Text Text

Child Protection Policy & Procedures (CPPP)

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY AND PROCEDURES

(rev. 08.30.24, adopted 09.08.2024)

Our Responsibilities

          Children are a blessing from God, endowed with dignity by virtue of being created in the image of God.  Furthermore, these children are particularly vulnerable, needing protection, care, and godly instruction from parents, guardians, family, and the local church.  In this way, God has entrusted the children of our congregation to our care.  This is a task that carries great reward, but also tremendous weight and responsibility.  For these reasons, Cornerstone, an Evangelical Free Church (hereafter CEFC) has adopted this Child Protection Policy and associated procedures to establish the standard by which our church will satisfy that responsibility.  
          Everyone who teaches, helps, or cares for children during a CEFC sponsored event, whether volunteer or staff, must understand this Policy and adhere to the procedures outlined below. The Child Protection Policy and Procedures apply to CEFC events and activities.

Table of Contents

A. Implementation
B. Preventative Measures
C. Health and Wellness
D. Education and Training
E. Response Measures
          Guide to Reporting Possible Child Abuse
F.  Glossary of Terms
Acknowledgement and Agreement
Appendix #1: Volunteer Applications
Appendix #2: Injury Report
Appendix #3: Compliance Report
Appendix #4: EFCA Statement of Faith
Appendix #5: Possible Questions for Interviews

NB. Terms that occur in bold italics in their first instance are defined in the CPPP glossary.

A. Implementation

  1. Under the direct oversight of the Pastor and the Elders, the Children’s Ministries Director (CMD) (appointed by the Pastor and Elders as a ministry leader) will have administrative responsibility for developing and maintaining the CPPP.  Development and maintenance will be coordinated, as needed, with the Deacon for Discipling Ministries (who provides budgeting authority  to Children’s and Youth Ministries), the Deacon for Worship (who oversees background checks), and the Associate Pastor for Youth (who provides leadership and oversight to Youth Ministry), and the Lead Pastor.  These Deacons, Pastors, and the CMD will foster effective communication across their areas of responsibility.  The CMD and Associate Pastor will maintain an accurate list of approved ministry workers that minister to Children’s and Youth Ministry areas.
  2. Annually, the CMD and Associate Pastor for Youth will provide an evaluation report of CPPP compliance (either written or verbal) to the Pastor and the Elders.  The Pastor and Elders will work with the Associate Pastor and the CMD to review the report and incorporate lessons learned into CPPP education and training.

B. Preventative Measures

  1. Criteria for Becoming an Approved Ministry Worker
    a. All prospective ministry workers will meet the following criteria before being permitted to serve in ministry to children.  
         § Regularly attending worship at CEFC for at least 6 months.
         § Undergo a background check
         § Complete and submit an application to be reviewed and approved
         § Be interviewed and approved  
    b. For the purpose of this policy, those who successfully fulfill the above criteria will be designated “approved ministry workers.” These designations include paid CEFC staff, contracted workers, and volunteers who are ministering directly to children or are supporting children’s ministry.  
    c. Those currently serving with children at CEFC  prior to the adoption of this policy will be required to meet the same criteria as a prospective ministry worker, with the exception of submitting references.

  2. Six-Month Policy.  
    a. Prior to serving in any CEFC ministry involving children, all prospective ministry workers (children as well as adults) will have been regularly attending worship at CEFC for a period of at least six months. For the purpose of this policy, regular attendance is defined as presence at the Sunday worship service of CEFC at least twice a month for a period of six months. Exceptions to this policy can be granted only by the Elders.  
    b. If contracted workers are used in ministry to children (such as in the nursery) they may have the six-month attendance policy requirement relaxed only after successfully completing the background checks described in CPPP §B.3.a-e below and the initial child protection interview and training described in CPPP §D.1.  Contracted workers must also be interviewed by a group consisting of the Youth Pastor, Children’s Ministries Director, or the Nursery Coordinator, plus at least one Elder.

