SAFE CHURCH POLICY

Open Door Mennonite Church

Open Door Mennonite Church is committed to being a safe community that strives to bring  peace and wholeness to all within its influence. We work to create a safe space where diverse adults and children feel welcome to worship and learn together. We acknowledge that abuse of any kind–whether physical, sexual, emotional, or spiritual–is detrimental to healthy relationships.  Open Door will not tolerate abuse within our walls or within any church-sponsored events.  We are committed to following the procedures in our policy to prevent abuse, and, should it occur or be suspected, we are committed to responding according to our policy.

Open Door has adopted safe practices to ensure the safety of every member of our community, with particular attention to children, teens, and vulnerable adults.  Among other resources used, we have consulted MCUSA’s Safe Church practices, have received input from MCC Central States, and will continue getting feedback to create a fully fleshed out policy.  At this time, we have the framework established and in place.  Our goal is to have a detailed policy by December 31, 2026, that has been vetted by numerous stakeholders and partners. 

Primary components include:

  • Conducting background checks and hold interviews for anyone working with children and youth.  
  • Having two approved adults with children and youth at all times.
  • Holding age-appropriate conversations with children, youth, and adults to develop their understanding of safety, their expectation that church is a safe place, and what to do, who to talk to, if they feel unsafe. 
  • Having a designated, well-trained adult for others to reach out to with concerns. 
  • Having an established way to handle allegations and conduct investigations. 
  • Establishing clear procedures for reporting abuse or suspected abuse to appropriate authorities.
  • Clarifying our Christian Education framework with anyone who teaches children and youth.  The framework details 1) how to provide spiritual safety through selection of Biblical material that demonstrates the love of God and 2) how to provide a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for children of all varieties.

These commitments are embedded in a continuous culture of respecting boundaries across the entire congregation while practicing mutual caring for each other.  We encourage each other to share our stories as we are able and to have frank conversations about how systems of hierarchy, privilege, and power have damaged us. We recognize past trauma, including church trauma, and offer resources for on-going healing.

For the Peace Lab residential project, we have in place additional, specific safety guidelines.

Before Peace Lab starts

  • Getting updated background checks for the five staff members: Director, Two adults (Male/Female) in charge overnight, MCC Summer Service Worker, Cook
  • Training all staff members in safe practices specific to this event.  How to ensure safety for the participants, how to avoid any compromising circumstances, how to handle problems that arise.
  • Purchasing additional insurance for this residential event
  • Renting a van with adequate insurance coverage.  If private vehicles are used, ensuring that insurance covers all riders.  Drivers will be properly licensed.

During Peace Lab

  • Laying out our safety procedures to participants during the introductory session. 
  • Setting clear expectations that participants always remain with the group.
  • Identifying the on-site liaison who can handle any personal needs throughout the camp.
  • Identifying the designated off-site adult that participants can text if they are uncomfortable with any on-site staff.  (This member of our church is a social worker, trained in mandated reporting, with years of experience in providing services in all kinds of situations.  He will also participate in some of the evening events.)
  • Providing supervision during night hours with a mature married couple plus the MCC worker on site. 
  • Providing locking bathrooms with showers used by one person at a time.
  • Sleeping arrangements are primarily in the sanctuary, partitioned off either for individuals or groups of three of the same sex.  A limited number of single rooms are also available as requested. If a participant would like to have a motel room instead, we can work with them on options for an additional cost.