Why does this happen?

We’ll be scrolling through our media feed and there it is, another spiritual leader had fallen. Some pastor or ministry leader from a local church in a particular community is arrested for child abuse. We’re shocked, but we’re not. We’re filled with sorrow for the victims, and anger that this continues to be a problem.

Why does this keep happening? Why can’t local churches make child-protection and abuse prevention policies and training a top priority?

Many times it’s the work involved.

There are people who can help local churches get this implemented. As an example, I promote an excellent organization called Winning Kids, to which our church is a member. We have chosen to make their “Plan To Protect” program the standard for our church.

It is excellent and I strongly encourage any church or ministry to adopt this program! But no amount of promotion for this program could echo its importance more than the accounts of abuse in the church that are brought forward far too often.

Leaders, this is our responsibility.

Pastors, elders, board members, and ministry leaders, we need to own this and make it happen. We should pursue excellence in all areas of ministry, but we can’t afford to get this piece wrong. We can not afford anything less than excellence when it relates to the protection of the children in our care.

When Jesus was asked who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, he responded in this way.

“He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: ‘Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.’” (Matt. 2-6)

Children are of great importance to our Saviour.

Therefore, I strongly encourage all church leaders. If you or your local church does not have a child protection and abuse prevention plan for your ministries to minors, chose to deal with that problem this week.

Yes, it can be a lot of work, from policy documentation to the training of volunteers, and everything in between. However, few other things should take precedence. We must prevent the Bride of Christ from taking any more tragic blows.

Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts

What plans of protection does your church or ministry have in place?
What have those plans done to increase your ministry potential?
Why is it worth all the extra work?