staff members and volunteers (18 years of age and older) working or volunteering in children’s ministries, youth ministries, or vulnerable adults’ ministries undergo a criminal background check.
STEP THREE: Sexual Abuse Awareness Training
To equip Pine Valley Methodist Church Staff members and volunteers (adults and students) with information necessary to recognize abuser characteristics and grooming behavior, Pine Valley Methodist Church requires all Staff members and volunteers to complete MinistrySafe’s Sexual Abuse Awareness Training (live or online; a special link to the training link will be emailed). This training will be renewed annually.
STEP FOUR: Policies & Procedures Training
Staff members and volunteers (adults and students) are required to attend training (in person or online) to review the PVMC MinistrySafe policies and procedures as well as sign a Covenant indicating that he or she has read and understood the material, and agrees to comply with policy requirements.