Trinity United Methodist Church
Protection Policy
We at Trinity are called to create a faith community where children, youth, vulnerable adults, and those who minister with them are safe and can grow strong in their faith. To ensure this:
Trinity Has A Protection Policy
Updated most recently in August 2026, our policy is built around the idea that Christians are called to live according to the gospel of Jesus. All persons are created by God and God intends all persons to have worth and dignity in their relationships. We are a connected body and when one part of this body is injured physically, emotionally or spiritually, the entire body is rendered less than God intended. The scriptures witness to a God who brings about justice, mercy, and grace.
We see our Protection Policy as an essential act of hospitality to all children, youth, and vulnerable adults.
Click Below for Policy Documents:
We Train & Background Check Our Staff & Volunteers
All staff & volunteers who have significant contact with children, youth, and vulnerable adults are required to complete an application process which includes permission to run a background check.
Effective 2026, Trinity is using Safe Gatherings, a service recommended by the Michigan Conference, as our preferred resource for facilitating these checks. The Safe Gatherings process including registration and background checks must be completed every three years. Trinity’s in-house supplemental forms and in-person trainings should be completed on the same schedule.
We understand that the online components of this may be a barrier to some and are committed to helping you work through it. We can setup group registration/online training viewing parties here at Trinity or answer your questions via email/phone. If you need assistance with this process, contact the Trinity Office.
Each individual working with children, youth, or vulnerable adults must complete:
#1. Trinity In-Person Volunteer Training
Once a year, typically in August, Trinity hosts an in-person Protection Policy & Safety training. We review policy, best practices, reporting, volunteer requirements, safety procedures, and more. Certified staff & volunteers are required to attend once every three years. The whole congregation is invited to attend as the information can be helpful to all members.
Click Below for 2026 Training Materials:
→ Power Point Slides: August 30, 2026
An Updated Training Video will be shared soon! In the meantime, you can watch:
#2. Trinity Volunteer Interest Form
This form includes contact information, agreements, and consents. It is a fillable PDF that can be downloaded, completed, and emailed to staff. It is required for all volunteers & staff to submit a copy once every three years.
#3. Trinity Volunteer Driver Application (optional)
This form (page 4 of the Volunteer Interest Form) must be filled out if an individual will be transporting children, youth, or vulnerable adults during the course of an event. It requires a copy of a driver’s license and proof of insurance. This form is not required for all applicants.
#4. Safe Gatherings Process including:
Registration
This includes questions on personal information, contact information, ministry area, and church & volunteer history.
- Background Check
A multi-level check provided by trusted, national background check providers. - Online Training Course
Safe Gatherings includes an online abuse prevention and boundary awareness training course that is required for all applicants. It will take about 90-120 minutes to complete and includes a final assessment.
Information on how to complete the whole Safe Gatherings process can be found below:
→ Trinity Specific Link to Safe Gatherings Webpage for New Applicants
→ Link to Safe Gatherings for Renewals
→ Trinity Specific Safe Gatherings Sign Up Notes
→ Safe Gatherings Applicant Tutorial
Note: Prior to 2026, Safe Gatherings included a reference check of no fewer than three (3) written references (non-familial, not of the same household). With their change in policy, Trinity updated our procedures accordingly. Reference checks are still required for all staff at the time of hiring and may be required for certain volunteers.
Thank you for supporting us as we create a safe space for our children, youth, and vulnerable adults – as well as those that work with them.
If you have questions about the status of any of the above items or about Protection Policy at Trinity, contact Laura Johns, Director of Discipleship, at l.johns@grtumc.org.