Providing a Safe Sanctuary
Safe Sanctuaries is an overt expression in making congregations safe places where children, youth and vulnerable adults may experience the abiding love of God and fellowship within the community of faith.
– General Board of Discipleship
Providing Safe Sanctuary is the goal of all of our ministry settings. These policies and procedures are aimed at ensuring children, youth and vulnerable adults are kept safe from abuse while they participate in the life of the church in its many settings. First adopted in 1997, it is updated periodically to maintain excellence.
The policy for all District and Conference level ministry is to have a Safety Advocate identified and present. This person has undergone a Safety Advocate specific training, has had a background check done, and enters a self-disclosure covenant. Other adults serving in leadership roles are also screened with background checks as well.
Local churches are responsible for adopting and maintaining their own Safe Sanctuary policies. Below you will find the Conference policy, a background check form and a other helpful resources. If you have any questions, please contact Brant Henshaw in the treasurer’s office.
Background Check and Abuse Awareness Training Forms & Reports
Several files require a password for access. Please contact Brant Henshaw or Teri Tobey for the current password to request access. The Pacific Northwest Conference has contracted with MinistrySafe to provide a single dashboard for abuse awareness training and national background checks. If you need to know who is the admin on your church’s MinistrySafe dashboard please contact Teri Tobey. If you have questions about the MinistrySafe system or background checks please see our Frequently Asked Question page or contact Teri Tobey. On the Resource Tab of your MinistrySafe Dashboard you will find sample local church policies as well as staff and volunteer application and screening forms.
- Frequently Asked Questions
- National Background Check Letter (Sent to churches in 2015)
- National Background Check Matrix (who do I check)
- National Background Check Paper Consent Form
- National Background Check Levels Cost and Explanation
- Master Cleared List (updated 08/05/2019) | National Background Checks
- Certified Safety Advocates (updated 2/28/20)
Good Practices
Safe Sanctuaries Guidelines
Treasurer’s Office Menu
Treasurer/Benefits Staff
Brant Henshaw
Pacific Northwest Conference Treasurer
206-870-6832 | Email
Bruce Galvin
Conference Benefits Officer
206-870-6819 | Email
Liz Gough
Accountant
206-870-6817 | Fax: 206-870-6839 | Email
Cathy Lang
Clergy Benefits Receivables
Building Manager
Wesley Homes Room Reservations
206-870-6816 | Email