Related Topics
Safe Church Initiative
Protecting the Vulnerable
Providing safety and security so that all church participants can worship, learn and fellowship together is an essential responsibility of every Kentucky Baptist church. It is not a responsibility to take lightly and all churches -- no matter how big or small -- must be deliberate in taking appropriate measures to enhance the safety and security of their facilities and programs. Below you'll find a variety of materials to help you protect your congregation:
KBC & SBC Resolutions
- 2007 KBC Resolution on Abuse and the Protection of Children
- 2002 SBC Resolution on the Sexual Integrity of Ministers
- 2007 SBC Resolution on Protecting Children from Abuse
Articles
- Associated Baptist Press - Safe and secure from all alarm
- Associated Baptist Press - Churches advised to begin by assessing risks
- Associated Baptist Press - How to conduct a basic church security survey
- Baptist Press - LifeWay offers background checks discount
- Baptist Press - Investigator: Background checks 'crucial'
- Baptist Press - What's a 6-year-old to do? advocate asks
- Baptist Press - FIRST-PERSON: Protecting children
- Baptist Press - Experts give church safety pointers
- Baptist Press - Church crisis communications plans vital
- CNN - Churches need security plans, experts say
- SBC Life - Protecting Our Children story package
- SBC Life - Criminal Background Checks: Exercising Caution and Grace
Downloadable Resources
- Background Check Authorization Form
- Basic Internal Financial Controls for Churches
- Church Child Protection Basics
- Church Safety and Security Planning
- Covenant of Clergy Sexual Ethics
- Establishing Safeguards for Counseling
- Finding Internet Filters for Church Computers
- Frequently Asked Questions About Reporting Child Abuse
- H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations
- KBC Pastor Search Committee Workbook
- KBC Staff Search Committee Workbook
- Preventing Child Sexual Abuse Within Youth-serving Organizations manual(U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services manual)
- Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect Booklet
- Sample Church Child Protection Policy
- Sample Church Internet Usage Policy
- Sample Church Statement on Sexual Integrity (from FBC Paducah)
- Sample Screening Questions
- Screening Church Leadership
- Paid Staff Background Check Authorization Form- Check provided by the Administrative Office of the Courts (Kentucky state check only)
- To check backgrounds of volunteers, call the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts at (800) 928-6381.
Flu Preparedness Guidelines
- H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizationsfrom the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
- Flu Preparedness Guidelines.Practical, simple steps churches can take to prevent the spread of illness.
- www.flu.gov - A U.S. government Web site managed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- www.hhs.gov/fbci-- Web page where a downloadable copy of H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Community and Faith-Based Organizations can be accessed.
- www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu-- Centers for Disease Control page on the H1N1 virus.
- www.healthalerts.ky.gov– Kentucky Health Alerts site managed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Other Resources
- Keeping Your Church Safe by Ron Aguiar- A practical blueprint for churches covering all aspects of church security and safety for staff, premises and members. It's a well-outlined, easy-to-follow guide in establishing an effective security program for congregations of all sizes.
- Safety and Security Training
Background Check Links
- Kentucky Sex Offender Registry- Kentucky State Police database of sex offenders
- National Database of Sex Offenders- U.S. Department of Justice sex offender database
Background Check Firms
- Protect My Ministry- Background check company with special reduced rates for KBC churches
- Backgroundchecks.com- Background check company endorsed by LifeWay Christian Resources with special reduced rates for SBC churches
- Childguard Systems- Background check firm endorsed by the Louisiana Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
General Links
- Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company- Church safety resources
- Church Law Today- Legal library for churches and clergy
- Church Mutual Insurance Company- Free church safety resources
- SafeChurch- Church safety service of GuideOne Insurance
- ChurchSafety.com
