Once completed, a safety plan shouldn't just end up as a document that gathers dust on a bookshelf or in the back of a drawer.

Be sure to communicate with the congregation, giving updates and keeping them informed with the progress being made in creating a culture of safety. Christian megachurch pastor Rick Warren has written from many years of experience that, "Vision and purpose must be restated every 26 days to keep the church moving in the right direction." Whether monthly is too much or too little, it must certainly be ongoing. Let people know what is happening. Let the value placed on safety be evident through communication opportunities at your disposal:

• Signs

• Bulletin boards

• Pamphlets

• Announcements

• The pulpit

• Newsletter

• Social media

• Religious education

• Small group ministry

• Committee meetings

• Annual Reports

• Policy manual

• Congregational website

• Training

• And more!

Keep in mind one of the most important principles related to change a leader can learn: change takes time. There's a saying that when it comes to change, don't overestimate what you can do in a year, but don't underestimate what you can do in ten.