SAFE CHURCH TRAINING
RESOURCE PAGE
Introduction
Jesus said, “they will know you are my disciples by your love for one another” (John 13:35). St. Paul’s Church is committed to fostering a safe environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity. We are especially mindful of those most vulnerable among us.
Safe Church, Safe Communities online modules offer a flexible means to access Safe Church training for everyone. The training focuses on equipping all members of our congregation, especially those who work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults. It is intended to increase awareness of appropriately healthy boundaries, to establish protocols for preventing abuse and effective responses for when misconduct occurs, and to equip clergy, lay employees, and volunteers with skills necessary for being the body of Christ.
The training is not only about establishing systems to prevent instances of abuse, but also about creating a culture throughout the parish where everyone feels safe, heard, and valued. We need your help to do this.
How much training you are required to do depends upon your role because the modules equip you to serve in the way you are called to do at any given time. That being said, you are encouraged to do as many additional trainings as you would like.
There is no cost for this online training.
What modules should I take?
Safe Church training requirements for clergy are governed by the Diocese of Massachusetts and clergy must fulfill those requirements in order to remain in good standing.
For everyone else:
Five modules are labelled “universal” and are considered the minimum requirement for Safe Church Training.
+ Introduction and Theological Background (18 to 20 minutes)
+ Organizational Rules & Policies (28 to 30 minutes)
+ Healthy Boundaries (23 to 25 minutes)
+ Inclusion (25 to 28 minutes)
+ Policies: Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts (15 to 30 minutes depending on your speed of reading)
Others serving in particular roles should receive further “specialized” training in addition to the five “universal” modules
Sunday School Teachers
+ Abuse and Neglect (15 to 20 minutes)
+ Bullying (12 minutes)
+ Social Media Safety (45 minutes)
Treasurer, Wardens, Vestry Members, Small Group Leaders
+ Power & Relationships (40 to 45 minutes)
+ Social Media Safety (45 minutes)
Paid Staff (Parish Administrator, Director of Christian Education, Church Musician, Sexton)
+ Abuse and Neglect (15 to 20 minutes)
+ Bullying (12 minutes)
+ Pastoral Relationships (28-30 minutes)
+ Power & Relationships (40 to 45 minutes)
+ Preventing Sexual Harassment for Workers (22-25 minutes)
+ Social Media Safety (45 minutes)
Pastoral Caregivers and Lay Eucharistic Visitors
+ Abuse and Neglect (15 to 20 minutes)
+ Pastoral Relationships (28-30 minutes)
+ Power & Relationships (40 to 45 minutes)
+ Recognizing Abuse and Exploitation in Elder Serving Programs (28-32 Minutes)
Additional Recommended Modules Available
+ Duty to Report: Mandated Reporter (30-35 minutes)
+ Preventing Sexual Activity Between Young Children
+ Preventing Sexual Activity Between Adolescents
+ A Day at Day Camp
+ Keeping Your Overnight Camp Safe
+ Keeping Your School Safe
Now that I know what modules to take, how do I get started?
Call or email the St. Paul’s office to request an email invitation from Praesidium Academy for Safe Church Training.
Look for the email invitation. Follow instructions to set up an account with Praesidium Academy
Many modules are available in Spanish, French, and English. Select the language you prefer. (This limits the selection of videos and makes it much easier to choose your modules).
The easiest way to find the courses you are looking for is by typing a keyword from the title of the course into the search bar. Be sure the module has the exact title as above.
Press start and answer the questions throughout. It will tell you when you have successfully completed the module.
When you believe you have completed the required number of modules, please send an email to the office so that we have a record of it.
In our changing world, Safe Church training continues to be updated from time to time. Expect to renew your training every three years.
Thank you for your prayerful time and effort to keep our church a safe place for everyone.