Protecting the next generation is one of the most sacred responsibilities we hold within our church communities. The Bible speaks to this in Mark 10:14, Luke 18:16, and Matthew 19:14, where Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” These verses remind us of the importance of safeguarding our children, not just spiritually but physically as well.
When it comes to church safety and security, the challenge often lies in knowing where to start. What programs should be in place to keep our people safe, and how do we go about creating those programs? This is where expertise and experience become invaluable.
Enter James Homolka, the Safety and Security Director at Peoples Church in Salem, Oregon. James is this week’s featured speaker at the CFX Conference, happening this October 21-23 in Chattanooga. Since 2003, James has served as the Director of Safety and Security at Peoples Church, bringing over two decades of experience to his role. He is also a dedicated member of the Faith Based Security Network, serving as the Region Leader for the Northwest and Alaska.
James’s expertise has been sought after by numerous faith-based organizations, where he has led security conferences and conducted training in critical areas such as Conflict Resolution, De-Escalation Techniques, and, notably, Children’s Ministry Protection. His wealth of knowledge makes him the perfect leader for the upcoming session, “Planning for Safety in Children’s and Youth Ministries.”
In this breakout session, James will share valuable insights and practical skills necessary for building and growing teams dedicated to protecting children and youth within ministry settings. This session is tailored for all church Safety & Security teams, Children’s and Youth Workers, Pastoral Staff, Administrators, and other Servant Leaders involved in these ministries.
Key topics will include:
- Creating Comprehensive Safety Plans and Policies: Learn how to establish and implement plans that cover all aspects of safety and security within your children’s and youth ministries.
- Volunteer Management: Understand the processes for vetting, recruiting, and training volunteers, ensuring that your ministry is staffed with trustworthy and well-prepared individuals.
- Leadership and Risk Management: Discover the importance of having multiple leaders and how to effectively manage them, along with strategies to prevent abuse, neglect, and other risks.
By the end of this session with James, you will have the tools to develop action plans to protect against and prevent crises within children’s and youth ministries. If you are a church leader seeking guidance on how best to protect the children and youth in your care, this session is an essential opportunity. Join us for “Planning for Safety in Children’s and Youth Ministries” on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM.
Register now and ensure the safety of the most vulnerable members of your congregation: https://churchfacilitiesexpo.com/
