Global Church Child Abuse Prevention & Protection Policy

Purpose

At Global Church, we are committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and spiritually enriching environment for all children and youth under our care. As followers of Christ, we recognize our moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to protect minors from harm and to respond with love, truth, and accountability when concerns arise.

Scope of Policy

This policy applies to all individuals serving in ministries involving minors (children and youth under the age of 18), including:

• Pastoral staff


• Volunteers


• Ministry leaders


• Teachers


• Event and outreach workers


• Security and support personnel

Definition of Child Abuse

Child abuse includes any action or failure to act that endangers or harms a child’s physical, emotional, spiritual, or psychological health and development. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Physical Abuse: Intentional bodily harm or injury.


• Emotional Abuse: Verbal assault, threats, humiliation, or isolation.


• Sexual Abuse: Any sexual contact or behavior with a minor, including inappropriate conversations, gestures, or exposure.


• Neglect: Failure to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, supervision, or medical care.

Prevention Measures

To protect children and the integrity of our ministry, Global Church will implement the following practices:

• Mandatory Background Checks
  
  
  
  • Required for all staff and volunteers working with minors.
  
  
  • Must be updated regularly (e.g., every 2–3 years).
  
  
  
  


• Two-Adult Rule
  
  
  
  • No child or youth will be left alone with a single adult during church activities.
  
  
  • Ministry spaces must have open visibility (windows or open doors).
  
  
  
  


• Training & Education
  
  
  
  • All ministry workers must complete child safety and abuse prevention training before serving.
  
  
  • Ongoing training will be provided annually or as needed.
  
  
  
  


• Reporting Suspicious Behavior
  
  
  
  • All staff and volunteers are mandated reporters. Any suspected abuse must be reported immediately to the appropriate ministry leader and, if required by law, to child protective services or law enforcement.
  
  
  
  


• Incident Documentation
  
  
  
  • Any incident, concern, or report must be documented in writing and submitted to church leadership.
  
  
  
  


• Appropriate Physical Interaction
  
  
  
  • Affection such as side hugs, high-fives, or handshakes is encouraged in appropriate settings.
  
  
  • Staff and volunteers must avoid any physical interaction that could be misunderstood.
  
  
  
  

Reporting Procedure

If a child discloses abuse or if abuse is suspected:

• Remain calm and listen carefully.


• Do not promise confidentiality.


• Report immediately to your ministry supervisor or designated child safety officer.


• If necessary, notify appropriate authorities (per state law).


• Document the incident in detail, including names, date, time, location, and what was said or observed.

Consequences for Policy Violations

Anyone found violating this policy or engaging in inappropriate behavior will be subject to:

• Immediate removal from ministry role


• Investigation by church leadership


• Possible suspension or termination of membership


• Legal action or reporting to authorities, when required

Commitment to Children

At Global Church, we believe every child is a gift from God and deserves to be protected, loved, and respected. We are committed to fostering an environment where they can grow in faith, free from fear or harm.

"But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" – Matthew 19:14