The Safe Spaces Ministry serves to ensure that policies and procedures necessary for keeping ministry safe in order for sacred space to be created are developed, reviewed, appropriately presented and training provided for members of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference. The work of the committee is funded through apportionment giving as allocated through the CCOCM budget on an annual basis. The CCOCM and the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Board of Ordained Ministry work collaboratively to guide this vital ministry.
Safe Spaces Ministry is committed to creating Safe Spaces that become Sacred Spaces with the ministries of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference. This ministry includes the following teams:
Healthy Boundaries/Sexual Ethics
Safe Sanctuaries
Conference Response Team
Chair: Rev. Terry Carty
Safe Spaces Downloadable Resources
TEAM
Healthy Boundaries/Sexual Ethics Team – guides the portion of the Safe Spaces Ministry tasked with reviewing policies and implementing training opportunities in the best practices to create and maintain healthy boundaries for ministry.
Safe Sanctuaries Team – guides the portion of the Safe Spaces Ministry tasked with reviewing policies and implementing training opportunities in the best practices to protect children, youth, and vulnerable adults participating in ministry as well as those who serve in ministry in these populations.
Conference Response Team – members are trained advocates who provide care and pastoral support for both those experiencing situations requiring a trained advocate as well as those accused of perpetrating situations that would require a trained advocate. The role of the Conference Response Team is one of care-giving, not investigation. Conference Response Team Coordinator – Rev. Lanita Monroe, Fairfield Glade UMC, (931) 484-3473
The Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference of the United Methodist Church has partnered with