Safe Ministry

At Southside Bible Church we take seriously the Bible’s call to protect people from harm and to care for those who are most at risk. We want our church to be a place of love and safety for everyone. This includes children and young people, the elderly, people with disabilities, people facing mental health challenges, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and others who may find it harder to protect themselves.

We want everyone in our church to be informed about their rights, to be listened to, and to feel safe raising a concern.

Our policies

Safe Ministry Policy

Sets out our commitment to child safety and to protecting vulnerable people. It covers how we screen and train leaders, how we run safe programs, and how we respond to concerns. Anyone serving in a personal or relational role, including with children and youth, must provide referees, complete safe ministry training, agree to our Code of Conduct and hold a current Working With Children Check where required. Last reviewed March 2026.

[Read the Safe Ministry Policy]

Policy for Recognising and Responding to Domestic Violence

Domestic violence happens in all parts of society, including churches. This policy explains how we recognise warning signs and respond with care. We put safety first, take every disclosure seriously, and don’t ask anyone to prove their story before they receive support. We refer people to specialist services, and we won’t pressure anyone to reconcile. We affirm that no reading of Scripture, including teaching on headship and submission, can justify abuse or require anyone to stay in an unsafe relationship.

[Read the Domestic Violence Policy]

Incident Reporting and Complaints Policy

Provides a fair and effective process for complaints about the conduct of our staff and volunteers. The Bible calls those who serve and lead God’s people to high standards of integrity and holiness, and concerns should be dealt with promptly and fairly. Matters of safe ministry or criminal conduct can be raised straight away. Other complaints are generally expected to follow the steps in Matthew 18 first. We comply with all legal reporting obligations.

[Read the Incident Reporting and Complaints Policy]

Look out, speak up

Look out for situations that aren’t safe, for behaviour that seems inappropriate (by anyone, including leaders), and for signs that someone may be experiencing abuse or control.

Speak up by contacting one of our Safe Ministry Contacts below. We will listen carefully and treat every concern seriously. We will protect the dignity and privacy of everyone involved, and will share information only as needed or required by law.

Safe Ministry Contacts

If you or someone else needs help now

  • Emergency (immediate danger): 000

  • 1800RESPECT (24/7): 1800 737 732, 1800respect.org.au

  • Domestic Violence Crisis Service ACT (24/7): 02 6280 0900

  • Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14

  • Children, Youth and Families (ACT): 1300 556 729

Training

We invite everyone in our church to complete the free Members Safeguarding course. It’s a short online course on what to look out for and how to speak up.
[Take the Members course]

You can also read our full statement at https://southsidebiblechurch.safeministrycheck.com.au/statement.