  3. Background Checks.  
    a. CEFC uses the background check process to verify an individual’s identity and discover criminal records and sex offender registrations. The Children’s Ministry Director is responsible for submission of background checks for all prospective ministry workers applying to serve in Children’s Ministry. The Associate Pastor for Youth is responsible for submission of background checks for all prospective ministry workers applying to serve in Youth Ministry.  The Deacon for Worship is responsible for ensuring CEFC has access to a background check service, currently with Protect My Ministry.  Results of background checks are shared with the Pastors and Children’s Ministries Director, as appropriate.
    b. All prospective ministry workers and staff who serve with children must complete a background check prior to being allowed to serve. Any issues highlighted by background checks will be referred to the Elders.
    c. Any applicant that has been convicted of a crime concerning sexual misconduct, child abuse, or any crime of violence is permanently disqualified from ministering to children at CEFC.  In addition to a background check, all prospective ministry workers who are adults must read and sign the Sexual Misconduct and Criminal History Affidavit as a part of their application. Prospective ministry workers in 9th-12th grade must initial a statement on their application.  
    d. All prospective ministry workers, whether they are an adult or child, need to fill out a volunteer application, as well as go through an interview process.  The Children’s Ministries Director or Youth Pastor will contact the references given and conduct the interview. All prospective ministry workers who are minors will be interviewed by the CMD and the Youth Pastor or an approved ministry worker in order to comply with the “two deep” policy. Any questionable applications will be referred to the Elders for disposition.”

  4. "Two Deep" Chaperone Policy.  
    At least two approved ministry workers will be present at all times in all children's or youth activities. “Two Deep" may include one Youth (9th-12th Grader) and one adult.  "Two Deep" does not include two adults who are related to each other. (Husband and wife or mother and daughter will be considered as "One Deep".)

  5. Restroom Breaks.  
    a. For children that require a diaper change, the following policy will be observed:
        § If the child’s parent/guardian has indicated that they would like to change their child’s diaper, please contact them.
        § Any adult (male or female) may change a diaper as long as there is at least one other adult present in the nursery.
    b. Children (K-3rd Grade) capable of un-assisted restroom use may go to the restroom corresponding to their biological sex under adult supervision. To ensure compliance with the “two deep” policy, an adult approved ministry worker will escort the child to the bathroom.  The adult will wait outside of the bathroom.
    c. All preschool children will use the bathroom that connects to the preschool room.
    d. Children older than 3rd Grade may go to the restroom that corresponds with their biological sex without supervision.
    e. For children that require restroom assistance, it is preferable that parents are responsible for taking their children to the restroom as needed. If parents request that the approved children’s/youth ministry workers take their child to the bathroom, the following procedures will be observed:  
         § The volunteer or staff will prop the restroom door open while assisting the child.
         § The volunteer or staff will also prop the stall door open, if they enter with the child.
         § Accommodations for mentally or physically handicapped children will be agreed to in advance with the child’s parents or guardians.
         § If the child is in the nursery, the child will use the little potty in the nursery room.  
    f. On Sunday mornings, the bathrooms on the lower level of the Education Building will only be used by children, those who are assisting the children, and that morning’s  volunteers.
     
  6. Monitoring of Children’s and Youth Ministry Activities.  
    All activities will be conducted in areas open to adult observation. Unannounced visits may be routinely made by adult volunteers or staff when the activity is held on church property. One-to-one contacts away from the church property will normally be conducted in public places and always with the consent of the child’s parents or guardians.

  7. Standards for Relationships.   
    a. Approved ministry workers will normally seek to establish personal relationships with those to whom they are ministering.  Appropriate physical contact is a part of normal communication in such relationships. Thus, for instance, a hug or the placing of a hand on one’s arm or shoulder is normally acceptable.  However, any touching in intimate areas is never acceptable, nor is unwelcome touching which makes the child uncomfortable. The care for children who require a diaper change means touching private areas of the child’s body.  This is acceptable so long as it is done with the intention to clean and not to abuse.  
    b. Holding/carrying is basic to the care of small children and is considered normal contact.
    c. On occasion, children must sometimes be physically restrained from hurting themselves or others.  However, when more than brief restraint is needed, a parent/guardian must be brought into the situation.
    d. Corporal punishment will not be used under any circumstances.  If a child requires discipline, follow these steps:
         § Redirect the child to a different activity using gentle, but authoritative verbal correction
         § If disruptive/aggressive behavior continues:
              o Require the parent/guardian to remove the child and provide correction
              o If the parent/guardian returns the child and the behavior continues, the parents/guardians will be required to remain with their child or remove the child from CEFC activities until the behavior is corrected.

