After serving for nearly 19 years in next gen ministry, I’ve watched firsthand how our approach to creating secure environments has developed. We have moved from providing helpful guidelines and background checks toward intensive policies, vetting processes, and training sessions. Here’s the good news—you don’t have to have everything perfectly figured out from day one. What matters most is that you plant that stake in the ground. You make the commitment. You decide that creating secure environments is going to be non-negotiable for your ministry moving forward. 

Before jumping into practical steps, let me share why this has become such a priority for us. God deeply values children. Scripture shows us that children are created in His image (Genesis 1:27), that they’re gifts from God (Psalm 127:3), and that Jesus values them tremendously (Matthew 18:10). 

 

As ministry leaders, we’ve been called to be shepherds, and shepherds protect their flock. That protection becomes even more important when it comes to our most vulnerable—our kids and students. 

 

Let’s remember what we’re really here for—our purpose as a church is to engage the whole person with the whole gospel of Jesus Christ. In next gen ministry specifically, we’re trying to create environments where kids and students can hear and respond to that gospel without distraction. As Brian mentioned in our conversations about this topic, “Part of our role as shepherds in this congregation is to protect the flock… so that nothing distracts them from hearing the gospel.” 

 

When parents are worried about their child’s safety, they can’t focus on worship or their own spiritual growth. When children don’t feel safe, they’re not open to hearing about Jesus’ love. When ministry leaders are operating without clear boundaries, they can’t fully invest in discipleship. It’s about creating spaces where the gospel can be heard clearly, without the enormous distraction that comes when trust is broken. We’ve got to come alongside families in this, providing ministry environments that allow the gospel to take center stage because everything else—including safety—has been thoughtfully addressed. 

At Brentwood Baptist, we have implemented a comprehensive screening process for anyone working with children that includes things like an application, awareness trainings, interviews with staff and lay leaders, background and reference checks. Additionally, a volunteer must attend our church for six months before being eligible to serve. This waiting period gives us time to get to know potential volunteers before entrusting them with the care of children. 

 

We also take the time to train all staff members and volunteers on our policies and have them sign an acknowledgment form indicating they understand and agree to comply with our requirements. This creates accountability and ensures everyone is operating from the same playbook. 

The biggest collision we face is figuring out how to create secure environments while still doing effective ministry. So where do you start when resources are limited? Here are five manageable first steps: 

 

1. Make the commitment. This is where it all begins. Have that honest conversation with your team and say, “We’re going to create secure environments for our kids and students, period.” That commitment doesn’t cost anything, but it sets the foundation for everything else. I promise you—it will be challenging at times, but it’s absolutely worth it. 

 

2. Start with basic check-in/check-out procedures. Even if it’s just a simple paper sign-in sheet or basic name tags, having a clear system creates immediate accountability. You can upgrade to fancy electronic systems later, but what matters most is consistency. Our policy states: “A child may be released ONLY to an individual authorized to receive that child.” This simple rule can dramatically improve safety. 

 

3. Establish your two-adult standard. This is non-negotiable: no adult, age 18 or older, should ever be alone with a child or student. So create safe guards to make sure this rule is always followed. Maybe this means having floaters to walk the hallways in case a leader needs to step out, or just always have more than two volunteers present in the room.  

 

4. Write down your basic expectations. You don’t need an elaborate policy manual to start, just create a one-page document that outlines your core commitments. Having something in writing helps communicate to parents and volunteers that you’re serious about creating secure environments. 

I’ve heard the pushback, believe me: “How do we do relational ministry with all these policies?” That’s a fair question. When we first implemented stronger policies, some of our leaders struggled with the adjustment. A few even stepped away temporarily. 

But here’s what we’ve learned—ministry actually thrives within appropriate boundaries. Relationships deepen when built on trust and transparency. Discipleship flourishes in environments where expectations are clear. Parents are enormously grateful for the effort, and leaders eventually adapt to the new normal. 

 

 

John 10:10 reminds us that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy. By creating secure ministry spaces, we’re standing against those who would steal innocence, kill mission, and destroy lives. 

 

So wherever you are in your journey, take that next step today. You don’t have to have everything figured out—you just need to start where you are and keep moving forward. I promise you that it’s worth the effort. The safety of our children and the effectiveness of our ministry depend on it.