LUMC Safe Gatherings Policy
As a member of the Missouri Conference of the United Methodist Church, LUMC is committed to providing safe places of worship and fellowship to everyone we serve. As part of that commitment, LUMC offers Safe Gatherings as a resource for staff and volunteers in this important area. We require anyone working with youth under the age of 18 to be Safe Gatherings Trained. To learn more about our Safe Gatherings Policy, click the link below.
Jesus said, “Whoever welcomes a child, welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5). He also said, “If any of you put a stumbling block before one of these little ones, it would be better for you if a great millstone were fastened around your neck, and you were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)
Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to those who cannot protect themselves. We affirm this responsibility at each person’s baptism by our congregational response, pledging: “With God’s help we will so order our lives after the example of Christ, that this person, surrounded by steadfast love, may be established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal.” (Book of Worship, Baptismal Covenant, Congregational Pledge, 11).
As a Christian community of faith, we pledge to conduct the ministry of the Gospel in ways that assure the safety and spiritual growth of all children,
youth and vulnerable adults as well as those who serve in ministry with and to them. As such:
- We will follow reasonable safety measures in the screening and selection of leadership, both paid and volunteer.
- We will implement prudent operational procedures in all programs, events and ministries.
- We will educate all our leadership – both paid and volunteer – with children, youth and vulnerable adults regarding the use of all appropriate policies and methods.
- We will have a clearly defined procedure to reporting an observed or suspected incident of abuse that conforms to the requirements of state law, and we will be prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident occurs.
Nothing in this policy or procedure is designed to hinder or prevent the investigation of suspected reported or confirmed violations of any Missouri criminal laws.
LUMC Safe Gatherings Policy