Child Protection Policy (CPP)
Lafayette Baptist Church is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for those participating in our ministry activities—children, youth, and vulnerable adults. We also seek to minimize any vulnerability to unwarranted accusations of improper behavior that our church, volunteers, and employees may experience as they fulfill their ministerial duties. To fulfill these commitments as fully as possible, our leadership team has adopted the following procedures to be used, without exception, when selecting ministry volunteers and new employees and supervising children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
DEFINITIONS
Minor—Any person between the ages of 0 and 18. A minor may include any 18-year-old still enrolled in high school.
Child or children—Any minor from birth through fifth grade.
Youth—Any minor from sixth through 12th grade. A youth may include any 18-year-old still enrolled in
high school.
Vulnerable adult—Any person 18 years of age or older who is unable to legally consent, unable to comprehend the nature of certain actions, or susceptible to coercion or abuse. This may include individuals who are mentally or physically disabled and the elderly.
Volunteer—A person performing services or donating time or effort without compensation who is authorized to work with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
Employee— A paid staff member of the church.
Worker—A volunteer or employee authorized to work with children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
VOLUNTEER SCREENING PROCEDURES
1. Prior to consideration, all candidates seeking a volunteer position that involves working with children, youth, or vulnerable adults will complete and return an initial ministry application.
2. The pastor, or designee, will carefully review the application, ensuring that the candidate is an appropriate match for the ministry position. The pastor also will store all application materials—the application form, background checks, reference check, notes from interviews, etc.—in a locked file cabinet or other secure location. Special emphasis will be put on checking the interviewing volunteer against the state and local civil authorities list of sex and violent abuse offenders and as well as any lists provided by the SBC and/or KBC.
3. If the individual appears to be an appropriate candidate for the ministry position, the pastor, or designee, will check at least two references to confirm the information that the candidate provided on the ministry application. The ministry leader also will conduct a criminal background check through a reputable security company.
4. After the pastor, or designee, contacts references and performs a background check, he or she will conduct an interview with the candidate.
5. When indicated by our screening procedures, volunteer candidates who pose a threat to children, youth, or vulnerable adults will be removed from consideration for any ministry position involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
6. All potential volunteers that pass screening procedures must complete a mandatory child protection training before they can participate in volunteering activities and will be required to participate in and finish continued training on an annual basis as deemed necessary by the pastor, designee, or ministry leader.
7. All approved volunteers and ministry staff must agree to fully participate in this child protection policy with their signature before they can participate in activities with an annual renewal as well as participate in annual continuing education/training.
8. All approved volunteers and ministry staff must participate in a new background check every three years.
EMPLOYEE SCREENING PROCEDURES
1. The same procedures required for volunteers also apply to all potential employees, regardless of the ministry position for which they are being considered.
2. When indicated by our screening procedures, employment candidates who pose a threat to children, youth, or vulnerable adults will be removed immediately from consideration for employment anywhere within our organization. Special emphasis will be put on checking the interviewing employee against the state and local civil authorities list of sex and violent abuse offenders and as well as any lists provided by the SBC and/or KBC.
WAITING PERIOD
All volunteer candidates must be regularly involved in our church for six months or more before they will be considered for any ministry position involving contact with children, youth, or vulnerable adults.
SUPERVISION
1. It is the intent of the church to enact and participate in the TWO ADULT RULE (defined below) on every opportunity that is possible. If this is not possible then the RULE OF THREE (defined below) is to be followed. If neither the TWO ADULT RULE or RULE OF THREE cannot be met due to adult availability, it is expected that another adult (preferably a pastor but also a designee or other ministry leader) will randomly check in on random occurrences. In these cases, except in the need of dire ministry need it would be preferred that the event/activity be postponed or cancelled until adequate adult coverage can be obtained. Exceptions to these rules can be made for cases where the adult and minor are directly related to each other (example: the minor is the child, grandchild, great-grandchild, or sibling of the adult) though this is not preferred.
TWO ADULT RULE: At least two screened adults must be present at every function or program involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults. This includes each classroom, vehicle, or other enclosed area. One or more of these adults must be 21 years of age or older. For large groups, the number of adult supervisors must be increased in accordance with state/teacher ratio requirements. This is the preferred method of supervision.