  8. Driving & Transportation Guidelines
    For some events, transportation may be provided by approved ministry workers. To keep children safe, the church will follow the following guidelines:
         § Driver must be 21 years or older  
         § Driver must have more than one child in the vehicle unless accompanied by another adult or student is related to them
         § Driver must have a clean driving record or only minor infractions.  All driving records will be discussed by the Children’s Ministries Director and the Associate Pastor for Youth.

C. Health and Wellness

  1. Approved Ministry Worker/Child Ratios
         § Infant nursery: one approved ministry worker to three children
         § Toddler nursery: one approved ministry worker to five children
         § Preschool: one approved ministry worker to ten children
         § K-12th: one approved ministry worker to twenty-five children

  2. The Unhappy Child
    a. If a child begins to cry before the parents/guardians leave the area, ask the parents/guardians to go and give you the opportunity to comfort the child, reminding them that you will call/text them if necessary.  Redirect the child with a book, toy, etc.
    b. Nursery workers  shall notify the parents/guardians if a child has been crying or upset (inconsolable) for a maximum of ten minutes. If unable to reach the parents/guardians, use the walkie talkie to try to contact an usher and request the usher locate the parent/guardian.
    c. Sometimes a child, especially a newcomer, will be very upset.  In this case, allow the parent/guardian (even if they have not completed the steps in CPPP §B) to accompany them.  If this becomes habitual, we will ask the parents to go through the steps in CPPP §B.

  3. Check In/Check Out
    a. All children will be checked into the check-in system for attendance purposes.  Any special needs, like allergies, need to be included.   If they are a child 3rd Grade and under, they will have a sticker with their parent’s or guardian’s cell phone number.  This is how they will be reached if needed.  
    b. If the check-in system is not working, the parents of children 3rd Grade and under will sign in their child on a paper sheet, which will include their name, phone number, child’s name and any instructions.  The child will have a name tag sticker with their name printed on it, as well as a number (1,2,3…). The parent will also receive a name tag sticker with their child’s name and number.  This must be shown when they retrieve their child.  All children older than 3rd Grade will sign in on an attendance sheet.
    c. No one is allowed to take a child from the nursery or preschool room except the parent/guardian or other, as stated on the child’s information typed into the check-in system computer.  
    d. Children up through 3rd Grade will only be released to those who have the matching barcode check-in sticker.
    e. After Sunday School, the K-3rd Grade children will be picked up by their parents from the classroom.
    f. At the end of Worship, the Kids’ Worship teachers will collect the matching barcode check-in sticker from the K-3rd Grade parents.

  4. Well Child Policy 
    In order to protect each child and our approved ministry workers, parents/guardians are requested not to leave a child when the child is ill or exhibits any of the following symptoms within 24 hours of attending church:
         § Fever in excess of 99 degrees
         § Vomiting or diarrhea § Common cold, from onset through one week
         § Discharge in or around the eyes
         § Any unexplained or questionable rash
         § Any discharge from the nose that is not clear
         § Excessive coughing § Any childhood communicable disease

    NB:  Approved ministry workers follow the same guidelines to protect the children.

  5. Medicine
    a. If a child is being treated with an antibiotic, they should be on the medication for at least 24 hours prior to coming to church.  If a child requires medication, it must be administered by the parent/guardian except in the circumstances below.
    b. When a parent or guardian is not present (for example, on overnight trips) prescription medication will be checked in to the leader in charge (Associate Pastor for Youth or Children’s Ministries Director).  The leader will distribute as needed to the students.

  6. Snacks for children in Nursery/Preschool
    Infants will be fed only what snack that the parents indicate, such as a bottle.  Older children are offered water and Cheerios.  Parents/guardians must alert the approved ministry workers to any food allergies.  No outside food is permitted in the nurseries in order to avoid any potential allergy problems.    

  7. Injury Procedures
    a. In case of a minor injury, first aid kits are available on all floors of the church buildings, including one in the nursery and preschool rooms.
         § Approved ministry workers must wear gloves if dressing wounds
         § If there is an open wound, carefully wash the wound, and apply a bandage if necessary
         § If a child has fallen or has been dropped, comfort him, and examine him for injury.  Place a cold compress on any emerging bumps.
    b. If medical assistance is needed, use the following procedures:
         § Call or go get the parents/guardians immediately
         § Call 911 if the injury is life threatening
    c. If a child has been bitten, immediately wash the wound with soap and water, then apply a cold compress.
    d. After the situation is resolved, complete a Cornerstone Accident/Injury Report. Completed accident forms must be given to the Children’s Ministries Director or Associate Pastor for Youth.  They will be stored in a secure file.

