(Adopted by Gunningsville Baptist Church June 11, 2007)

Church Covenant:

Having been led, by the Spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God, angels and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another as one body in Christ.

We engage, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love, to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort, to promote its prosperity and spirituality to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrine, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the church, and the spread of the Gospel throughout all nations.

We also engage to cultivate the devotional life, to rear our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances, to walk circumspectly in the world, to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary

in our deportment, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the Kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love, to remember each other in prayer, to aid each other in sickness and distress, to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy in speech, to be slow to take offence, always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the

rules of our Saviour, to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will as soon as possible unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this COVENANT, and the principles of God’s Word.

POLICY:

This church shall abide by the statement of a Church Policy adopted by the United Baptist Convention in 1906.

Gunningsville Baptist Church

Child, Youth & Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Prevention & Response Policy

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Abuse Procedures & Protocols Manual

September 2025

Gunningsville Baptist Church

Child, Youth & Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention and Response Policy

This policy replaces the Gunningsville Baptist Church Child Abuse Prevention Policy of June 2011

Preamble

WHEREAS we acknowledge that the abuse of children (sexual, physical and emotional) can happen anywhere, including in this Church or in other facilities used by our church in children’s and youth ministry;

WHEREAS we understand that the effects of such abuse have a profound short-term and long-term impact on the victim;

WHEREAS we understand that, as members of this Church, we must seek to ensure that children and youth, who participate in any programs offered through our church, may do so without fear of abuse;

WHEREAS we acknowledge that a person who would prey upon children may see this Church as a place where he/she may have access to children or youth;

WHEREAS we understand that any abuse, or allegation of abuse, can seriously compromise our witness for Christ within our community and beyond.

WE, the members of Gunningsville Baptist Church, solemnly agree to adopt the revised Policy for Child, Youth & Vulnerable Abuse Prevention, effective immediately and dated this ___ day of July 2025.

Purpose & Application

The purpose of the Child, Youth & Vulnerable Adult Abuse Prevention and Response Policy is to outline the principles, to reinforce the Church’s efforts and intentions in this matter, and to provide general direction for the Church’s leaders and individual members. This policy has zero tolerance for abuse in any form.

This policy will apply to each program, service, and activity organized by the Church. Every individual who is involved with such programs, services, or activity is subject to this policy. Likewise, each official office or body of the Church—e.g., the Board of Deacons, the Governance Council, the Christian Education and Training Commission, the Moderator, and other Church committees is also subject to this policy and must abide by it.

Child/Youth & Vulnerable Adult Workers

All persons desiring to work with children/youth (ages 0-18) or vulnerable adults through any ministry of this church must first meet the following qualifications:

a. Be a member, adherent or ministry leader, in good standing of Gunningsville Baptist Church or another Christian church for a minimum of 6 months or be interviewed by a board composed of a Pastor and at least two unrelated individuals holding leadership positions within the Church;

b. Be in agreement with our Statement of Faith (excluding ELC).

c. Provide a mandatory Criminal Records check and a Vulnerable Sector check (18 year olds and older) every 3 years. A record from the Vulnerable Sector check involving any abuse of children will, in all cases, disqualify the individual from ever working with youth, children or vulnerable adults through this church;

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d. Participate in an annual information and training session which will include the review of this policy;

e. Sign a Covenant of Care stating that they understand and will uphold all policies and procedures.

f. All youth volunteers (age 12-17) involved in children’s/youth/vulnerable adult’s ministry will be accompanied/supervised by an adult. It will be the responsibility of the ministry coordinator to assure that youth wishing to volunteer in their ministry are suitably qualified to do so; and to provide these youth volunteers with age-based training regarding appropriate interactions within that ministry.

As of the date of this policy, all future persons desiring to work with children, youth or vulnerable adults will be required to:

a. Complete an application form and supply 3 references upon request;

b. Participate in an interview.

Individuals who work with children, youth or vulnerable adults need to be mindful of the importance of avoiding potentially compromising situations in which an allegation of abuse could be made and must understand the definitions and symptoms of abuse outlined in the Protection Procedures.

Classroom

We desire to provide a safe, loving classroom where everyone feels comfortable and learning can take place. Workers should always conduct themselves in a godly manner, being an example of obedience, respect and honesty to young believers.

Teacher student ratios will be maintained whenever possible in the classroom. (Refer to Protection Procedures)

All classrooms will be equipped with a window in the door or the door is to remain open.

We will strive to have two leaders with the children at all times. If two workers are not available on a particular day, then the class will be cancelled for that day. 

At no time will children be left in an individual’s care behind closed doors or in an isolated and private location.

Washroom Guidelines

Parents are encouraged to take their children to the washroom prior to each class.  (Refer to Protection Procedures for specific procedures.)

First Aid Kits

There is a First Aid kit in the kitchen and in the Administrative Assistant’s Office. They will be monitored on a regular basis to ensure they are well stocked. There will also be band aids in the Jr Church Room.

Offsite Events

We strive to ensure that parents are aware of the precautions being taken to protect their children therefore;

a. Parental consent forms will be used for special activities or events when children/youth are off site and not accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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b. Any vehicle used to transport children/youth must carry no less than $1,000,000 liability coverage, be registered, safety inspected, have appropriate tires, and the number of passengers will not exceed the number of working seat belts.

c. Driver will be a minimum of 21 years of age with at least 3 years’ experience (age 25 is recommended, however exceptions can be considered for Safe, mature ministry volunteers), valid drivers’ license, appropriate license class, no at fault accident and no more than 2 minor traffic violations in the past 3 years, and subject to the Church’s discretion. A volunteer driver application will be required prior to driving.

General

The congregation is annually informed of the importance of child safety, the dangers of child abuse and the church’s Protection Policy; and is encouraged to discuss and offer recommendations. They are also reminded of the importance of strict adherence.

A sub committee of the Governance Council will review the Child, Youth and Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy and Procedures annually, make changes as required and as programs and activities change and evolve. Any changes will be approved by the Governance Council at their next meeting and approved by the church body at the following business meeting.

The Protection Policy will be made available on our Church Website, to any parent or church member upon request and at each annual meeting.

Allegation of Abuse

In the event that an allegation of abuse is made:

a. It will be reported immediately to the Lead Pastor or the Board of Deacons if a Pastor is implicated.

b. The process will be carefully documented including date(s), time(s) and content of all conversations pertaining to the alleged abuse.

c. If the Pastor is accused of abuse an Associate Executive Minister of Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada will be notified, by the Chair of the Board of Deacons.

d. Prayer support and pastoral care will be provided for all involved.

e. In the event of an Allegation of Abuse see Child, Youth & Vulnerable Adult Protection Procedures and Protocols.

Signed:

__________________________                        ________________________________

Pastor                                                               Chair of Christian Education and Training Commission

___________________________                      ________________________________

Chair of the Board of Deacons                           Moderator

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