RULE OF THREE: In limited circumstances when the Two Adult Rule cannot be implemented, at least three individuals must be present, with at least one being a screened adult employee or volunteer. The Two Adult Rule should be followed at all times for activities or events involving children under the age of five. If volunteer allowance does not allow for this, in odd and rare circumstances, it is expected that another adult (preferably a pastor but also a designee or other ministry leader) will randomly check in on random occurrences.
3. While adult workers should avoid being alone with a child, youth, or vulnerable adult, some limited exceptions may be permitted for spiritual counsel/mentoring of a youth. Any one-on-one interaction must take place in a location where the adult worker and the youth are both visible to others. Any planned one-on-one meetings must be approved by a ministry leader/pastor, and the adult worker must obtain prior written approval from parents/guardians. The duration and frequency of approved one-on-one meetings are to be limited to no more than three occasions for no more than 30 minutes at a time.
4. Adult employees and volunteers should avoid traveling in a vehicle one-on-one with a minor. If it is necessary, develop a communication strategy to notify parents/guardians or supervisors when leaving for and arriving at an event.
5. Identify no-go zones. To reduce or eliminate areas that are difficult to properly supervise, unused rooms, closets, and outdoor structures are to be kept locked with limited key access.
6. Workers should avoid the appearance of impropriety—such as sitting older children on their lap, kissing, or embracing others, etc.
BATHROOM PROCEDURES
1. For children ages 6-10, at least one adult should take children to the restroom, preferably the adult who brought the minor or the parents/guardians of the child. The adult should check to make sure the facility is safe and then wait outside the restroom for the children. If assistance is required, the presence of a second adult escort is also recommended.
2. Children age 5 or younger (boys and girls) should be assisted as needed in the restroom by an adult female who has passed screening process if the parents/grandparents are not available. Leave the bathroom door ajar with a second screened worker nearby for additional accountability.
3. Never touch the private areas of a child, youth, or vulnerable adult except when necessary, as in the case of changing a diaper.
4. If a child is deemed as mature enough to go the bathroom on their own they should be encouraged and allowed to with the ministry volunteer/staff member first ensuring that no one else is in the bathroom and that no one else enters the bathroom with the child unless it is the child’s parent or legal guardian.
CHECK-IN/CHECK-OUT PROCEDURES
1. Workers should arrive at least 10 minutes before a scheduled activity. They must remain at their assigned post until all people in their care have been picked up by an authorized person. No children or youth should be released to find their parents or wait unattended for transportation.
2. Workers are to release children in their care only to parents, guardians, or persons specifically authorized to pick up the child.
DISCIPLINE
1. Workers are never to spank, hit, grab, shake, or otherwise physically discipline anyone. Physical restraint should only be used in a situation where it is reasonably necessary to prevent an individual from physically harming himself or another individual.
2. Disciplinary problems should be reported to the ministry leader and to a parent or guardian.
3. In issues where a minor proves to be a continued threat to and adult or other minor, the church and its leadership reserve the right to not allow said dangerous child to participate in regular activities such as Sunday School, Children’s Church, Wednesday night events, or other special events until said minor has moved past being a danger to others. The intent of this rule is to allow the minor to return when he/she is no longer a threat to others while protecting others.
INJURIES OR ILLNESS
1. Persons who are ill (with a fever, or a communicable disease that can be transmitted by cough or by touch) will not be permitted to participate in any ministry activity.
2. A suitable worker—one who has been previously approved through our ministry screening process—must be used to take the place of a worker who is ill.
3. Participants should be returned to their parent or guardian as soon as the illness is discovered. If immediate return is not possible, then the person who is ill should be isolated in a manner that allows an adult worker to monitor the participant until he/she can be returned to a parent or guardian.
4. Take reasonable steps to avoid contact with blood, saliva, or other bodily fluids.
5. Ministry coordinators and supervisors who become aware of an injury to a worker or participant will take steps to ensure that proper medical attention is given to the injured person and provide for continued monitoring of the remaining activity participants.
