Safe Church, Safe Communities

Joshua Hosler • July 18, 2024

Our leaders must always be prepared to protect the vulnerable.

At Good Shepherd, we are committed to train our leaders to maintain an environment safe from abuse. The Episcopal Church requires an online training called Safe Church, Safe Communities. The following leaders must take this course:


  • Clergy
  • Staff
  • Vestry members
  • Keyholders
  • Eucharistic visitors
  • All who work with children regularly


All told, it takes several hours to complete this training regimen, though the nine modules can be spread out over time. Those whose previous training is still current do not need to take this now. The Good Shepherd office will contact you directly if you need to re-up or take the training for the first time. In the meantime, any and all are welcome to be trained; you can expect to find the training valuable for many reasons.


Here’s how to take these courses:



* Please note that the “Mandated Reporter” module contains videos that might be especially triggering to victims of abuse. It is OK to absorb the content of this module without watching the videos.


You must take all nine of these modules to complete your training. When you receive each certification, please forward it to Parish Administrator Evan Hershman so he can log your certification. You are welcome to take any of the other available courses available on the site as well—not just the nine required of you.


By Joshua Hosler August 3, 2025
Make a habit of getting rid of some of your money. Unburden yourself and repair some of the damage done by previous generations.
By Joshua Hosler July 27, 2025
We always create God in our image, rather than the other way around. We don’t have any other choice. We can only work with what we know.
By Joshua Hosler July 20, 2025
Mary sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to his teachings. This is her core work—not the endless little tasks piling up in the next room.
By Joshua Hosler July 13, 2025
"We are now being faced with a series of choices between the demands of the federal government and the teachings of Jesus, and that is no choice at all." - The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church
By Joshua Hosler July 6, 2025
It's easy to pray that this chapter of history will pass us by. It will not.
By Joshua Hosler July 2, 2025
Eleven kids with amazing voices
By Joshua Hosler July 1, 2025
When the world becomes overwhelming, seek the ordinary.
By Joshua Hosler June 15, 2025
The Trinity is not just an idea about God, but an experience of God and an invitation to a dance.
By Joshua Hosler June 8, 2025
Don't you dare fit in. Belong ... in all your uniqueness.
By Joshua Hosler June 4, 2025
Just how wide open are our arms? Pride month is a good time to search our hearts for that answer.
More Posts