. We have set up a number of Quick Links for your convenience.
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   A) We have a link to the Christian Reformed Church of North America (CRCNA). They have
developed a Model Policy that you can adapt to your congregation.

  B) Robertson Hall is an insurance provider for many of our churches. They have published
an excellent article on assessing risk and becoming aware of abuse situations in your
congregation.

  C) We have provided a link to a refresher/training video that was developed by the West
End CRC staff. They have allowed us to modify the presentation so that it can be used
by our congregations. We are grateful that we can use their material. Very well done.

  D) We have provided a link to insurance provider’s ‘Abuse Prevention Declaration Form’.
The contents of the form will give you an idea of how well your congregation is
complying with the basic Safe Church procedures.

   E) Link to the Circle of Grace program.

  F) Link to Common Safe Church questions.
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 G) The Classis Abuse Response Team (CART) offers an Advisory Panel Process when allegations of abuse by an adult church member against another adult church member or allegations of abuse brought by an adult member against a church leader.  To request these services contact the Classis Stated Clerk to obtain CART contact details "[email protected]". The chair of CART will advise on a  process to follow. 

How would our communities look if we truly believed that each of us lives in the very presence of God, within the circle of his grace. God loves us and is with us always, in all we are, in all we think, do or say, and in all of our relationships. That's the foundational message of Circle of Grace, a Christian safe environment program for children and youth. Circle of Grace helps build healthy, respectful relationships.  

​Dr. Amanda Benckhuysen, Former Director of Safe Church Ministry for the CRC made a presentation at our October Classis meeting.  It was a conversation about abuse, the impact of abuse on those who have been victimized, and what we as a church can do to prevent it.  


Amanda's PRESENTATION to Classis.  You will find it very informative. 

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Power has a God-given role in human relationships and institutions, but it can lead to abuse when used in unhealthy ways. Speaking into current #metoo and #churchtoo conversations, this book shows that the body of Christ desperately needs to understand the forms power takes, how it is abused, and how to respond to abuses of power.
Although many Christians want to prevent abuse in their churches and organizations, they lack a deep and clear-eyed understanding of how power actually works. Internationally recognized psychologist Diane Langberg offers a clinical and theological framework for understanding how power operates, the effects of the abuse of power, and how power can be redeemed and restored to its proper God-given place in relationships and institutions. This book not only helps Christian leaders identify and resist abusive systems but also shows how they can use power to protect the vulnerable in their midst. 

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