Safer Sanctuaries: Training Leaders in Abuse Prevention

The Safer Sanctuaries Committee and the Center for Leadership Excellence present an advanced workshop in Safer Sanctuaries to prepare leaders to train others in their church…

(Doors open at 9:30 am)

About the Day:

Since 1996, when the General Conference of The United Methodist Church adopted a resolution aimed at eliminating potential for abuse in the church, abuse prevention has been an important part of church policy-making and implementation. United Methodists are called to justice and advocacy for those whose voices are often overlooked or not heard, including children, youth, and vulnerable adults. Churches are responsible for ensuring a safe environment for all persons. The risk of harm to children, youth, and vulnerable adults can be reduced through the implementation of abuse prevention policies.

A primary focus for the NCC Safer Sanctuaries Team is to provide resources that will help churches as they develop policies, train staff/volunteers, and implement those policies. Individual church policies should be written with consideration of the church’s specific context, so there is not a one-size-fits-all policy. Recommendations for abuse prevention policy content is offered by the NCC Safer Sanctuaries Team and may be found on the Safe Sanctuaries webpage.

This workshop is for church leaders who will train others in abuse prevention. Participants are encouraged to bring a copy of their church abuse prevention policy.

“Training Leaders in Abuse Prevention” is led by Rev. Charlotte Brendel, current chair of the NCC Safer Sanctuaries Team.

About Charlotte Brendel

Rev. Charlotte Brendel received a Bachelor of Music Education from Appalachian State University, Master of Arts in Christian Education from Pfeiffer University, professional Christian Education Certification by the UMC General Board of Higher Education and Ministry, and Basic Graduate Theological Studies at Hood Theological Seminary. Prior to being appointed as Associate Pastor at Saint Luke UMC (Sanford, NC), Rev. Brendel served churches in Hickory, Morganton, Chattanooga, Shelby, and Drexel, and served on the Western North Carolina Conference staff as a Congregational Vitality Strategist and Team Associate with The Church Legacy Initiative. Rev. Brendel has led numerous Safe Sanctuary Training events for nearly 20 years. Rev. Brendel is Chair of the NC Conference Safer Sanctuaries Team.