    NB:  Always remember to tell parents/guardians if any injury occurs, even if it is very minor.  Notify the parents/guardians of all children involved in the situation that occurred.

  8. Fire Alarm/Emergency Evacuation
         § If a fire alarm sounds, assume the danger is real and prepare to evacuate immediately
         § Contact the ushers through the walkie talkie
         § DO NOT accept any offers of outside help.  If a parent comes to the nursery, explain the policy, and invite them to walk out of the building with you.  This policy is in place so that we have an accurate account of all of the children.
         § Access the roster for attendance purposes.
         § Carry the infants and hold the toddlers’ hands as you exit at the nearest and safest exit
         § Consider placing the infants in a Pack ‘n Play and wheeling them to the meeting place
         § Children Preschool and older will walk in an orderly line with one adult in the lead, and one adult at the end of the line
         § Walk calmly to the meeting place; the field next to the garage.  
         § Once everyone is outside, take attendance  
         § Children may be released to their parents/guardians after attendance is taken
         § Notify the CMD immediately if a child is not accounted for.

D. Education and Training

  1. All approved ministry workers are required to successfully complete the procedures in CPPP §B.1-3 as well as any further training as determined by CEFC. As part of the training, the individual will be required to read the CPPP and acknowledge, by their signature, that they have read and understood the policy and the included the “Guide to Reporting Possible Child Abuse.”

  2. Annual refresher training on child abuse prevention will be conducted for church officers, ministry leaders, other ministry volunteers (e.g., ushers) and all approved ministry workers who oversee or support CEFC’s ministry to children.  The refresher training will be planned and implemented by the CMD in coordination with the Associate Pastor for Youth.  In the intervening years they will read, agree to, and sign the CPPP agreement.  Budget for training assistance and materials from organizations such as Child Help, GRACE, and National Law Center for Children and Family should be planned for and utilized.

E. Response Measures

  1. Responding to Allegations of Child Abuse
    a. In brief, individuals authorized to minister to children in our church with any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse of any kind must report the suspected abuse within twenty-four hours. A report should be made directly to the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) or the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Child Protective Services (CPS). If the witnessing party, for some reason cannot make a direct report, then, alternatively, such a report can be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon of the church, or a ministry leader, such as the CMD or a Titus Two Team member. These church leaders are responsible for reporting to FCPD or CPS within twenty-four hours and they must report back to the person reporting to them that they have reported to those authorities (see “Guide to Reporting Possible Child Abuse,” §B.2 below). The “Guide to Reporting Possible Child Abuse” form, included at the end of this CP policy and procedure, provides reporting instructions. CEFC will hire a third-party investigator to collect data and provide an investigative report.

    b. Furthermore, anyone receiving a report from an individual working with children that the individual may have done something to a child that may be construed by that child to be abuse must immediately report such to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon of the church, or to a ministry leader, such as the CMD or a Titus Two Team member.  The Lead Pastor will initiate immediate action to notify the parents or guardians of that child as to the reported circumstances.  Every attempt will be made to handle such a situation using biblical principles and to engage FCPD or CPS, if necessary, at the appropriate time.  If the situation is not resolved through this notification, the matter will be brought to the  Elders for further action, which may include action by a third-party investigator.  

    c. CEFC will maintain confidential records of all reports of actual or suspected child abuse (whether self-reported or reported by the victim or a third party).  

Guide to Reporting Possible Child Abuse

We believe it is critical that any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse be reported to FCPD or CPS. The Child Protection Policy and Procedures and this Guide are intended to encourage such reporting.  We recognize that since the consequences of such action can be very serious, this can be a difficult step for anyone to take.  But it must be done!  This Guide provides key information including the necessary measures that will promote such reporting when knowledge or reasonable suspicion of abuse is discovered.
 
