Safe Church

About Safe Church

Bethel Church’s Community Guidelines and Safe Church process exist to continue the work of revival through supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual health within the Bethel community, and to provide a safe place if an unhealthy or unacceptable interaction or experience should take place. 

The Safe Church team exists to create a healthy and biblically grounded culture through guidelines, standards, policies, accountability, communication, and systems to uphold a healthy, loving and truth-telling environment for our community. This team will evaluate and investigate safeguarding incidents and ensure our protocols are followed so as to become more like Christ and uphold the standard of goodness and care He calls us to.

Biblical Safe Church Culture

Churches have an amazing invitation and obligation to live God’s truth as an alternative to a worldly culture often motivated by power, lust, anger, secrets, violence and/or status.

• Living in an alternative way demands that everyone take responsibility for themselves and others, speak up when they or another are hurt or confused, get help as needed, and adjust to protect our connections with one another. 
• The Bible is clear on the responsibility of the Body to advocate for and protect the spiritual, emotional, and physical well-being of those most vulnerable among us (Matt. 18:1-6; James 1:27; Proverbs 22:6).
• Scripture uses the picture of a healthy family to describe the relationship between church members. We are God’s children (Jn.1:12; 1 Jn. 3:1; Gal. 3:26; Rm. 8:15), and members of His household (Matt. 12:46-50; Gal. 6:10; Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15). Paul instructed Timothy to perceive and treat one another as family (1 Tim. 5:1-2). 
• Familial respect, safety, appreciation, and affection without any hint of sexualization, dishonor, or other disrespectful actions are presupposed in this passage. Of course, singles rightly become attracted to one another and pursue dating and marriage, but the larger reality of our lifetime of relationships are acquaintances, friends, and family—in other words brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers—properly devoid of any hint of attraction, sexualization, or unhealthy emotional bonds. 
• It is essential to learn and embrace these healthy boundaries, as we consider them absolutely vital to the success of our corporate mission. 
• It is our hope that the Body of Christ becomes increasingly equipped and confident enough to give timely, respectful feedback about how we are experiencing another’s touch, gesture, invitation, or words if they should cross an important boundary with us.
• We also realize that people have different definitions of safe and that not everyone in a church community is safe, nor should they be trusted. Some attend church and confess Christ but haven’t submitted to Him and instead live for themselves. Some could even be considered “wolves in sheep's clothing" (Mat. 7:15). Additionally, there are behaviors, even by those in leadership, that are so inappropriate and/or illegal that one-on-one confrontation alone isn’t sufficient and leadership must be made aware for the safety of all. 
• There are also scenarios where one-on-one confrontation alone, at first, or even at all, is not appropriate because they may retraumatize the individual, the actions are illegal, and/or a one-on-one confrontation is insufficient to affect the needed change and protect the wider community. When this is the case, we sincerely hope you will reach for the help outlined in this document in order to initiate a positive change. 
• As you interact with others in the community, including our highest levels of leadership, pastoral team, and board members, if you experience a situation where you feel uncomfortable or unsafe physically, emotionally, or spiritually, and have a sense you shouldn’t address it in a one-on-one conversation, we encourage you to seek help from someone else and/or access our Safe Church Team. Similarly, if you feel concerned about an imbalance of power or advocacy, we encourage you to seek out this process or our team members.
• Ultimately, rules alone cannot create the biblical culture of grace and truth we strive for. To have a truly free and life-giving culture, each of us must be correctable, adaptable, kind, and prefer others over ourselves. Yet rules like these in the Safe Church Policy can be a guide to expected behaviors until they become second nature. 
• Everyone affiliated with Bethel Church, whether senior leaders, staff, congregants, students, mentors, volunteers, off-site partners, online participants, or in another way, is expected to demonstrate healthy and appropriate behaviors as defined within this document, as well as hold one another accountable to the behaviors defined within our Safe Church Guidelines. Please note that these policies are also grounded in the law of our city, state, and nation, and as relevant, will be addressed as such.

Safe Church Community Guidelines

Though it may seem socially obvious that these behaviors are unacceptable, nevertheless, it is still appropriate and right to spell them out. Some of these behaviors are beyond that—they are illegal and require contacting law enforcement as soon as possible. In any situation where there is currently active violence, threats, or abuse, or a minor is involved, immediately call 911 and/or law enforcement.

These are the types of incidents that the Safe Church Team investigates:

• Verbally Abusive Behavior (includes, but is not limited to the following): 
  
  • Verbal language used to ridicule, dominate, manipulate, or degrade another person.
  • Cursing, insulting, mocking, bullying, name-calling, or using slurs towards another person.
• Physically Abusive Behavior (includes, but is not limited to the following): 
  
  • Any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact.
  • Intent to cause harm or fear.
  • Hitting, punching, kicking, biting, pushing, or pulling another person.
  • Obstructing, impeding, or blocking another’s attempts to move or leave physically.
  • Prevention of communication or hinder the ability to ask for help.
    
