A church sued by a member used to emphatically say,
“Not at my church!”
Now that same church knows that they are not the exception.
If you have a “Not at my church!” approach, you might not implement even commonsense safety precautions or might inconsistently implement policies. And, you will certainly not provide adequate training for teachers about safety issues.
Perhaps no one in your church will ever physically abuse a child. Be careful, however, of saying “Not at my church!” Your church is made up of human beings, isn’t it? Sometimes a person you might least expect can be dealing with secret issues.
Regardless, physical safety isn’t the only threat. We need to take a holistic approach to safety … physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. “Not at my church?” You mean no one deals with any kind of dysfunction in your church?
Safety policies and precautions are intended to be a safeguard against those times someone in your church is out of fellowship with God and not walking in the Spirit. Yes, it happens, even at your church!
Teacher Training Worksheet: Classroom Safety Issues
More to Read: Safety Measures in the Church: Trust God or Take Precautions?
More Teacher Training Resources: Safety Issues for Teachers