History and Purpose of Policy: After years (2016 - 2022) of research, training and consultation with GRACE, we adopted an abuse prevention policy. The Session and other leadership of ACC believe this policy is way overdue. We are commanded to not cause any of our little ones to stumble (Mark 9:42 and Luke 17:2). The policy and procedures we are implementing are meant to make ACC a safer church for children, youth and other vulnerable populations. All of us are needed to uphold this policy and to live in such a way that gives glory to God and shows God's love to all that attend ACC.
Leadership: We all have the responsibility to actively live this manual out. A Safeguarding Team oversees the implementation of our safeguarding policy. This team currently consists of 2 members of ACC (Andrea Mungo and Tina Liouzis.). The team is seeking 2 more members as well as forming a Policy Team. Both teams report to the ACC Session.
Safeguarding Steps for all ACC Volunteers: The following are the steps that need to be completed for anyone who volunteers at ACC. There are several levels of screening.
Category A: Leaders (paid and unpaid) in positions of power (Elders, Diaconate Team, Nursey workers, Sunday School teachers and volunteers, Youth Group leaders, Community Group leaders, Bible Club leaders and Faith and Finances teachers and allies)
- Please complete this application.
- Please read the policy here.
- Please watch/listen to this 4 part training (1 hour for each part).*
- A background check will be conducted.
- An interview will be scheduled.
Category B: Other leaders (paid and unpaid) (any persons working with money such as Trustees, Vacation Bible Club Leaders, Meals Ministry leader, any leader of a Diaconate Partner Organization.
- Please complete this application.
- Please read the policy here.
- Please watch/listen to this 4 part training (1 hour for each part).*
- A background check will be conducted.
- An interview will be scheduled.
Category C: Helps MInistry - Transportation/Rides Offered
- Please complete this application.
- Please read the policy here.
- Please watch/listen to this 4 part training (1 hour for each part).*
- A background check will be conducted (motor vehicle report and insurance verification.)
Category D: Outreach Volunteers serving in Partner Organizations (Variety Boys and Girls Club, Safe Families for Children & Hillside Center for Education) AND Helps Ministry Volunteers and other Outreach Ministries (Meals Ministry volunteers, other Helps assistance volunteers, ESL Ministry Volunteers, VBC volunteers and Hour Children Food Pantry
- Please complete this application.
- Please read the policy here.
- Please watch/listen to this 4 part training (1 hour for each part).*
Category E: Sunday Operations, Worship Team and paid musicians within the ACC community
- Please complete this application.
- Please read the policy here.
- Please watch/listen to this 4 part training (1 hour for each part).*
*Here are the powerpoint slides for each part of the training.
And here is a helpful article about recognizing and responding to potential abuse situations with children.
God’s Heart for the Vulnerable (excerpt from the manual)
God is a refuge for those who are abused and never ignores the cry of one who is abused (Psalm 9:9, 12). Astoria Community Church is committed to being a refuge for those who are abused. We will do all we can to protect the vulnerable, care for those who are survivors, and hold abusers accountable. Abuse is not a sin like any other sin. Abuse is a particularly grievous sin (and often a crime), when someone in a position of power and trust violates or exploits someone who is powerless to stop it (see Ecclesiastes 4:1).
As Christians we cannot face abuse if we are in denial about the reality of abuse. Instead, Jesus calls us to be “wise as serpents.” (Matthew 10:16) We all must take responsibility to become educated about abuse and take responsibility to uphold our policy. Jesus spoke often about abuse using the metaphor of wolves, shepherds, and sheep. Jesus warned about “wolves in sheep’s clothing” who would prey upon the vulnerable (Matthew 7:15). The Bible affirms the value and dignity of children and all who are made in God’s image. God condemns abuse in all forms. Jesus calls every Christian and every church to walk in the light with him and “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians 5:11)
Our goal is to prevent and respond appropriately to abuse by becoming a community that is educated on various forms of abuse and common dynamics, clarifying appropriate boundaries, and doing the hard work of holding each other accountable. All persons should experience an environment of safety and justice and one that is free from any form of abuse, harassment, or discrimination.
By its very nature, our community includes interaction with vulnerable children and adults. Sadly, predatory individuals often seek environments with vulnerable people. Child abuse is a common reality in our world and even in churches. The data shows that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are sexually abused in the U.S. before they turn 18. Other forms of child abuse are also common.1 Jesus condemned anyone who would abuse a child in the strongest possible terms: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6) Intimate partner violence, clergy abuse, stalking, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse against adults are also common. Jesus condemned those who used their spiritual position to exploit others (e.g. Mark 12:38-40). Abuse in all its forms is almost always perpetrated by someone known to the victim. Abusers utilize a variety of tactics to gain trust, deceive both victims and others within a community, and keep the abuse secret. This policy only states what must be lived out: as much as possible to take responsibility as individuals and as an organization to prevent abuse and hold those who abuse accountable.