The following suggested mandates coincide with the organizational chart outlining the concept of the Safe Church Team, formerly Abuse Response Team (ART), and its interrelationships with the classis, local churches, and the Safe Church Ministry.
Advisory Panel: The Safe Church Team, upon request of a local church executive committee or its equivalent, will convene an advisory panel according to the procedures approved by Synod when allegations of abuse are made against a church leader by an adult.
Education: The Safe Church Team, upon request of a local church, will provide training, education, resources or workshops about various topics related to abuse.
Support: The Safe Church Team, upon request of a local church, pastor or elder, will offer support services* to a victim of abuse, offender of abuse, and/or their family members.
*Support services may include: resources and suggested written material, phone calls, visits, accompanying persons to civil or criminal legal proceedings, making referrals for treatment/counseling, being a prayer partner.
