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.
‘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 more
Safe Church training brings congregations together
Participants from across the LCANZ have shared positive feedback about the live online Safe Church training format, highlighting how the delivery model makes the training more accessible and flexible. Many have also enjoyed completing the training together in group settings.
Read more
Not all ministry looks the same
‘Ministry’ is probably not the first word people typically associate with Professional Standards. However, to Dave Biar, who recently retired after 12 years as a Professional Standards Officer for the LCA, that’s how it should be regarded.
Read more
Safe Church training restructured
In response to a restructuring of LCANZ Safe Church Training, new Professional Standards roles have been created to meet the needs of the new structure.
Read moreRegistration
Click on the accordion tabs below for more information, registration links and details.
If you are uncertain about the best option to select, or if none of the options below suit you, please contact the Safe Church Service Desk - safechurch@lca.org.au 1800 418 588
Safe Church Self-paced Online Training – registration
Safe Church Live Online Webinar
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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