by Rev. Judy Johnson,  

Coach for the Wild, Wild West Ministry Group

Does your church ever have a child or a youth in the building? (Or wish there was one?)

As people of faith, we believe each one of us, regardless of age, is loved and cherished by God. We especially want each person, young or old, to feel safe and welcome in the church.  "Safe in the arms of Jesus," so to speak.  And safe in the arms of those who guide and teach our children, youth and vulnerable adults.

According to the three companies*  that insure the majority of Protestant churches in America, they typically receive upward of 260 reports each year of young people under 18 being sexually abused by clergy, church staff, volunteers or congregation members. 

"It is common for a congregation to think, 'It can't happen here. We're small and everyone knows everyone,'" one expert said. "That is not sound thinking when it comes to child sexual abuse. Most abusers are known to the child and trusted by the congregation. Child sexual abuse occurs in churches of all sizes and denominations and in all parts of the country - urban and rural."

According to an article in Children's Ministry Magazine, church volunteers commit 50% of all incidents of sexual abuse in churches, paid staff commit 30%, and other children commit 20%. Perpetrators are looking for easy access to vulnerable children, youth, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.  Does your church have a policy in place (and followed) that provides guidelines to help minimize risks to children, youth, staff and volunteers? Do you do background checks on all volunteers and staff? According to the Children's Ministry Magazine article, "The Volunteers for Children Act signed in 1998 states that you can be sued for negligent hiring if you have an incident with one of your volunteers or employees and you didn't conduct a national search for a previous criminal record."

What is your policy to review safe sanctuary guidelines? Do you know what the two-adult rule is? (Two adults present for any activity involving children and try to avoid being alone with a child.) How are children released out of the nursery or classroom? Where are your fire extinguishers and first aid kits? Have you ever had a fire drill during Sunday School?

During the baptism of a child, we, the congregation, promise, to nurture the child in faith and to provide a community in which to [safely] grow in that faith. May you be blessed in your ministry with children, youth and vulnerable adults. 

*Church Mutual Insurance Co., GuideOne Insurance Co. and Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Co.