Fortify: Abuse Prevention & Response Training

Churches are called to be places of safety, healing, and hope—especially for children, youth, and other vulnerable people in our care. Tragically, abuse can and does occur in ministry settings when safeguards are weak or missing. What is Fortify? This half-day training will help pastors and ministry leaders understand what abuse is, how it impacts individuals and church communities, and how your church can put wise safeguards and response plans in place. Together we’ll learn from practitioners in abuse prevention, law, and law enforcement, and we’ll highlight resources available through the SBC’s Abuse Prevention & Response work. Who Should Attend? This event is designed especially for:

Senior/lead pastors and elders

Executive pastors, administrators, and office managers

Nursery, children’s, youth, and college ministry leaders

Special needs ministry leaders

Biblical counselors and care ministry team members

Any church leader involved in screening, training, or supervising volunteers and staff

Speakers

Jeff DalrympleJeff serves as Director of Abuse Prevention & Response with the SBC Executive Committee. He works with churches, associations, and state conventions to promote abuse prevention, care, and response best practices across Southern Baptist life. Debbie Hansen

Debbie has served with ECAP’s Accreditation Program since early 2022 and is now the Accreditation Program Director. She enjoys assisting organizations with the important mission of protecting children and workers. Debbie’s background is in teaching and Christian School Administration, and has served as an Auditor on ACSI Accreditation Teams. Steve Bensema

Steve served seven years in pastoral ministry, including helping launch and lead a church plant in Iowa in 2021. Today, he serves as an agent with Lightwell Insurance, helping churches and ministries across Iowa navigate risk and protection. Prior to ministry, Steve worked as an entrepreneur in real estate, property investment, and business ownership. Schedule

10:00am-10:15am – Welcome & Opening Prayer10:15am-10:45am – Session 110:45am-11:15am – Session 211:20am-11:30am – Break11:30am-12:00pm – Session 312:00pm-12:15pm – Lunch12:15pm-12:45pm – Q&A Panel (over lunch)1:00pm – Conclusion

Where: Restoration Church