Through the generosity of ELCA grants, the Deaconess Community Mission Grant
and Katie's Grant, no church will be turned away due to an inability to pay.
Lutheran Safe Church Ministry
Ministry
Workshops
Trainings for clergy and church staff on recognizing signs of child abuse; responding to disclosures, suspicions and confessions; identifying grooming behaviors; scriptural distortions enabling abuse, and abuse-led scenarios. Workshop options are also available for congregations and lay leaders.
Workshops are available on zoom for clergy and staff outside Ohio, however, in-person is preferred.
Recognizing Abuse: A Safe Church Course for Lay Leaders
....Building
Learn the foundations of recognizing abuse, responding appropriately to disclosures, and understanding mandated reporting requirements. This one-hour course explores the common ways children and youth may be at risk of abuse and exploitation, equipping church staff and lay leaders to recognize warning signs, respond with care, and create safer ministry environments.
Please contact if interested in e-learning courses for your church staff.
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Policy Development
& Review
Child protection policy review or development that prioritizes the safety and dignity of children in alignment with the the guidance of the ELCA social message on Child Protection, adopted churchwide in November 2025.
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Pastoral Care
Support
Pastoral care resources and congregational care available for ELCA synods, clergy, and congregations for faith communities impacted by abuse.
Pastoral care support for clergy in ministering to individuals experiencing abuse, including guidance in following through with mandated reporting responsibilities guided by criminal code and the ELCA Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions.
How Safe Church Ministry Can Help
I want a Bible study for my congregation.
This ministry offers trauma-informed Bible studies tailored for your church. These studies center scripture and engage Christ-followers to reflect on Christian responses to abuse.
I’d like a minstry workshop for my church staff tailored on everyday prevention and awareness reinforcing our shared biblical mandate and responsibility to protect children.
This ministry equips church leadership staff to recognize child maltreatment, respond with confidence, and create safer sanctuaries for children. Zoom capabilities are possible for churches outside of Ohio, however, in-person is best.
I’d like a sermon breaking the silence over abuse for my congregation.
This ministry offers trauma-informed and theological sermons centering Christ-responses over the harm of gender-based violence. Consider a sermon during Awareness months to break the silence in a sermon (April is Child Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Month; Elder Abuse Awareness is June; Domestic Violence Awareness is October).
Our congregation is seeking an open, honest discussion about the realities of exploitation and abuse in today's world, with the goal of better protection and care for children and grandchildren in our families and communities.
This ministry offers a one-hour workshop for congregations that explores modern risks and tactics used to exploit young people, along with practical guidance and tools to help families recognize warning signs and build safer environments for children.
I’d like for me and my staff to know more about the ELCA social message on Child Protection.
This social message is a first of its kind in mainline denominations giving theological and practical guidance how to protect children within faith communities as a Christian responsibility. Formed by a team of Lutheran theologians and Child Abuse Prevention experts, consider using Unnamed No More to help you and your staff navigate through it's key points.
Our church is ready to engage in the conversation, but we don’t know where to start.
This ministry will meet you where you are to discern a faithful starting point of dialogue for you and your congregation.
