Disability Ministry & Church Safety: What Churches Need to Understand

When a Church Steps Into the Crowd

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at what happens when a church leaves its own property and steps into a public setting like a parade. Using real experience from a city parade, I talk about the balance safety ministry members have to keep: enjoying the event, smiling, waving, and representing the church well, while still staying aware of the crowd, the children, the float, the parking lot, and the movement around them. This episode also looks at practical concerns like children handing out candy, staying together as a group, watching the area around a float, communicating during the event, and making sure no child gets separated or left behind. The goal is not to make public events feel tense. It is to serve with wisdom, stay attentive, and help the church represent Christ well when it steps into the crowd. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

When Children’s Events Change the Routine

In this episode of Sanctuary Peacemakers, we look at safety ministry during on-site children’s events like VBS and other special activities at the church. These events may happen on familiar property, but they often change the normal routine with more children, visiting families, indoor and outdoor activities, group rotations, parking lot movement, and a busier pickup process. Using real examples from our church, I talk through why children’s events require intentional planning, how safety ministry can support children’s ministry without taking over, and why the event is not truly over until each child has been released to the correct approved adult. The goal is not fear. It is faithful preparation, wise awareness, and caring well for the children entrusted to the church. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones Website: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones

Disability Ministry & Church Safety: What Churches Need to Understand

In this episode, I’m joined by John Fela, a special needs father, advocate, speaker, and author who works to support families navigating disability, especially fathers who often feel overlooked in that journey. We discuss how churches can better understand and welcome individuals and families affected by disability, how well-meaning volunteers can unintentionally misread behavior, why leadership must set the tone for disability ministry, and how church safety ministries can respond with wisdom, patience, and compassion. John also shares practical insight on sensory needs, avoiding isolation within the church, preparing volunteers, and creating a church environment where families are not merely accommodated, but truly welcomed. Learn more about John on John Fela's website [https://www.johnfela.com]. I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker] Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/] Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]

Safety Team or Safety Ministry? Why the Difference Matters

What is the difference between a safety team and a safety ministry? In this episode, I talk about why that distinction matters more than people may think. This is about more than security, response, and readiness. It is about service, mindset, and what it means to protect the church without losing the heart of ministry. Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/] Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used With Permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]

Church Safety: Behavioral Threat Assessment in Real Life

In this episode, I’m joined by Rodney Carpentier, a law enforcement lieutenant and co-leader of a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) team, to talk about recognizing warning signs and preventing targeted violence in churches and other houses of worship. We discuss how concerning behavior develops, where people tend to miss it, and what churches can do to take concerns seriously without losing the heart of ministry. Rodney also brings a unique perspective through his role as an usher in his parish, offering insight from both the law enforcement and church side of these situations. You can learn more about Rodney and his work at:https://rlcarpentier.com/ [You can learn more about Rodney and his work at: https://rlcarpentier.com/] I use PodMatch to connect with guests for this podcast—if you’re interested in podcasting, it’s a great resource. https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker [https://www.joinpodmatch.com/sanctuary_peacemaker] Intro Music “Not Today” by Haley Jones Used with permission. © Haley Jones Release Date: October 31, 2024 Listen on Apple Music: “Not Today” by Haley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/not-today/1775678538?i=1775679079] Website [http://www.apple.com]: https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/ [https://www.haleyjonesofficial.com/] Outro Music “Sound Mind” performed by Lesley Jones Written by: Lesley Jones, Kevin Winebarger, Joshua Frerichs Produced by: Joshua Frerichs Mixed & Mastered by: Joshua Frerichs Release Date: January 16, 2026 Used with permission Listen on Apple Music: “Sound Mind” by Lesley Jones [https://music.apple.com/us/album/sound-mind/1867089416?i=1867089417]