A. Defining Child Abuse
The Commonwealth of Virginia defines child abuse as: “Any child under 18 years of age whose parent or any person responsible for his or her care, causes or threatens to cause a non-accidental physical or mental injury; has a child present during the manufacture or attempted manufacture of a controlled substance or during the unlawful sale of such substance where such activity would constitute a felony violation; neglects or refuses to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, emotional nurturing, or health care; abandons the child; neglects or refuses to provide adequate supervision in relation to a child’s age and level of development; knowingly leaves a child alone in the same dwelling with a person, not related by blood or marriage, who has been convicted of an offense against a minor for which registration is required as a violent sexual offender; or commits or allows to be committed any illegal sexual act upon a child, including incest, rape, indecent exposure, prostitution, or allows a child to be used in any sexually explicit visual material” (Code of Virginia, § 63.2-100).
 
B. Who Must Report
1. Mandated reporting requirements differ from state to state.  In most cases involving spiritual counsel and confidentiality, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, pastors and clergy are not considered mandated reporters. In other words, they are not legally required or liable for reporting child abuse, either suspected or confessed.  Although Virginia law does not include clergy as mandated reporters, it is the policy of CEFC that all pastoral staff must report.

2. In addition, “persons 18 years or older associated with or employed by any public or private organization responsible for the care, custody, and control of children” are considered mandated reporters (Code of Virginia § 63.2-1509).  Therefore, anyone serving in children’s (including nursery) or youth ministry is a mandated reporter.  In the event of witnessed, suspected, or confessed child abuse, a mandated reporter has 24 hours to file a report directly with FCPD or CPS. If the witnessing party, for some reason cannot make a direct report, such a report can be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon of the church, or a ministry leader, such as the CMD or a Titus Two Team member. These church leaders are then responsible for reporting to FCPD or CPS within twenty-four hours and they must report back to the person reporting to them that they have reported to those authorities. Every effort should be made to make direct report to FCPD or CPS before reporting to another church leader.

3. These church leaders are not only required by this policy to report suspected child abuse, but must also inform the person “who made the initial report when the report of suspected child abuse or neglect is made to the local department (FCPD) or to the department’s (CPS) toll-free child abuse and neglect hotline, and of the name of the individual receiving the report, and shall forward any communication resulting from the report, including any information about any actions taken regarding the report, to the person who made the initial report” (Code of Virginia § 63.2-1509).  At the same time, an individual doesn’t need to be a mandated reporter in order to contact FCPD or CPS.  
 
4. In summary, the church expects that anyone with any knowledge or reasonable suspicion of child abuse has a moral and ethical responsibility to report that to FCPD or CPS. If the witnessing party, for some reason cannot make a direct report, then such a report can be made to a Pastor, Elder, or Deacon of the church, or a ministry leader, such as the CMD or a Titus Two Team member, who then has the responsibility to report.

C. How to Report
1. In the event that you suspect child abuse, whether you’ve witnessed it, it has been confessed to you, or an accusation has been made, you have 24 hours to contact FCPD or CPS:
     § FCPD, non-emergency – (703) 691-2131
     § Virginia CPS, in-state: (800) 552-7096; out-of-state: (804) 786-8536, or for hearing impaired: (800) 828-1120.  CPS also provides a 24/7 hotline with additional information.  

2. In the event that abuse is witnessed, the care and safety of the victim is the first priority, followed by immediate reporting as described under “Who Must Report.”
 
3. After you report suspected child abuse, the church expects that you will contact any of the Pastors or the Elders so that we can provide pastoral support to everyone involved through this process. The Pastor and the Elders will engage the Titus Two Team, as needed. CEFC leadership will do its best to address the situation in an appropriate manner consistent with the standards of Scripture, legal requirements, and the protection of the alleged victim of abuse.
 
4. Those involved in reporting an incident should document all efforts at handling the incident, including dates and names of those consulted.

5. The Elders will ensure the incident is reported to the church's insurance company and will seek legal advice, as appropriate.