• Sexually Harassing Behavior (includes, but is not limited to the following): 
  
  • Basing any employment/volunteer decision, or threatening to base an employment/volunteer decision, on the submission to or rejection of a request of a sexual nature.
  • Creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment by making sexual advances of any kind, making sexual, obscene, or degrading comments, suggestions, slurs, jokes, or threats, asking inappropriate questions, or engaging in unwelcome physical contact.
  • Staring, leering; or rude gestures.
  • Discrimination, such as bullying and harassment. 
  • Inappropriate or unwelcomed physical touch, assault, impeding or blocking others’ attempts to move or leave.
    
• Spiritually confusing or coercive behavior (includes, but is not limited to the following):
  
  • Deep emotional bonds or behaviors that are uncomfortably incongruent with our environment or of the appropriate nature of the relationship

These are the types of incidents that the Safe Church Team does not investigate:

• Interpersonal Conflicts (includes, but is not limited to the following): 
  
  • Disagreements between roommates.
  • Familial disagreements.
  • Financial and/or legal disputes.
  • Landlord disputes.
  • Political disputes.

The Ways in Which We Speak or Emotionally Engage with One Another

At Bethel Church, it is within our Community Standard to…

1. At a minimum, speak to others in a manner you appreciate being spoken to (Matt. 7:12). Careless or disrespectful speech is not appropriate or tolerated (Jn. 13:34 ).
2. Encourage One Another: Take time to speak words of encouragement to others (1 Thes. 5:11). 
3. Be Kind: Speaking with kindness and care, and forgiving one another, is Christ’s model (Eph. 4:32).
4. Speak Truthfully in Love: Lovingly, humbly share concerns and accurate information (Eph. 4:15-16).
5. Disagree with Grace: Pursue unity and honor in the midst of disagreement, seeking to understand and appreciate one another while disagreeing (Eph 4:1-3, 1 Cor. 6).
6. Bring and Yield to Discipline: Discipline bears wisdom, peace, and righteousness in our lives (Prov. 12:1,Lk. 17:3-4, Jm. 3:1-18; Rev. 3:19, Hebrews 12:11).
7. Release Life: Speak to others with the understanding that our words bear the fruit of life or death (Prov. 18:21).
8. Responsibility in the Prophetic: We expect our Prophecies, Words of Knowledge and dream interpretation to be biblically grounded and edifying to the Body. In the event of inaccuracy when ministering one to another, the one who received an inaccurate word is welcome to address it with the person who gave the prophetic word, which should be received humbly and without defensiveness (1 Thessalonians 5:19-22, 1 Corinthians 14:3, 29).

At Bethel Church, it is against our Community Standard to…

1. Speak Rudely (Prov. 15:1, 1 Cor. 13:5).
   Please note that speaking in a way that is rude or outright aggressive may not only be against our Community Standards but may also be treated as verbal abuse.
2. Make Offensive, Hostile, Suggestive, or Perverse Remarks (Eph. 5:4).
   Please note that speaking in a way that creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment by making sexual advances of any kind, making sexual, obscene, or degrading comments, suggestions, slurs, jokes, or threats, or asking inappropriate questions may be treated as sexual harassment. 
3. Slander, Gossip, Slur, or Discriminate Against Others (James 4:11).
   Please note that speaking in a way that discriminates against or slurs another may cross into the territory of being treated as harassment or verbal abuse. It may be necessary to speak with a mature believer or leader regarding something that has taken place, but this would not be considered gossip or slander. 

Bully, Harass, Intimidate, or Threaten One Another (Mark 12:31, Luke 6:31). Please note that bullying, harassment, threats, or intimidation of any kind will be treated as harassment and will be addressed legally.

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The Ways in Which We Physically Interact with One Another

Please note that, in any physical interaction, some of what is deemed socially acceptable or appropriate is specific individually and culturally. Wherever it is possible, seek to ask permission before physically touching someone, regardless of how well you may believe you know one another. This abundance of caution is out of care for one another, not out of fear, shame, or a lack of belief in our community’s pursuit of health in all areas of life.

At Bethel Church, it is within our Community Standard to…

1. Show Socially Appropriate Forms of Touch for Those You Know (Exchange Hugs, Join Hands, or other Demonstrations of Affection in the Context of a Gathering) (2 Cor. 13:12).
2. Lay Hands Appropriately on Someone for Prayer, Ministry, and Impartation (Luke 5:13, Acts 8:17, 2 Tim. 1:6). (To see Ministry Team Guidelines, click here.) 

