Lexington—Nothing puts a damper on ministry like a lawsuit—or worse—an injured child.

That was the message Steve Coleman, minister to youth at First Baptist Church of Richmond, shared with Kentucky Baptists attending a session during this year’s first Super Saturday leadership development event in Lexington.

The workshop, “Don’t Be Stupid,” included practical advice on everything from permission slips and first-aid kits to the appropriate way to hug a teenager.

“You can sue anybody at anytime for anything,” Coleman told youth ministry leaders.

Many of the topics Coleman addressed are part of the Kentucky Baptist Convention’s Safe Church Initiative, a push to reduce the risk of sexual abuse or other negligence by church staff or volunteers.

Church leaders first must set standards of conduct and safety that translate into policies and procedures that will be followed by each staff member and ministry volunteer, Coleman said. Standards are crucial, even for missions or churches with only a few members.

“Most of us don’t have a standard; that’s the problem,” he said. “We have to do everything we can to protect our kids, and we need procedures to protect ourselves.”

Among its Safe Church materials, KBC provides a “Covenant of Ministerial Sexual Ethics,” sample interview questions for potential staff and volunteers, and “Practical Safeguards for Counseling” that churches can use to develop their own policies and procedures. These and other resources are available for download at the KBC Web site, www.kybaptist.org, or by contacting the convention at (866) 489-3575.

Two major components of becoming a safe church are background checks and training for church staff and volunteers, Coleman said.

KBC has partnered with Protect My Ministry to provide Kentucky Baptist churches background checks at a reduced rate. With an applicant’s permission, checks are made with criminal and sexual offender databases. Additional public and private records can be accessed if needed.

When congregations receive the background check report they must limit the number of people who have access to it and any other information obtained during the application process. For example, Coleman explained, data on church staff might be limited to the pastor, deacon chairman and/or personnel committee chairman. For volunteers, the staff person who leads the specific ministry area also would need access to the information.

Adequate training for all workers reduces the risk of severe injuries, abuse or other types of negligence, Coleman said. “If you are in dire need of CPR, do you want someone who’s been trained in CPR or someone who hasn’t trying to resuscitate you?”

Vacation Bible school, camp, mission trips and other activities are rife with potential hazards. Training key staff and ministry leaders in first aid and CPR gives everyone peace of mind. The American Red Cross or local health department can help churches provide such instruction. Coleman suggested opening training to students, too.

Workers also must be instructed on church policy regarding conduct and safety.

Staff and volunteers must be vigilant about obtaining written permission from parents for their children to participate in activities. Coleman said to avoid using “blanket” permission forms. For example, a parent might grant permission for his/her child to go to camp but be unaware that a ropes course is part of the week’s activities.

Coleman suggested that permission slips be notarized, and that the notary be from outside the church membership. A “signing party” prior to camp or a mission trip could be scheduled at the church to accomplish this more quickly and easily.

Just as important are medical information forms so workers can relay information quickly to medical providers in case a child is injured or ill. Ministries can fund training, a well-equipped first-aid kit, insurance riders for uninsured students who want to participate, and other safety-conscious efforts by increasing the per-child registration fee for camp or mission trips by a dollar or two, Coleman suggested.

Keeping activities in a group or within the view of others is key to protecting children from sexual predators, and protecting a minister or volunteer from being falsely accused of abuse. Church staff and volunteers never should be alone with a child or youth, but equally dangerous is leaving a child at the church alone. When faced with this quandary, Coleman said he makes sure he is outside in a well-lit area with the child and even has sat in his vehicle with the student standing a few feet away until the student’s parent arrives. Care also should be taken when embracing a child or youth. “You gotta shoot that hip,” he said, demonstrating how to deflect a “full-frontal” hug by shifting beside the student and putting his arm around his or her shoulders.

Acknowledging that many congregations have a long way to go before becoming “safe churches,” Coleman encouraged ministry leaders not to become overwhelmed. “If you’ve been driving for two hours and realize you don’t have your license you don’t stop driving,” he said. “Training is cheap and easy but it takes time. ... Our God is bigger than any of these issues. Do not let fear keep you from doing ministry. It’s too important.”