House-Church Host Safety Policy

[MarkB]

This policy outlines the expectations and safety practices for all members who open their homes for house-church gatherings. Its purpose is to protect hosts, guests, families, children, and the integrity of our fellowship. By participating in this community, you agree to follow these guidelines.

• Purpose of This Policy
  • Our gatherings take place in private homes. For this reason, we must approach hospitality with both Christian love and practical wisdom. These guidelines exist to:
    • Maintain a safe environment for everyone.
      
    • Help hosts screen newcomers responsibly.
      
    • Provide clear steps for preventing avoidable risks.
      
    • Establish shared expectations for behavior and communication.
      
• Requirements Before Inviting a Newcomer Into Your Home
  
  1. Initial Contact Required
     • Hosts must not invite someone to their home after a single message. At minimum, one of the following is required first:
       • A brief phone call
         
       • A video call
         
       • A multi-message conversation establishing rapport
         
  2. Identity Confirmation
     • Hosts must make a reasonable effort to confirm the guest's identity. Acceptable forms of confirmation include:
       • Full name
         
       • A working phone number or email
         
       • A social-media profile or online presence
         
       • A recommendation from a known person or group
         
       • If a newcomer refuses basic identifying information, the host should not extend an invitation.
         
  3. Purpose & Expectations Conversation
     • Before giving out an address, the host must ask:
       • Why they're seeking a house church
         
       • Why they think this house church appeals to them
         
       • What they hope to gain from the gathering
         
       • Whether they understand that it is a peaceful, Scripture-centered meeting held in a private home
         
       • Listen for clarity, sincerity, and stability
         
  4. Screening for Red Flags
     • Hosts must pause and consult with another trusted member if any of the following occur:
       
     • The newcomer is evasive or inconsistent about their identity.
       
     • They display anger, volatility, or fixation on divisive topics.
       
     • They pressure the host for immediate access to the home.
       
     • They ignore or challenge stated boundaries.
       
     • Watch for vague, evasive, or confrontational answers.
       
  5. First Meeting in a Neutral Public Space
     • Hosts may require a first meeting at:
       • A coffee shop
         
       • A restaurant.
         
       • A park
         
       • Any public location with others present
  6. Agreement to House Rules
     • Before the address is shared, the guest must receive and acknowledge the house rules:
       • Respectful speech and conduct
         
       • No alcohol, drugs or cigarettes
         
       • Children must remain in supervised areas
         
       • Private areas of the home are off-limits
         
       • If the guest cannot agree, the invitation should not be offered.
         
• Requirements for Hosting Day
  
  1. Address Sharing
     • The home address must always be shared privately, never on public forums.
       
     • Hosts may choose to use a meet-up confirmation step (e.g., "Please text when you're on the way.")
       
  2. Two-Host Minimum for First-Time Visitors
     • When welcoming someone new, at least two trusted adults should be present.
       
  3. Communicate Before Meeting Day
     • Inform newcomers of:
       • Start/End times
         
       • Parking
         
       • Any off-limits areas
         
  4. Protection of Children and Private Spaces
     • Children must not be left alone with new visitors.
       
     • Bedrooms, offices, and family-only spaces should remain closed or locked.
       
     • Valuables should be stored out of sight.
       
  5. Greeting Procedure
     • Hosts should:
       • Greet newcomers at the door
         
       • Assess demeanor and comfort level
         
       • Be willing to turn someone away respectfully if safety concerns arise
         
     • Emergency Preparedness
       • - Hosts must have:
         • Clear knowledge of exits
           
         • A quiet plan for calling for help if needed
           
         • A way to discreetly signal another host if a situation feels unsafe
           
• After the Gathering
  
  1. Follow-Up Contact
     • Hosts should send a brief message to first-time guests, such as: "Thank you for joining us. How did everything feel for you?"
       
     • This helps build relational clarity and identify concerns early.
       
  2. Host Team Review
     • If anything felt unsafe or uncomfortable, hosts should discuss it and may decide:
       
     • Not to invite the person again
       
     • To require a neutral meeting next time
       
     • To notify forum moderators if a pattern of concerning behavior emerges
       
• Behavior Expectations for All Participants
  • Respect - All participants must treat hosts, families, and guests with dignity.
    
  • Confidentiality - Personal stories shared within the group should remain confidential unless clear risk of harm is involved.
    
  • No Harassment or Disruptive Behavior - Any form of aggression, intimidation, or manipulation is grounds for immediate removal.