Safe Church Policy

(Updated November 2025)

I. Policy Prohibiting Abuse, Exploitation and Harassment

As a community of Christian faith, Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas is committed to creating and maintaining programs, facilities and a community in which members, friends, staff and volunteers can worship, learn and work together in an atmosphere free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, exploitation or intimidation. All persons associated with Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas should be aware that the church is strongly opposed to all power-based violence including, but not limited to sexual exploitation, assault and harassment, and that such behavior is prohibited by church policy. It is the intention of the church to take action in an attempt to prevent and correct behavior that is contrary to this policy and, if necessary, to discipline those persons who violate this policy.

II. Appropriate Conduct

It is important that every church employee and volunteer understand the ways in which their use or misuse of authority may impact others. It is the policy of Northwest Community Church, UCC to encourage its employees and leaders to nurture safety by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources. Power-based violence in any form is unethical behavior and will not be tolerated within this congregation.​

III. Power-Based Violence

Interpersonal violence takes many forms. All forms of interpersonal violence are rooted in the assertion of an individual exerting power and control over another. The term power-based violence recognizes that categorizing any individual instance of violence is not necessary. This further recognizes that violence is always the responsibility of the individual causing harm and never a result of the actions of the victim. In 2023 the State of Nevada codified a definition of power-based violence in NRS 396.1285. “Power-based violence” means any form of interpersonal violence intended to control, intimidate or harm another person through the assertion of power over the person. The term includes, without limitation:
1. Dating violence;
2. Domestic violence;
3. Family violence;
4. Gender-based violence
5. Violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression;
6. Sexual assault
7. Sexual harassment;
8. Sexual exploitation;
9. Stalking; or
10. The observation of another person who is naked or engaging in sexual activity without his or her consent, including without limitation, voyeurism.​

IV. Background and Registry Checks

CORE leadership will conduct all background and registry checks of employees, CORE members, and volunteers serving with vulnerable populations. Employees, CORE Members, and volunteers requiring checks will submit disclosure forms as necessary to authorize the following checks:
● Federal Sex Offender Registry (nsopw.gov)
● Nevada State Sex Offender Registry (nvsexoffenders.gov)
● A background check of criminal history conducted by a third party vendor selected by the Core leadership team.

If negative information is found in a background check the following steps will be taken:

● The person who conducted the background check will share the information with the moderator of Core who will bring it to the full Core leadership team in a closed meeting.
● The individual will be given an opportunity to provide context to the situation.
● Core will make an individual decision about the individual’s suitability to serve in the position they are seeking. Factors influencing the decision may include but are not limited to:
○ Type of offense (violent, non-violent, financial, drug possession)
○ Date of offense
○ Mitigating circumstances
○ Actions following conviction
○ How crime relates to the position the individual is seeking

If, at any point in their service to the church, an employee, CORE member or volunteer is involved in an incident that would have changed their status in any of these checks it is their responsibility to report it immediately to the CORE leadership team and cease church duties until a determination has been made by CORE.

V. Additional Requirements for Those Volunteering with Vulnerable Populations

Northwest Community Church is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment in which all people can learn about and experience God’s love. Recognizing that anyone can experience abuse and that abuse is not confined to any gender, gender expression, age or ability level we also recognize that certain populations experience abuse at a higher level. We are called to take measures to protect these individuals from potential harm. These vulnerable populations include, but are not limited to:
● Children and youth;
● Individuals with disabilities including both intellectual and physical disabilities;
and
● Elderly individuals.

In operation of this commitment to safety we have established the following guidelines in addition to the general requirements for ministry to the church volunteers serving with vulnerable populations will:
● Have been members of Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas for at least six months or, if not members, have been regularly associated with Northwest Community Church, Las Vegas for at least a year.
● Receive orientation regarding safe church policies and procedures.

Always serve in teams of no fewer than two unrelated adults, youth over the age of 16 may assist an unrelated adult in supervising children and youth activities but will not be included in the child: adult ratio. Additionally, written consent of a parent or guardian is required for any minor for all:
● Activities off church property
● Overnight activities
● Photographs that will be included in publications or electronic media including the church website

VI. Violation of the Safe Church Policy

In the event that a violation of the Safe Church policy is discovered the following steps will be taken:
● The first member of the Core leadership team or church staff who is aware of the violation will inform the individual identified as causing harm to cease activities related to their position until an investigation is complete and Core communicates a decision about next steps.
● Core leadership will work with the person who was harmed to follow their wishes about reporting and connection to resources. However in specific cases Core may determine that reporting is necessary even though the person harmed does not want the report to be made.
● If appropriate and necessary, the individual with the most information about the violation will follow mandated reporting guidelines for child or elder abuse. If this is necessary, all parties will be informed that the report is required and will be made.
● If the individual who was harmed, or their parent or guardian, would like police involvement, Core leadership will assist in calling the police, making reports, and participating in all investigations.
● Moderator of Core, or their designee, will create a full report of the violation after discussing the situation with all individuals who were involved. If a minor is involved they may choose to speak only with the child’s parent or guardian. In all situations there will be a “Start by Believing” mentality, in which those who have been harmed will be believed and not treated as if they bear responsibility for mistreatment and abuse.
● A special, closed meeting of Core and Clergy will be held to discuss the violation and next steps. Following the meeting all decisions will be shared with the individuals involved.
●The process and details of the situation will be kept in confidentiality, and specific details will not be shared with the larger congregation and / or church community. It may be appropriate to address the church community about the situation – acknowledging that it happened and what the outcome is – but specific details will not be shared publicly or with individuals not directly involved.