F. Glossary of Terms

For purposes of these policies and procedures, the following terms apply or are provided for clarity.
Adult - All individuals 18 years of age or older
Approved Ministry Worker - an individual who has successfully completed the criteria defined in CPPP §B.1-3 above and is thus approved to minister to children or support ministry to children at CEFC. For the purpose of this policy, this term applies to all paid CEFC staff, contractors, and volunteers. NB: This term refers specifically to those who are serving in ministry to children at CEFC, not all who serve in any ministry capacity whatsoever at CEFC.
CEFC - Cornerstone, an Evangelical Free Church.
Child – All individuals, newborn through 12th grade. The term includes the plural use of “children.”
Child Abuse and Neglect - An abused or neglected child is one whose parent or custodian creates, inflicts, allows, or threatens physical or mental injury (other than by accidental means). In addition, abuse or neglect has occurred when the parent or custodian:
          § creates a risk of death, disfigurement, or impairment;
          § neglects or refuses to provide the care that is necessary for the child's health (unless being treated according to practices of a recognized religion); or
          § allows a sexual act to be committed against the child.
An abused or neglected child may also be one whose parent or guardian is absent or whose parent is mentally or physically unable to provide care. The definition also applies to unborn children when pregnant mothers abuse drugs or alcohol.
Children’s Ministries - Ministry to children, newborn through 6th Grade
Church Administrator - Administrator of secure files and other office related areas
Contracted Workers/Contractors – Someone that is hired to perform work, such as a worker paid to perform nursery coordinator duties or to perform security duties. Not a member of the CEFC staff.
Crimes of Violence - Defined by the Code of Virginia, this term applies to and includes any of the following crimes or an attempt to commit any of the same, namely, murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, rape, mayhem, assault with intent to maim, disable, disfigure or kill, robbery, burglary, housebreaking, breaking and entering and larceny.
Elders – The oversight of this church is vested in the Pastor and Elders. Oversight of the church includes devotion to prayer and to the ministry of God's Word, shepherding of God's flock, and ministry of managing the church.
Deacons – Deacons are officers of the church elected by the congregation and accountable to the Elders who act as servants supporting and facilitating the church's various ministries.
Kids’ Worship – The class for children, K-3rd Grade, which takes place during the Worship service.
Ministry Leaders – These qualified leaders are appointed by the Elders and affirmed by the congregation to assist the Pastor and Elders with evangelizing unbelievers and discipling believers to maturity in Christ. Currently, appointed ministry leaders include Music Director, Children’s Ministry Director (CMD), International Students Ministry Director(s), African Evangelist and Titus 2 Team. Ministry Leaders report to and are under the direct oversight of the Pastor and Elders.
Officers – Officers of the church include the Pastor (chief executive officer of the church), Elders (includes chairman and vice chairman of the church, appointed by the elders), Deacons, and other appointed officers: Secretary and Vice Secretary of the congregation and Treasurer and Vice Treasurer.
Pastor/Lead Pastor – The lead pastor of CEFC. Responsible for the proclamation of God’s Word, he provides church leadership as undershepherd and servant. As the chief executive officer of the church, he attends to the day-to-day management of the church. He participates with the Elders in exercising oversight over the church. The other pastoral staff and church office staff are responsible to the Pastor.
Prospective Ministry Worker - an individual who desires to minister to children or support ministry to children at CEFC but has not yet completed the criteria defined in CPPP §B.1-3 above, and thus is not yet allowed to serve in this ministry. NB: This refers to those who desire to minister to children at CEFC, not to all who desire to serve in any ministry whatsoever at CEFC.
Sexual Misconduct - This term includes:
     § Child sexual abuse - any contact, communication, activity, relation or interaction between a minor and an adult when the minor is being used for the sexual stimulation or gratification of the adult or of a third person. The behavior may or may not involve physical contact. Non-physical behavior, verbal and electronic communication, including, but not limited to, texts and emails, is also covered under this definition. All sexual behavior between a minor and an adult is deemed to be the result of force, threat or intimidation whether or not consented to by the minor, and is deemed to harm the physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health or well-being of the minor.
     § Sexual harassment - unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal, written, electronic, or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:
a.) Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or a condition of an individual's employment or their continued status in an institution;
          b.) Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual; or
          c.) Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.
     § Sexual misbehavior - conduct exhibited by obscene or suggestive verbal or non-verbal language or actions, unacceptable visual contact, unwelcome touching or fondling, possession on church property of pornographic or sexually graphic materials, accessing pornographic or sexually graphic web sites on church property that is offensive or injurious to the physical or emotional health of another.
     § Sexual malfeasance - sexual conduct that occurs within a ministerial or professional relationship. Sexual malfeasance includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This definition is not meant to cover relationships between spouses, nor is it meant to restrict church professionals from engaging with other consenting adults in mutual, social, intimate, or marital relationships.
Youth Ministry – Ministry to children 7th through 12th grade, sometimes also referred to as student ministry

Child Protection Policies and Procedures
Acknowledgement and Agreement

I have read, understood, and agree to abide by Cornerstone’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures and the Guide to Reporting Child Abuse.

