At First United Methodist Church Dothan, we believe in a culture dedicated to loving and protecting the most vulnerable among us and want to create safe places for people to participate in Christian community. Our Christian faith calls us to offer both hospitality and protection to our children, youth, and other vulnerable adults. To provide the safest environment possible, we adopted a Safe Sanctuaries Policy and Training Guide at our 2023 Charge Conference. This adopted policy is mandated by the United Methodist Church and is effective as of January 1, 2024. Safe Sanctuaries is dedicated to reducing the risk of abuse within the church and designed to give clear boundaries and guidelines that provide for the safety and protection of all children, youth, vulnerable adults, volunteers, and employees alike of First United Methodist Church.

At FUMC, we are committed to demonstrating the love of Jesus as we fulfill our covenant made at each child’s baptism and following safety measures in the selection, recruitment, and training of all approved staff members and volunteers. This Safe Sanctuaries policy demonstrates our absolute and unwavering commitment to the physical and emotional safety and spiritual growth of all who enter.

A background screening and training in these policies is required for everyone working with children, youth, and vulnerable adults, including our Respite and Church Party Ministries. This training is essential as we live into our calling to be a safe place for all God’s people.