Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Resources from Kendra Stea

On August 18, Grand Canyon Synod rostered ministers and lay leaders gathered with Kendra Stea, ELCA Director, Misconduct Prevention, for Safeguarding Our Worshiping Communities: Best Practices for Challenging Situations. We are now sharing Kendra’s presentation for congregations and leaders to use as an ongoing resource.

The presentation is available below as a downloadable PDF and as an image slideshow for easy viewing.

The session was intentionally not recorded. Because the conversation addressed sensitive situations that congregational leaders may be navigating in their own communities, we wanted participants to be able to ask questions and discuss concerns freely. Kendra’s slides, however, provide practical guidance, key considerations, and information about additional ELCA resources.

What congregational leaders should know

Among the topics covered, Kendra addressed mandatory reporting requirements in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah; ELCA expectations around pastoral confidentiality; when congregational leaders should contact the synod; responding to and disclosing misconduct; Safe Church policies; and practices for congregations working with known sex offenders.

One important takeaway: when leaders are unsure how to respond to a situation, contact the synod rather than ignoring or trying to navigate it alone. Congregations should contact the synod about allegations of abuse, alleged misconduct by a rostered minister or employee, arrests—especially those involving children or youth—and situations that may become public or attract media attention.

The presentation also highlights the ELCA Churchwide Council’s November 2025 adoption of a Social Message on Child Protection, which also addresses vulnerable adults. The message calls on congregations to create Safe Church policies, and the churchwide organization is developing a toolkit to support that work.

Policies and resources are available

Congregations do not need to develop these practices from scratch. The synod and ELCA can provide resources including:

  • Safe Church policy templates

  • Sex offender policy templates

  • Sex offender covenant templates

  • Behavior agreements for other situations

  • Support for communicating disclosures

  • Guidance on questions related to misconduct

Congregations may contact the Grand Canyon Synod office for assistance or reach the ELCA Misconduct Prevention team at safeplace@elca.org. Kendra can also be reached at kendra.stea@elca.org.

As Lutherans, safeguarding our worshiping communities is more than institutional risk management. It is part of our vocation to love our neighbors and steward communities where the dignity, safety, and well-being of every person are taken seriously. Preparing policies and practices before a difficult situation occurs helps leaders respond with greater care, accountability, clarity, and compassion.

View the presentation slideshow above or download the PDF to share with your congregation’s council, staff, and other ministry leaders.

Grand Canyon Synod, ELCA, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardMisconductComment