Safe Sanctuaries
God calls us to make our churches safe places, protecting children and other vulnerable persons from abuse. The United Methodists of Greater New Jersey resolved that every church have a Safe Sanctuaries policy and be compliant with its regulations.
Steps to become a Safe Sanctuaries compliant church
- Purchase Safe Sanctuaries: Reducing the Risk of Abuse in the Church for Children and Adults by Joy Melton 2008. (available through Cokesbury)
- Create a Safe Sanctuaries Policy for the local church, have the policy certified by the Conference Safe Sanctuaries Coordinator, Ryan Clements, by email and submit certification to annual local church/charge conference meeting.
- Set up a MinistrySafe account for your church and appoint a MinistrySafe Administrator (see below for details).
- Have all adults (laity and clergy, paid and volunteer) working with children, youth and vulnerable adults participate in a Safe Sanctuaries training and complete a background check through MinistrySafe.
- Implement policy, review and celebrate annually.
Getting Set Up in MinistrySafe
If your church has not gotten set up with a MinistrySafe account and does not yet have a MinistrySafe administrator, please have your church contact Ryan Clements at rclements@gnjumc.org.
MinistrySafe requires a local church administrator to manage your church’s MinistrySafe account. This is usually the church administrator, children/youth ministry leader, SPRC chair, or pastor. This person will have access to all staff and volunteer background records.
The person who will be the MinistrySafe administrator should be the one to contact Ryan Clements at rclements@gnjumc.org for the initial set-up.
Clergy background check
Background checks must be performed every five years in order to be in compliance with Greater New Jersey policy.
Please return to:
Joanne Sullivan
205 Jumping Brook Rd, Neptune, NJ 07753
Please include: $36.50
Note: Applications cannot be processed without payment
Download the clergy background check application here:
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Clergy Background Check
Clergy Background Check
Clergy Background check | Updated 9.29.2021 | Please include $36.50 check payable to GNJ.
Background check for laity
• Please contact your church’s MinistrySafe Administrator to send you an online background check link for your church.
Online Training
As part of your church’s Safe Sanctuary policy, please complete the online Sexual Abuse Awareness Training through MinistrySafe. To access the training, please contact your church’s MinistrySafe administrator to send you a link for the training videos.
Please note that MinistrySafe’s Sexual Abuse Awareness Training is not meant as a replacement for your church’s regular training/orientation on its Safe Sanctuary policy and procedures.
Steps to writing a local church Safe Sanctuaries policy
- Develop a Safe Sanctuaries Task force or team in the local church.
- Review Sample Safe Sanctuaries Policy
- Create a policy that fits the needs and the ministries at the local church level. This policy should include what is in the sample policy.
- Have policy approved by Local church Trustees and/or Administrative Council.
- Submit policy to Greater NJ Conference Safe Sanctuaries Coordinator, Ryan Clements, to obtain a policy certificate of compliance.
- Submit certificate to annual church/charge conference.
Resources and Downloads
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2019 United Methodists of Greater New Jersey Safe Sanctuaries Policy
2019 United Methodists of Greater New Jersey Safe Sanctuaries Policy
2019 United Methodists of Greater New Jersey Safe Sanctuaries Policy updated 3.2019
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2019 Safe Sanctuaries Sample Policy
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Policy on Public Internet Site
Policy on Public Internet Site
In response to the growing proliferation of internet-based public social networking and information sites, this policy has been drawn to offer local churches and their committees, boards and agencies guidance and direction.
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Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect
Indicators of Child Abuse and Neglect
List of physical and behavioural indicators of physical abuse/neglect, sexual abuse, and emotional maltreatment.
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MV State Fees
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Background Check Requirement
Background Check Requirement
Basic info on background check services and other FAQ about such checks.
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Children's Ministry Permission Slips
Children's Ministry Permission Slips
This permission slip includes contact information, medical consent, and photo consent forms. Keep in a secure yet accessible area in case of emergency.
Additional Information
- If you previously used Trak-1 for a staff or volunteer background report, you may contact Trak-1 Technologies at 800-600-8999 or email Ryan Clements for guidance.
- For more information about Safe Sanctuaries visit the General Board of Discipleship website at www.gbod.org
- To order Safe Sanctuaries materials visit www.Cokesbury.com.
For more information, contact:
