Protecting children in your church from sexual abuse

Sexual abuse is not a topic that most any of us want to discuss, but it is a discussion we must have in our churches because:

1 in 4 girls will be sexually abused before the age of 18.

1 in 6 boys will be sexually abused before the age of 18.

Of child abuse cases reported in Texas, 68% were sexual abuse cases.

Think about your church congregation and apply some easy math. If you have 200 people in your church, 100 females and 100 males, those statistics translate to 25 females and 16 males in your church that either have or will experience sexual abuse. Chances are more likely than not that you have someone in your congregation that has experienced sexual abuse.

But, what if there are ways that you as a minister or your church leadership could prevent even one person/child from experiencing sexual abuse? Would you be interested to know how to protect those in your sphere of influence?

There are ways that you and your church can help to protect the children/teens in your church, especially when it comes to the structure of your church.

Texas Baptists is partnering with MinistrySafe to bring you information on exactly how to protect your congregation by hosting regional trainings all across Texas. Please check the link for location/time/date information and how to register.

One question I continue to hear at these trainings is: "Why aren't there more ministers/people here?"People (the church) need to hear this information to know how to protect the children in their care.

I know we are all busy and there are so many things to tend to in ministry. Nonetheless, I cannot encourage you enough to attend one of these trainings.   

What will it take for you or your church to make this a priority?