Safe Church Training
By providing a Safe Church training program, we assist congregations and other bodies to promote high standards of ethical behaviour and care for all, especially for children and others in vulnerable circumstances. Our training is part of the LCA’s commitment to reflecting God’s love through the way we treat each other and those who come into contact with our church.
Safe Church Training
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Role |
| ✔ | ✔ | Pastor |
| ✔ | ✔ | General Church Board member |
| ✔ | ✔ | Board chair/council chair or their representative |
| ✔ | ✔ | Safe Church Coordinator, ministry leader, person in key decision-making position (e.g. Sunday school superintendent) |
| ✔ | ✔ | Member of Lutheran Church of New Zealand Council of Synod |
| (✔) | (✔) | Employee/volunteer, where and as specified in their position description |
| ✔ | Pastor emeritus in active service | |
| ✔ | Board member/council member/committee member/district or general synod delegate | |
| ✔ | Chaplain/elder/pastoral assistant/lay reader/lay worship leader | |
| ✔ | Person (paid or volunteer) who engages with children or vulnerable persons as part of their ministry/position | |
| (✔) | Congregation members welcome (not required) |
- All Safe Church Training is valid for three years
- The suggested order for Safe Church Training is to complete Level 1 – Induction & Safeguarding (or provide evidence of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)) within the last three years before commencing Level 2.
Level 1
Available as self-paced online training (iLearn) or a live online webinar (dates as advertised below).
To receive accreditation for Level 1 both modules require completion - please allow approximately 180 minutes.
1. Induction
Covers the LCANZ Standards of Ethical Behaviour and our legal rights and responsibilities when we are working or volunteering in ministry.
2. Safeguarding
Covers working with vulnerable adults and children and creating safe environments that support safe ministry. Includes reporting of abuse and neglect.
Level 2
Available as self-paced online training (iLearn) or a live online webinar (dates as advertised below).
Designed for those in governance roles or key leadership in children’s ministries.
Covers more detailed safety responsibilities including risk management and the use of SMO (Safety Management Online).
This session is approximately 90 minutes.
Easier enrolment for Safe Church training
In response to feedback about the enrolment process for self-paced online Safe Church training modules, new enrolment forms will be available on the Safe Church training webpage from 6 October 2026.
Read more
Connected in Christ
Technology can never replace face-to-face community, but it can help strengthen connections, share resources and support ministry. Read how seven LCANZ ministries are using digital tools to engage people in faith and mission.
Read more
Safe Church training: easier than you think
Safe Church training can sometimes feel like yet another item on a long to-do list. But for Lorraine, who recently completed the training online, the experience was simpler and more informative than she expected.
Read more
Is your Safe Church training up to date?
As 2026 begins, now is a timely opportunity to review Safe Church requirements and ensure that you – and members of your congregation – are compliant.
Read more
‘Being a light in the darkness’
For Liz Ewers, the LCANZ’s Safe Church Support Partner, working with children has been more than a career – it’s been her lifelong calling. Guided by her faith and decades of experience in early childhood education and care, Liz is helping LCANZ congregations make our churches safer places for all.
Read moreRegistration
Safe Church Training needs to be refreshed every three years. The same training suits you whether this is your first time or you are renewing.
There are two ways to complete it – self-paced online, or a live online webinar. Both lead to the same accreditation, so choose whichever suits you better.
Level 1 is for everyone serving or volunteering in a congregation. Level 2 builds on Level 1 for those in governance and senior leadership – complete Level 1 first, or provide evidence of Recognition of Prior Learning.
Everyone taking part must register individually with their own email address, including people attending as a group, so that your participation can be credited.
Not sure which option to choose? Please contact the Safe Church Service Desk – safechurch@lca.org.au or 1800 418 588.
Option 1 – Self-paced online training (iLearn)
Option 2 – Live online webinar (Zoom)
Uncomfortable topics
Some topics covered in the Safe Church training may raise sensitivities for you.
Before engaging in this training, please ensure you have a trusted person you can talk to about such topics. This might be a friend or a medical professional. The free helplines to the right may also be useful.
If you are feeling apprehensive about attempting any part of the Safe Church training, you are certainly welcome to get in touch with the Professional Standards team to figure out the best training approach for you and your individual circumstances.
You can find contact details on our Professional Standards homepage.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Prior learning is currently recognised in relation to Level 1 training requirements.
Level 1: Induction
Lutheran Education Australia’s course for staff in Lutheran schools, Valuing Safe Communities, is recognised as aligning with Safe Church Level 1: Induction.
Level 1: Safeguarding
In relation to this part of the Level 1 training, there is recognition of other similar courses in the area of safeguarding.
If you would like more information about recognition of prior learning, please contact the Professional Standards team.
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