Keeping Kids Safe
“Jesus said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’”
Child/Youth Protection Policy Consultation
Offered by Deacon Lexanne Graves, Pinnacle Leadership Associate
As we serve our communities, we know that creating a safe, sacred space for children is not just a legal necessity—it is a vital part of our ministry’s stewardship. However, we know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the complexities of child protection policies and volunteer training in faith communities. So let us walk alongside your faith community as we create, implement, and follow through on your individualized Child/Youth Protection Policy.
“To equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”—Ephesians 4:12
Goal
Ensuring the safety and security of our children and youth is paramount to fostering a thriving and trustworthy faith community. This training and consultation directly addresses this by focusing on the development and implementation of effective Child/Youth Protection Policies. It begins by asking: “Does our church/faith community have a Child/Youth Protection Policy with annual trainings for adult staff and volunteers?” This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about proactively mitigating risks, building trust with families, and demonstrating our unwavering commitment to the vulnerable members of our community. Pinnacle Associate Lexanne Graves will guide leaders through the process of creating a context-specific policy and provide actionable steps and outlines for putting it into practice, ultimately strengthening your ability to protect and nurture your young people. Without a clear and consistently enforced Child/Youth Protection Policy and regular training, your faith community risks failing to adequately protect vulnerable individuals, potentially leading to harm and eroding the trust of families and the wider community.
Why?
Why is this training vital?: It is highly likely that you know a child who has been or is being abused. Experts estimate that 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 6 boys are sexually abused before their 18th birthdays. 1 in 5 children are sexually solicited while on the Internet. As many as 60% are abused by people the family trusts—abusers frequently try to form a trusting relationship with parents. Those who sexually abuse children are drawn to settings where they can gain easy access to children, such as sports leagues, faith centers, clubs, and schools.
Equipping Tracks Available
Contact us to custom design your own equipping program to help keep kids safe. This training is perfect for a group of ecumenical congregations in a workshop setting whereby the costs can be spread across at least 15 people.
Deacon Lexanne K. Graves
Meet the Trainer
Deacon Lexanne K. Graves believes that the most exciting thing a church can do is trade a "maintenance mindset" for a mission-driven future. Whether she is walking into a new congregation or sitting down for a coaching session, Lexanne is naturally curious: she watches how a community welcomes the stranger, knowing it reveals the true heart of their ministry.
With over two decades of experience in the ELCA—ranging from lifelong faith formation to serving as the Vice President of the South Carolina Synod —Lexanne brings a "cradle to grave" perspective to leadership. Her time in synodical leadership has sharpened her ability to navigate complex, global-scale policy while remaining deeply rooted in the interpersonal connections that make ministry work.
As a coach and consultant, Lexanne is a gentle listener, a strategic challenger, and a creative brainstormer. She thrives on the "A-ha!" moment—that pivot point where a client moves from a narrow vision to a clear, achievable resolution. Her expertise also extends to the vital work of safe spaces; she partners with congregations to create and implement Child and Youth Protection Policies that are far from "cookie-cutter." By looking at a church’s specific context—from the line of sight in a stairwell to the safety of an elevator—she helps leaders build a culture of protection that is both a legal safeguard and a theological hospitality.
From leveraging digital tools like Google Meet for global coaching to helping churches utilize social media creatively, Lexanne bridges the gap between tradition and the modern world. When she isn’t helping leaders find their "why," she is likely in Blythewood, SC, investing in deep friendships, digital scrapbooking, or enjoying a day on the boat with her husband and two children.