Appendix #2: Incident/Accident Report Form

The following information must be completed each time an individual is injured or is involved in an incident of concern.  The senior leader of the age group (CMD for children birth-6th Grade, Associate Pastor for children 7th-12th Grade, for example) must be informed of all of the details of the incident.  Please fill in the questions below as completely as possible.


Appendix #4:
EFCA Statement of Faith

  1. God. 
    We believe in one God, Creator of all things, holy, infinitely perfect, and eternally existing in a loving unity of three equally divine Persons: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Having limitless knowledge and sovereign power, God has graciously purposed from eternity to redeem a people for Himself and to make all things new for His own glory. 
  2. The Bible.
    We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.
  3. The Human Condition.
    We believe that God created Adam and Eve in His image, but they sinned when tempted by Satan. In union with Adam, human beings are sinners by nature and by choice, alienated from God, and under His wrath. Only through God’s saving work in Jesus Christ can we be rescued, reconciled and renewed. 
  4. Jesus Christ.
    We believe that Jesus Christ is God incarnate, fully God and fully man, one Person in two natures. Jesus—Israel's promised Messiah—was conceived through the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. He lived a sinless life, was crucified under Pontius Pilate, arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father as our High Priest and Advocate. 
  5. The Work of Christ. 
    We believe that Jesus Christ, as our representative and substitute, shed His blood on the cross as the perfect, all-sufficient sacrifice for our sins. His atoning death and victorious resurrection constitute the only ground for salvation.
  6. The Holy Spirit. 
    We believe that the Holy Spirit, in all that He does, glorifies the Lord Jesus Christ. He convicts the world of its guilt. He regenerates sinners, and in Him they are baptized into union with Christ and adopted as heirs in the family of God. He also indwells, illuminates, guides, equips and empowers believers for Christ-like living and service.
  7. The Church.
    We believe that the true church comprises all who have been justified by God's grace through faith alone in Christ alone. They are united by the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ, of which He is the Head. The true church is manifest in local churches, whose membership should be composed only of believers. The Lord Jesus mandated two ordinances, baptism and the Lord’s Supper, which visibly and tangibly express the gospel. Though they are not the means of salvation, when celebrated by the church in genuine faith, these ordinances confirm and nourish the believer. 
  8. The Christian Life. 
    We believe that God's justifying grace must not be separated from His sanctifying power and purpose. God commands us to love Him supremely and others sacrificially, and to live out our faith with care for one another, compassion toward the poor and justice for the oppressed. With God’s Word, the Spirit’s power, and fervent prayer in Christ’s name, we are to combat the spiritual forces of evil. In obedience to Christ’s commission, we are to make disciples among all people, always bearing witness to the gospel in word and deed. 
  9. The Return of Christ. 
    We believe in the personal, bodily and glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ. The coming of Christ, at a time known only to God, demands constant expectancy and, as our blessed hope, motivates the believer to godly living, sacrificial service and energetic mission.
  10. Response and Eternal Destiny.
    We believe that God commands everyone everywhere to believe the gospel by turning to Him in repentance and receiving the Lord Jesus Christ. We believe that God will raise the dead bodily and judge the world, assigning the unbeliever to condemnation and eternal conscious punishment and the believer to eternal blessedness and joy with the Lord in the new heaven and the new earth, to the praise of His glorious grace. Amen.

Appendix #5:
Possible Questions for Interviews

  1. Why are you interested in this position? 
  2. Do you have a preference concerning the age group of children with whom you work? 
  3. What was it like growing up in your family of origin?  What did you see modeled well?   
  4. Please share your philosophy regarding discipline. 
  5. Tell us about any experiences that have been difficult for you when working with children and how you handled it. 
  6. What churches have you attended in the last 5 years? 
  7. Are you a member of Cornerstone?  Would you like to seek membership? 
  8. Do you have questions or concerns about working with children at Cornerstone?
Submit