At Bethel Church, it is against our Community Standard to…

1. Disregard Another’s Request to Not Be Touched (At All or in a Particular Way).
2. Touch Someone in a Personal or Private Area for Any Reason.
   Please note that any measure of inappropriate or unwelcomed physical touch, whether communicated as such or not, or assault, will be treated as physical abuse or sexual harassment. 
3. Hit, Kick, Punch, Push, or Otherwise Physically Hurt Another Person.
   Please note that any intentional act causing injury or trauma to another person by way of bodily contact will be treated as physical abuse or assault.
4. Block or Impede Another from Physically Leaving an Interaction.
   Please note that impeding or blocking another’s attempts to move or leave can be treated as harassment.

Leer, Stare, Make Rude or Threatening Gestures.Please note that leering, staring inappropriately, making rude gestures, or making physically threatening gestures may be treated as harassment.

Reporting and Investigation of Concerns

Bethel Church has partnered with Syntrio, a third-party organization that specializes in corporate compliance reporting. They provide a confidential service that allows anonymous reporting, with the option to receive communication from our internal team about the report while remaining anonymous. To submit a report:

• Fill out a form at: https://report.syntrio.com/bethel (available everywhere)
• Call Syntrio’s 24/7 phone hotline (USA and Canada only):   
  
  • English: 888-926-6356 
  • Spanish: 800-216-1288  

Reports are stored securely on a Syntrio portal that is only accessible to Bethel Church’s designated reporting site administrators. All reports will be treated seriously and investigations will be conducted thoroughly and objectively, affording all persons involved procedural fairness and confidentiality to the extent reasonably possible. Reports submitted anonymously will be reviewed and addressed with equal diligence, though our inability to request more information from the reporter may limit the scope of an investigation or follow-up.

The following Safe Church process* can be found in a flowchart format below:

1. A report is submitted via Syntrio’s web form or hotline by a staff member, church member or attendee, volunteer, student, or community member (hereafter known as the “reporter”). Please Note: In any situation where there is currently active violence, threats, or abuse, or a minor is involved, immediately call 911 and/or law enforcement.

2. Bethel Church’s designated reporting site administrators receive and review the report. If the reporter has provided contact information, a Safe Church team member or designee reaches out to the reporter to review the report and gather additional information if needed.

3. If an investigation is deemed appropriate, an appointed sub-group of the Safe Church team assesses the report and determines the appropriate response. Please note that this may involve contacting law enforcement and/or legal counsel, conducting interviews with the reporter, any individual(s) named in the report, or others as deemed necessary (i.e. witnesses).

4. Investigation findings and outcomes are communicated by the Safe Church team to the reporter and individual(s) named in the report.

5. As necessary, the Safe Church team updates Senior Leadership, the Bethel Board of Elders, and others.

If a violation of community standards has occurred, a process of discipline, and if needed, legal action will take place concerning those who have violated the standards. Additionally, if a threat to the safety and wellbeing of the church community and those connected to us is determined, and the process of investigation does not produce repentance, the church community will be informed on an as-needed basis in an effort to ensure transparency.

Our first desire is that a sense of safety be restored for the entire community. After that, measures that bring healing to the individuals involved. The Lord loves both those affected by and those responsible for such violations and desires to bring healing and wholeness to all involved.

When inappropriate behavior or conduct occurs, it should be reported immediately through Syntrio (as outlined above). If you would like to connect with our Safe Church Team for support with submitting a report, please email safe.church@bethel.com. If, at any time, you feel uncomfortable in this process, you may request support from a same-sex pastoral staff member or a staff member with whom you have a personal connection, even if they are not on the Safe Church team.

*The Safe Church guidelines and reporting process are intended for use by members of the local congregation and the larger Bethel community. Employees of Bethel Church are subject to all policies and guidelines outlined in the Employee Handbook and code of conduct. Likewise, students enrolled in Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry (BSSM) are subject to the code of conduct and process set forth by BSSM.

The Safe Church guidelines and reporting process are not intended in any way to limit, alter, or interfere with any mandated reporting requirements as defined by state and federal statutes.

Bethel employees adhere to guidelines for sexual harassment prevention, training, investigative processes, and outcomes as mandated in state regulations and affirmed by biblical standards. All Bethel employees complete a background check as a condition of employment, participate in biannual training on harassment prevention and mandated reporting, and are expected to be familiar with and uphold the policy requirements defined in our Employee Handbook.

Additional Resources

The following tools and guidelines have informed this document. Some of them include specific and important details and guidelines for interacting with specific people groups, including children and ministry-related scenarios. Please note that, if you are interacting in any of these spaces or with these groups, you are responsible for knowing and adhering to the guidelines as outlined in these guiding documents. 

Ministry Team Guidelines

Bethel Christian School Guidelines

Bethel Kids Guidelines

Community Reporting - Safe Church Process Flowchart