Across the North American Division (NAD), ministry leaders are working to form strong communities and share the Gospel with others. This extraordinary work comes with extraordinary opportunities: brand new building projects, renovations, and the implementation of new technologies and initiatives. In a recent article in Adventist Review (November 12, 2024), Becky St. Clair reported that in the last decade, the NAD added 400 new congregations to its number, bringing the total to nearly 6,700 churches.
With opportunities, however, come challenges. Our ministries do not exist in a perfect world, and the year ahead presents an increasing slew of threats: active shooter situations, severe weather, cyberattacks, liability issues — all things that threaten ministry. According to a recent report by the Enterprise Risk Management Initiative, Sameer Ansari, Protiviti Global Security & Privacy lead, warns how there are also serious, growing long-term risks associated with artificial intelligence, cloud, and quantum computing.
These challenges can be overwhelming, and new safety practices can seem like an extra stressor for an already overwhelmed ministry. But, every challenge represents an opportunity for new, unprecedented growth. Safer ministries are better able to prevent losses, minimize harm, and foster recovery, because they are better connected, trustworthy, vibrant communities. Safe ministries are resilient.
And, the results of leaning into safety culture are already taking root. In every effort we take to build a safer ministry — every training, drill, response plan, every impulse to raise awareness — the seeds for a safer, more vital ministry are planted. In Kansas, tornado preparedness and response brought churches in an at-risk district closer together as they worked to help their community. Active shooter trainings are equipping congregations with effective protection strategies, and congregations gain confidence as a unit when they are prepared for the worst.
Why You Must Build a Culture of Safe Ministry
At Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM), we define a culture of safety as the beliefs and practices that form a safe community. At a deeper level, a culture of safety springs from a community motivated by — and living according to — a culture of care. The biblical essence of risk management and safety is stewardship. The Greek word for stewardship — oikonomos — literally translates as management of the affairs of a home. In our ministry or spiritual home, safety of our Church — or ministry — family is a priority, and we must honor the people and resources in our ministry because they belong to God. “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation…,”
2 Corinthians 5:18 NKJV.
Ministry calls us to care for our people and resources. We can seek to honor the image of God in each member, and our resources can be used appropriately to glorify Him. Unfortunately, when the safeguards are not in place, children can be harmed, damaged buildings can disrupt operations, and loss can occur. All of these challenges can paralyze ministries. Therefore, the quality of our safety practices can mean the difference between an at-risk ministry or a prepared, resilient ministry. It can mean the difference between exorbitant losses or a culture of safety and risk management, helping our ministries flourish.
A culture of safety also strengthens community and makes ministries more effective. Cody Martin, founder of the Risk Strategy Group, emphasizes how, for churches, the benefits of safety extend beyond the obvious. Safe congregations are more attractive communities and encourage others to join. This is because safe church spaces create a worry-free environment, deter potential threats, and build trust.
Informed and Responsive Leadership
The idea that every community desires to feel safe is basic. However, too often, good intentions do not translate into good results. The importance of safety practices can sometimes become apparent only after it is too late. This is why intentional leadership must start with informed leadership. “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety,” Proverbs 11:14-15 NKJV.
Informed leadership begins with education: effective trainings as well as background checks and inspections. By staying informed on best safety practices and identifying the risks, ministries put in place safeguards that protect vulnerabilities. Through regular safety assessments and evaluations, ministries can prevent or monitor potential threats and proceed with confidence. And, they can invest their energies and resources into what really matters: mission.
If informed leadership is the root of safety culture, responsive leadership is its fruit. Whether you are a pastor, teacher, safety officer, or greeter, responsive leadership demands strong communication. Responsive ministries thrive when they hold regular safety committee meetings, promptly report incidents or concerns, and evaluate their growth. Strong community hinges on strong communication.
The motivation for community-wide, safety-focused communication is, of course, a culture of care. Communities are interdependent and communicating vulnerabilities benefit the whole.
A Growing New Movement
On the frontlines of ministry are leaders and lay people who make tangible efforts to sow the seeds for safe ministries and participate in a new movement: a culture of care. Last spring, Adventist Risk Management met with Deputy Sherriff Karl Burnett of Prince George’s County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland. After the devastating Sandy Hook shooting, Burnett felt emboldened to use his skills to further his training and bring life-saving knowledge to others. According to Burnett, “The national average for law enforcement response to active shooter situations is five to six minutes. Someone with an automatic weapon or handgun can fire rounds in a matter of seconds.” He formed an institute, Sig7 Training, and with hands-on trainings delivers the practical skills necessary to survive active shooter situations in schools, churches, and federal buildings.
Francois Erasmus, pastor and Adventist Community Service representative for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, also spoke with ARM’s Solutions newsletter last year. Erasmus, who responded to two tornadoes, both of which affected his community in Eureka, Kansas, said, “The disaster is only going to last a couple minutes. It’s what comes afterward that presents big challenges — continuing ministry without electricity.” He shared how these crises can be powerful community builders and turn challenges into opportunities. The other biggest challenge Erasmus emphasized is identifying the safety of church members. If channels of communication are strong, a robust safety plan will allow the safety committee to verify member safety through member records, messaging apps, and home visits.
Both stories above illustrate the value of a culture of safety. This effort understands that the well-being of one is important to the wellbeing of all. The value of a comprehensive ethic of care is also illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep. Christ leaves the 99 sheep to find one, because one’s vulnerability is as important as the 99. If we are to follow Christ, the safety of each community member is equally important.
How Do You Start?
Getting started with proper risk management practices can seem daunting, but it is doable. Whether you are just starting out or wanting to get up-to-date with the latest resources, here are three simple steps every ministry can take to safeguard its assets:
1. Access our trainings and resources (refer to sidebar)
Adventist Risk Management makes it a top priority to create up-to-date, accessible resources and trainings. We’ve sought industry experts and ministry leaders to connect you with critical information tailored for your ministry needs. Our free Risk Training Center (link in sidebar) is an excellent, comprehensive place to start.
2. Form a safety committee
A safety committee is a group of trained ministry leaders (administrative, communication, security, medical) who are dedicated to ensuring that safety practices and risk management plans are properly put into place.
3. Develop an emergency response plan
An emergency response plan allows your safety committee to tailor and update a plan that will effectively protect and respond to risks facing your ministry. Key steps include identifying risks, creating an action plan, and implementing and regularly reviewing plan.
In 2025, Adventist Risk Management, Inc., wants to help your ministry thrive in a culture of safety. We want to equip you with all the tools you need to create and cultivate a well-protected ministry. There are many concerning developments in the risk management landscape, and it may be tempting to respond with anxiety or avoidance. But time and time again, Scripture reminds us to have no fear. Through faith and the vigilance of leaders and lay people like you, your ministries can be well-prepared to face whatever is to come.
Adventist Risk Management, Inc.
Adventist Risk Management, Inc., works with industry experts and ministry leaders to create accessible resources and learning experiences. Here’s where you can access them.
SAFETY RESOURCES
Access unlimited infosheets, articles, checklists, and forms with our resources page.
Select relevant topics. https://adventistrisk.org/en-US/Safety-Resources
RISK TRAINING CENTER
Enroll in our Risk Training Center for pastors, educators, and safety officers.
https://adventistrisk.org/en-US/safety-resources/risk-training-center
SAFETY SABBATH
Safety Sabbath® is an opportunity to Seventh-day Adventist churches to practice a drill and make a culture of safety a congregation-wide event.
https://adventistrisk.org/en-US/safety-resources/safety-sabbath
Konstantin Kulakov, M.A., is the communication specialist for Adventist Risk Management.
Southern Union | March 2025
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