Safe Church Policy

North Suburban Mennonite Church’s Safe Church Policy is a is based on the support
ministry developed by our denomination, MC USA for abuse awareness, prevention and
response ministry. This ministry works to empower and equip faith communities to be
proactive in keeping children, youth and vulnerable adults safe from abuse of any kind.
https://www.mennoniteusa.org/ministry/church-vitality/safe-church/
We are currently updating our policy to ensure that we align with the Safe Church
initiative of Mennonite Church USA.
It is our desire that the North Suburban Mennonite Church be a safe and nurturing place
(or “sanctuary,” in its broadest sense) in which all may worship, learn and serve. We
recognize that abuse, whether physical, emotional, sexual or neglect, can happen in the
church. We therefore are updating this Safe Church Policy as a first step to creating and
maintaining a church environment that is safe from abuse and is nurturing for children,
youth, and adults.
At present, all adults who work with children and vulnerable adults are background-
checked and cleared for their roles and service.
Misuse of Power
We recognize that misuse of power can occur with or without awareness in exercising
“power over” through position, role, age, race or other cultural attribute. Our leaders are
required to complete healthy boundaries training to deepen awareness of the power and
their exercise of power.
Misuse of positions of power by any staff or volunteer representing North Suburban
Mennonite Church will not be tolerated nor will abusive behaviors among members or
attendees. In all of our ministries, this congregation is committed to demonstrating the
love of Jesus Christ so that each person is treated at all times with respect and honored as a child of God.