America’s “Safest” Churches

Posted by: Todd
Posted on: Tue, November 08, 2005
(62) comments so far

"Safety is important everywhere, even in traditionally safe and quiet spaces such as churches," says Alan C. McMillan, president and CEO of the National Safety Council. "Opening doors to the faithful and those in need also opens the door to potential risks and dangers. That?s why we support the efforts of GuideOne Insurance to raise awareness about the importance of church risk management through Church Safety and Security Month and the America?s Safest Churches awards program."

?Times are changing and churches are more and more becoming targets of crime, misconduct, lawsuits and allegations,? explains Eric Spacek, senior risk manager at GuideOne Insurance. ?Church leaders are called to be good stewards of the people, places and things God has entrusted to their care. Because of this, they're encouraged to use this month to focus on starting a risk-management program. A few simple steps can help protect any church from potential tragedies.?

The three national award winners were selected by a panel of insurance industry and safety officials for demonstrating excellence in building security, fire prevention, transportation, employee and volunteer screening, and/or communication, education and enforcement. The national winners from each region, and corresponding judges? citations, are as follows:

St. John?s Lutheran Church (Orange, Calif.) -- West Region Winner. Founded in 1894, St. John?s has 2,000 members and 75 employees. Church leaders have not only made church safety a priority, but have integrated the concept into all aspects of ministry. A committee was formed to prioritize areas of exposure and attack each one with vigor. Efforts include creating a comprehensive child protection program, an in-depth transportation policy and a proactive program that the facility manager follows in protecting the large campus.

Calvary Baptist Church (Muscatine, Iowa) -- Midwest Region. Founded in 1954, Calvary Baptist Church has 700 members and 20 employees. The church has a comprehensive safety team and a certified administrator, as well as outstanding relationships developed with local law enforcement, as well as fire and medical personnel. The board sponsors everything from strict transportation policies to monitoring church attendance by known sex offenders.

Florence Baptist Temple (Florence, S.C.) -- East Region. Founded in 1969, Florence Baptist Temple has 4,400 members and 130 employees. The church maintains a comprehensive safety and security committee and written risk-management procedures. The church sponsors training courses on topics ranging from 15-passenger van safety to preventing sexual misconduct. A new preschool ministry building was specially designed to properly monitor and protect children, and unsafe playground equipment was removed.

FOR DISCUSSION: How safe is your church? What things have you done to make your church a safe place for your kids, youth, and everyone else who attends?

From ChurchBusiness.com: Three congregations are being honored as ?America?s Safest Churches? this month, as part of National Church Safety & Security Month: St. John?s Lutheran Church in Orange. Calif.; Calvary Baptist Church of Muscatine, Iowa; and Florence Baptist Temple in Florence, S.C. The awards are supported by the National Safety Council and nationally sponsored by GuideOne Insurance.

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