6. Persons who have received an injury that is obviously minor should be given first aid as needed at the time of injury. The individual’s parents or guardians should be notified of the injury when they pick up the injured person.
7. Any injury that may require medical treatment beyond simple first aid should be given immediate attention. The parents or guardians of the injured person should be notified immediately, along with the ministry worker’s coordinator or supervisor. If warranted by the injury, emergency medical personnel should be called.
RECORDKEEPING
1. All ministry functions involving children, youth, and vulnerable adults should maintain an attendance list for every function. Record the date of the function, along with the names of all participants, ministry coordinators, and supervisors.
2. Ministry workers should prepare a written Notice of Injury report whenever an injury occurs during a ministry function. Promptly forward the incident report to the ministry coordinator or pastor.
3. LaFayette Baptist Church is to keep basic information on each child that regularly attends church functions. This information should include information such as: The minor’s name, the minor’s parents/legal guardians name, if and who the minor’s siblings are, the minor’s parent/legal guardians address and phone number, emergency contacts, if the minor has any known allergies, who is authorized to pick up the child after church functions, and if the minor is allowed to walk home after church functions. All information will be kept in safe place within the church and is not to leave the church building. The intent of this recordkeeping is for the safety and wellbeing of the minor in cases of emergency situations and release out of church events.
SUSPICION OF CHILD ABUSE OR NEGLECT AND MANDATORY REPORTING
1. All ministry leaders, employees, and volunteers subject to mandatory reporting guidelines are expected to fully comply and report any reasonable suspicion of abuse or signs of neglect to local authorities.
2. Volunteers and employees who become aware of or have reason to suspect that a child or youth has been abused or neglected must immediately inform their activity coordinator, supervisor, pastor, or ministry leader, unless the activity coordinator, supervisor, pastor, or ministry leader is the suspected perpetrator. The volunteer or employee may be required to complete a Suspected Abuse or Neglect Report form.
3. Activity coordinators and supervisors who become aware of or have reason to suspect that a child or youth has been abused or neglected must immediately inform the ministry leader unless the ministry leader is the suspected perpetrator. If the volunteer or employee did not complete a Suspected Abuse or Neglect Report form, the activity coordinator or supervisor should then complete the form.
4. Ministry leaders who become aware of possible abuse or sexual misconduct involving a participant must ensure that the participant’s parent or guardian is immediately informed that possible abuse or sexual misconduct has occurred. If the parent or guardian is the suspected perpetrator, the ministry leader will defer to local authorities on notifying the parent or guardian.
5. If there is any question as to whether or not a report should be made to the authorities and ministry leaders are considering not making a report, the ministry leader will ensure that an attorney is immediately contacted to provide a written opinion as to whether the organization should report the suspected abuse or neglect to authorities. The written opinion should be obtained within 24 hours after the ministry leader first becomes aware of the situation. The attorney’s advice should be acted upon immediately, including reporting the incident to the authorities. An attorney should be contacted immediately if the ministry leader or activity monitor becomes aware of possible abuse or neglect of a participant by a parent or guardian and is unsure whether to make a report to the authorities.
6. Ministry leaders must promptly notify our ministry’s insurance carrier (general or professional liability insurance) upon notice of abuse or sexual misconduct. They also will notify the pastor.
7. It is our church’s goal to adhere to all local, state, and federal government guidelines in regards to reporting. A general thought of “when you don’t know or when in doubt, just report it” should be observed. We recognize that local law requires reporting of abuse and any report should be made immediately after learning of the abuse, no exceptions.
VIOLATION OF POLICY OR PROCEDURES
1. Ministry workers must promptly notify their ministry coordinator or supervisor when they or others violate the procedures mandated by this policy.
2. Ministry coordinators, supervisors, and ministry leaders who become aware of a violation of the procedures set by this policy are required to take all necessary steps to ensure future compliance with them. In the process of ensuring compliance with this policy, it may become necessary to remove workers (paid or unpaid) from their positions.
INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
1. This church considers any allegation of abuse or molestation a serious matter. Each situation will be fully investigated first through civil authorities, then by ministry leaders with the assistance of legal counsel. The ministry will not interfere with a pending law enforcement investigation.
