Children and Youth Worker's Policy
Children’s / Youth Worker
Statement of Policies
Approved July 11, 2006
The congregation of Grace Bible Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for all children, youth, and volunteers who participate in ministries and activities sponsored by the church. The following policy statements reflect our congregation’s commitment to preserving this church as a holy place of safety and protection for all who would enter and as a place in which all people can experience the love of God through relationships with others.
1. All adults working with children or youth shall fill out the appropriate ministry application, agree to and sign the ministry worker's covenant, provide a list of references and agree to a criminal records background check.
2. No adult who has been convicted of child abuse (whether sexual, physical or emotional) should volunteer to work with children or youth in any church-sponsored activity. [It is understood that in becoming a Christian a person becomes a new creature (2 Cor. 5:17), however, while the possibility exists of a person whose actions of abuse occurred prior to becoming a Christian working with children / youth, such cases will be handled on an individual basis with extreme caution. Those whose actions of abuse have occurred after becoming a Christian will not be allowed to work with children / youth in any circumstance].
3. All adults working with children must be of good character and of the Christian faith which are attested to by references. (Those who are not members of GBC must sign the appropriate doctrinal statement). They must also have the physical, mental and emotional ability to carry out the particular work they are doing with children.
4. Adult survivors of child abuse need the love and support of our congregation. Any adult survivor of abuse who desires to work in some capacity with children or youth is encouraged to discuss their background with a church pastor first.
5. "The Two Worker Rule" - At no time shall an adult be alone with a child (except their own) on the church property. At least one other adult or approved teenage assistant must also be in the room. The adult or approved teenage assistant may not be an immediate family member of the first adult.
6. Classes taught by a single adult must be done in a place that is easily observable from the outside. The outside windows, door windows or video surveillance camera that allow viewing into the room may not be obscured.
7. All adults working with children or youth shall attend yearly and/or special training and educational events provided by the church to keep workers informed of church policies and state laws regarding child abuse.
8. All adults working with children or youth shall immediately report to the ministry director and/or a pastor any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate.
