Code of Conduct Guide

Session 3: Safety

As a ministry leader, I will, to the best of my ability, commit to the following:

  1. I will actively promote a welcoming and respectful environment where all persons are treated with dignity and value, and where any form of abuse, bullying, or harassment is neither tolerated nor allowed to take place.
  2. I will report known or suspected cases of physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or neglect of minors or vulnerable adults to the proper authorities.
  3. I will support those who disclose physical, sexual, or emotional abuse in a way that empowers the person who has been victimized to seek out justice and healing.

Scripture: Isaiah 25:1-4a

"Lord, you are my God;
    I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
    you have done wonderful things,
    things planned long ago.
You have made the city a heap of rubble,
    the fortified town a ruin,
the foreigners’ stronghold a city no more;
    it will never be rebuilt.
Therefore strong peoples will honor you;
    cities of ruthless nations will revere you.
You have been a refuge for the poor,
    a refuge for the needy in their distress,
a shelter from the storm
    and a shade from the heat.
For the breath of the ruthless
    is like a storm driving against a wall."

For Discussion

  1. In her book, Suffering and the Heart of God, Diane Langberg notes that trauma is the greatest mission-field of the 21st century. A growing number of people in and outside of our congregations have experienced significant trauma from which they are trying to heal. Such healing can only take place when people feel physically, emotionally, and psychologically safe. What would it take for people to feel safe at your church?

  2. God is a refuge for the poor, needy, and distressed, a hiding place from the storm. How can the church reflect God’s character by being a place of refuge?

  3. If someone discloses abuse, what would you do?

Prayer for Leaders

In these moments of silence, we think about the people we are called to protect. We hold our hands with palms outward in front of us.

<hands in “stop” position>

God, we lament the abuse that happens in the world around us. We lament the abuse that happens in homes and within families. We lament the abuse that happens within churches. Lord, have mercy.

<pause>

With our palms outward, we pray that we will be people who resist abuse in all forms, seeking to protect all who are vulnerable and traumatized. We pray that we may not only protect people but also honor the stories and experiences of persons who have suffered abuse. Make us wise and compassionate leaders who nurture safe spaces both within this church, and in the world around us.
Amen.