2. Employees who are the subject of an investigation will be removed from their position pending completion of the investigation. Employees who admit to the abuse or molestation will be terminated consistent with the established employment practices of this church.
3. Volunteer subjects of any investigation will be removed from their positions pending completion of the investigation.
4. This ministry will permanently remove any employees or volunteers from their ministerial duties within the organization if they are found guilty of abuse or molestation. Whenever termination of employment is a factor, we also will consult with legal counsel.
DEALING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, NEWS MEDIA
1. All ministry leaders, employees, and volunteers of this organization will cooperate fully with law enforcement or governmental agencies investigating allegations of injury, abuse, or molestation.
2. The leadership of this ministry will seek legal counsel as soon as possible after we receive notice of possible abuse or molestation within the organization. Advice from legal counsel will be the basis for our response to the allegations.
3. One individual—a member of the leadership team, an employee, or our attorney will be the designated spokesperson to handle all inquiries from the news media. Our spokesperson will be the only person to convey information concerning the situation, doing so in a prudent manner to avoid compromising an ongoing investigation and to maintain the privacy of the individuals involved.
ANNUAL REVIEW
1. Each year, we will conduct a review meeting. At that time, the procedures mandated by this policy will be reviewed with all volunteers, employees, ministry coordinators and supervisors, and the leadership of the organization.
2. All employees and volunteers will complete a brief renewal application annually.
3. Should the renewal application indicate that any employees or volunteers have become unsuitable for working with children, youth, or vulnerable adults, they will be removed immediately from their current position. They will not be considered for positions involving work with other similar groups.
REVISION OF POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The leadership of this ministry, with the assistance of legal counsel, will regularly review this policy and the procedures established within it. If necessary, the policies and procedures will be modified in accordance with the bylaws of the organization. When changes are made, ministry leaders will communicate them to all employees and volunteers affected by the policy changes.
LaFayette Baptist Church Membership Policy-
Approved by unanimous vote on 03/19/2023
Romans 12:4-5
4 For as in one body we have many members,[e] and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Hebrews 10:25
25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
Church membership is voluntary. It carries the privilege of identification with the local Body of Christ and acceptance of responsibility to Lafayette Baptist Church. Membership includes personal commitment to Christ, believing the Bible to be the inspired Word of God, faithfulness to worship services, financial commitment in tithes and offerings, support and respect for leadership, and a willingness to give of personal and spiritual resources.
Those who are Regular/Full members have the privilege of voting at regular church and special business meetings (if they are 18 years of age or older), have the potential of recognized ministry, have the potential to hold church office(s) as is appropriate, have the potential to teach/lead regular church groups, benefit from the mutual relationship of instruction and correction, and receive the full privileges of Christian rites. This includes baby dedications, baptisms, marriages, funeral services, laying on of hands, and comfort for loss of a loved one or a personal tragedy. Church Membership is available to all believers who attend LaFayette Baptist Church who meet the eligibility requirements.
Section 1 – Eligibility for Membership
A. All Regular/Full members must be believers in The Lord Jesus who have been baptized by full immersion. Those who have provided proof of Baptism or who have been Baptized in front of our congregation that are desiring to become members may present themselves for candidacy before the church body. The church body will elect to extend the right hand of fellowship to the member candidate and so they shall become Regular/Full members.
B. Membership in the local church may be terminated by voluntary transfer of membership to another local church, at which time the church shall issue a letter of transfer. An unruly or rebellious member may also be expelled and his/her membership terminated according to Matt. 18:17. Any type of member may be removed the role and membership if the member shows persistent negligence to the responsibilities of members if they are physically able to do so (the intent of this sentence is to still allow Regular/Full membership to shut-ins, missionaries, and those that serve in the military who may be gone for long stints of time).
Section 2 – Responsibilities of Membership
A. Members shall adhere as best as they faithfully can to the church covenant.
B. Members shall be faithful in the worship life of the church and shall remain supportive and submissive to the leadership of the church, extending love, honor, trust and fervent prayer according to John 4:23-24 and Hebrews 13:17.
