CREATING A SAFE AND ACCOUNTABLE CHURCH
FOR EVERYONE

The Church in North America is rightfully under increased scrutiny in light of seemingly endless reports of leadership abuses. Our Foursquare denomination has developed a new and robust process for individuals seeking to report a concern or incident. You can find that information HERE.

Despite the good work Foursquare has done in establishing this process, most congregants know little about it or how to navigate it. Thus, Riversgate Church has approved a new lay position — the Omsbuddy. The church has appointed one male and one female to this role: Brian Rainka and Julie Dawson.

Should you wish to report an incident of harassment or abuse by a Riversgate staff member or congregant, you may contact one of these two people. The Church Omsbuddy will walk you through the steps of reporting it through Foursquare's incident reporting process.

Responsibilities:

·        They shall be conversant in Foursquare’s Incident Handling Process

·        They shall assist a congregant that requests help navigating the process

·        They shall facilitate, not intake, a situation

·        They shall be a neutral party ready to assist a congregant who has a complaint or concern

Omsbuddies Are:

  • Professing Christians, in word, character, and deed and have been a member of Riversgate Church for at least 3 years

  • Not related to any church staff or council members

  • Interested and willing to study and learn about Foursquare’s Incident Reporting Processes

  • Neutral, supportive, empathetic facilitators with individuals who register a concern or grievance

  • Able to maintain objective, non-partial relationships with both pastoral staff and congregants

  • Effective communicators that are able to educate the church and report out on how this process is doing over time

  • Able to keep confidential information confidential

  • Care deeply about the health of the church; seek to foster a safe and nurturing environment for all