Protecting Children in the Church
The Ongoing Problem We Can’t Ignore
Why is protecting children in the church still such a struggle? We scroll through the news, and there it is again…another spiritual leader has fallen. A pastor or ministry leader is arrested for child abuse. We’re shocked, but we’re not. Our hearts ache for the victims, and we’re grieved that this continues to happen.
Protecting children in the church must be a top priority. Yet many congregations delay, unsure where to start or daunted by the work involved.
Practical Help Is Available
There are excellent resources to help local churches implement effective protection plans. I strongly recommend that every church or ministry adopt a program with safeguards. Here are a couple of options:
The first option, and likely the most comprehensive is the “Plan to Protect” program, which we’ve made our standard.
“For 30 years, Plan to Protect® has provided the HIGHEST STANDARD of abuse prevention and protection for organizations serving the vulnerable sector!
Our five-step proven method includes: 1) Assessments, 2) Policy and Procedure Writing, 3) Screening and Training, 4) Documentation Management, 5) Policy Audits, Crisis Response and Inquiries
We have a solution that meets your needs and budget for safeguarding.” (PlanToProtect.com)
A second option, if you’re looking for a less expensive and easier-to-adopt option, consider the Sanctuary Plus program.
“Our Sanctuary Plus program is designed to meet the specific needs of ministries across Canada. Large to small, urban to rural, we are able to assist your church or organization with your insurance needs. Since 1963 our program has been committed to supporting the work of local ministries by providing superior coverage and pricing.
The Sanctuary Plus focus is not only on the coverages we offer, but on exemplary service. Our policies provide access to our full Sanctuary Plus team, free property inspections and valuations, round the clock claims service, loss prevention tips and advice, and flexible premium payment options.” (Brokerforce.ca/Sanctuary-Plus-Church-Insurance-Canada)
Leaders Must Own the Responsibility
To pastors, elders, board members, and ministry leaders, we need to lead on this. Excellence is important in every ministry area, but here we cannot afford anything less than the highest standard. The children in our care are worth every effort.
When Jesus was asked who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, He said:
“And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.’” (Matthew 18:2–6)
Take Action Now
Children matter deeply to our Savior. If your church does not have a child protection and abuse prevention plan in place, make it a priority this week. Yes, it requires time (writing policies, training volunteers, and following through), but few things are more important.
We must do everything we can to prevent the Bride of Christ from suffering another tragic blow.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- What child protection measures does your church have in place?
- How have these measures strengthened your ministry?
- Why is the extra work worth it?