C. Members shall be encouraged to invest their time, talents, and treasure for the building up of the local body and the advancement of God’s Kingdom at large (Matthew 6:20,21,33) and practice the “one another’s” within the New Testament.
D. Members shall be encouraged to be actively involved in fellowship groups and prayer meetings and shall cultivate a life of prayer. (Hebrews 10:24-25, 1 Tim 2:1-2)
E. Members shall make family life a priority by building sound Christian marriages and bringing up their children in the fear and knowledge of the Lord. (Ephesians 5:22-33, 6:1-4)
F. Members should work at all times to maintain peace and harmony in the congregation and shall live a righteous life before the world as a testimony. (Matthew 5:13-16, 23+24, 18:15, Ephesians 4:1-6)
G. Members shall attend a new member class, as one is available, after joining the church membership and fellowship. The purpose of this class will be to: acclimate the member to the church, learn basic doctrine/theology that is necessary for the believer, learn devotional skills and spiritual disciplines, and build relationships. (Matthew 11:29).
Section 3 - Types of Members
Regular/ Full Members: are individuals who regularly attend church, have received the right hand of fellowship at some time, contribute to the work of the church, or are shut ins who have pledged to devote time to pray for the church. These members are allowed full rights and privileges in church matters. Voting rights will be withheld from Regular/Full members if they are under 18 years of age until they come of age. Regular/Full membership that are shut-ins, missionaries, and those that serve in the military who may be gone for long stints of time who wish to remain members will remain provided they commit to prayer for the church and congregation.
Inactive Members: Members become inactive after one year with no contact to the ministry leadership or contribution to the church body. Those at this level and all below are no longer allowed to vote in church matters, hold a church office, or lead any ministry or teaching group on behalf of the church. After reasonable contact and contribution to the church, Inactive members may be restored to Regular/Full Membership. Reasonable efforts should be made to restore Inactive Members to Regular/Full Members.
Past Members: Inactive members are removed after two years from the list of inactive members and their records are archived for future reference. Past members may also include those that have been excommunicated and Non-resident members who have been gone for longer than two years. Those at this level and all below are no longer allowed to vote in church matters, hold a church office, and lead any ministry or teaching group on behalf of the church. To be restored to a Regular/Full member status, the congregation must decide to extend the right hand of fellowship again (essentially those desiring Regular/Full membership after becoming Past Members must start anew with the church body).
Non-resident: Non-resident members are those who have moved within two years, Members who wish to maintain their connection and membership with the church. Those in this level are no longer allowed to vote in church matters, hold a church office, and lead any ministry or teaching group on behalf of the church. After two years as a Non-resident member, if they have not already found a new church home to join, he/she should be moved to the Past Members category. Non-Resident members should be encouraged to join a likeminded church family nearer to them.
Safe-Keeping Member: safe-keeping members are those that are believers in the Lord Jesus and are members of a church body elsewhere, however for personal reasons find themselves in or near the LaFayette area for a long stretch of time. Examples of possible candidates for this membership may be: students, missionaries, soldiers, or those expecting to be in or near the LaFayette area for 1 year or more. These members may receive certain regular Christian benefits from the church; however, they are unable to vote on church matters, hold church office, and regularly lead any ministry or teach any regular group on behalf of the church. Leading or teaching a regular ministry may have exceptions based upon the church’s recognitions of their gifts and callings.
Section 4 - Discipline of Members
The ultimate goal of all disciplinary measures, even excommunication, is to restore the erring member to a healthy relationship with the Lord and His body. A secondary purpose is to preserve the membership from the destructive influence of error and carnal behavior.
A. Any member guilty of unscriptural conduct shall be dealt with according to Matthew 18 and no public complaint shall be preferred until this course has been pursued. Each member should try to resolve issues with other members according to Matthew 18. Charges, when made by other members, shall be in writing, signed by the complainant, and submitted to the Pastor and Leadership team If the issue gets to the stages as prescribed in Matthew 18:17.
Section 5- Membership Committee
A standing membership committee is to be always established and chaired/led by the pastor and includes other church members. This committee has the authority to review an individual’s membership, update membership status, and make membership decisions on rare or unusual cases that require great discernment.