Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Forum
As perpetrators adapt and circumstances change , it ’ s important that your church or ministry never gets too comfortable and one day realizes the bar is too low . To help you know where to start today , check out our risk management review for tips on how to safeguard your ministry and those you serve , available at
guidestone . org / RMRCE .
Step 2 : Care well for victims If an incident is reported , ensuring that the individual who suffered is supported by your ministry is of utmost importance . That ’ s why we recommend the Caring Well curriculum and resources from our partners at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention . The information available at CaringWell . com is designed to help your church or ministry respond to victims with love , compassion and hope . We recommend these resources to you and your church or ministry .
Headlines regarding abuse in the Church cause us to grieve .
As experts in church insurance and ministry , we know that churches and ministries never question the importance of protecting the children and other vulnerable populations entrusted to their care .
But it ’ s how you go about protecting those you serve that has become more difficult and complex . We ’ re being called to higher standards of care .
Welch Managing Director of Property & Casualty GuideStone Financial
Resources ®
Step 3 : Make sure you have coverage to protect your ministry and those you serve if someone reports sexual misconduct After following the appropriate legal and state mandated protocols , and ensuring the safety and well-being of those involved , your next step is to think about your ministry . Our strategic alliance with Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company provides Sexual Acts Liability coverage in the event of abuse in your congregation or ministry . Call your agent and file a claim if a situation presents itself .
Step 4 : Participate in a MinistrySafe ® program As we mentioned in Step 1 , training is an integral part of raising the safety standards for your ministry , so finding a great partner to guide you is key . MinistrySafe is an organization focused on helping churches
When you , as a minister , accept a low bar on protection , you ’ re sending the message to those under your leadership that it ’ s not a priority or a concern for you , so it shouldn ’ t be for them . This minimizes the significance of the crisis the Church is facing today . The truth is that every church is at risk — including yours . Churches too often have the misconception that “ sexual abuse doesn ’ t happen here ,” which is inaccurate . Child sexual abuse skips no spiritual paradigm . When you , as a leader , acknowledge the reality of the problem and commit to raising the bar , you ’ re empowering others to also rise to the clear expectations of safety you set for your ministry . That ’ s our prayer for you at GuideStone ® : that your church would be a safe place where the vulnerable can safely flourish and where abusers have no place .
But we believe that prayer should be coupled with action So , what actions should you take to raise the bar and set a higher safety standard ?
Step 1 : Commit to doing the hard work together Raising the bar isn ’ t going to be a quick adjustment ; it ’ s often a complete overhaul in your ministry ’ s thinking and involvement . Creating a culture where safety is the standard will take work , but it must be a priority . Implement new policies and procedures . Train your employees and volunteers . Encourage open and honest communication . And perhaps most important , don ’ t become complacent .
churchexecutive . com and ministries understand and address the risks of sexual abuse . They can provide your church or ministry with direct access to abuse prevention , training and program assessment to help you recognize , prevent and respond to sexual abuse . Visit MinistrySafe . com / GuideStone for more information on this trusted partner .
All property and liability coverages are subject to conditions , coverage limits , limitations and exclusions . For precise details of coverage , please refer to actual policy forms . Brotherhood Mutual is licensed in most states . Some coverages are not available in all states . GuideStone Agency Services ® is an appointed agency of Brotherhood Mutual in Texas , Alabama , Louisiana and Tennessee .
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