The Only Textbook on Safeguarding for Faith-Based Ministries and Seminaries Christians are called to care for the vulnerable, but churches have not always led the way in becoming places safe from abuse. Increasingly, organizations and churches are recognizing the importance of the field of safeguarding: training and equipping people to prevent abuse, act when abuse happens, and promote healing for survivors. Lisa Compton and Taylor Patterson have edited the first textbook on safeguarding designed specifically for faith-based ministries, churches, and seminaries. In Skills for Safeguarding, experts from universities around the world have contributed on topics in their areas of expertise. This book
- provides an understanding of trauma and abuse from a Christian integration perspective; - gives insight into perpetrator dynamics and systems that enable abuse; - teaches skills necessary to interact with victims and their families; - includes questions for self-reflection and discussion; and more. Safeguarders can be individuals hired by the church in a vocational role, but they can also be pastors and other church leaders, laypeople, mental health professionals, and anyone who desires to promote a safe environment. Ideally, every adult in the church should recognize their responsibility to safeguard and seek to grow in skills to better serve abuse survivors and cultivate a culture that protects the vulnerable. This book provides the essential starting place. Don't wait to get equipped – get your copy today!
"A timely, much-needed book chock-full of practical wisdom about abuse prevention and response for church communities. This carefully constructed set of resources is a must-read for all church leaders if the church is to address the tragic reality of abuse in its midst and intentionally work toward becoming communities of healing."
Amanda W. Benckhuysen, author of The Gospel According to Eve: A History of Women's Interpr
"This book covers extensive ground and will serve not only as a training manual for safeguarding officers but also as a text for any leader seeking to make church a safer place and to better respond to survivors and victims. Skills for Safeguarding should be required reading for those training for ministry-both lay and ordained. It is an excellent resource for all safeguarders in the church."
Julie Conalty, bishop of Birkenhead and deputy lead bishop for safeguarding in the Church