NASHVILLE, Tenn., Aug. 31, 2020—The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention released a new, free hiring guide today as a part of its Caring Well Challenge to equip churches to take important steps in hiring staff or selecting volunteers that will prevent church sexual abuse and protect the vulnerable.
The Caring Well Challenge, a joint initiative led by the ERLC and Sexual Abuse Advisory Group, was formed in June 2019 as a unified call to action designed to confront church sexual abuse. Since its inception, more than 1,000 churches have participated in the Caring Well Challenge by committing to work through steps outlined on caringwell.com.
The hiring guide is designed to equip church leaders with what they need to vet applicants and prepare their staff and volunteers to help keep their congregations safe from abuse and safe for survivors.
ERLC President Russell Moore comments on the hiring guide:
“For our churches, hiring well is central to caring well. This new resource will help our churches create safer environments and minister better to survivors. This is just the latest part of our ongoing initiative that could be a central piece in a church’s ongoing efforts to combat the scourge of sexual abuse.
“The Caring Well Challenge continues to be critical work for the ERLC. Our mission is to help churches apply the moral demands of the gospel and, without a doubt, equipping our churches to be a refuge for the vulnerable is part of that calling. My hope is that with this guide, elders, leaders, and search teams will resolve to hire men and women of character who will help their congregations become a church that cares well for the abused.”
All Southern Baptist churches are invited to join the Caring Well Challenge as an important first step in addressing the issue of church sexual abuse. Visit caringwell.com for additional resources and information about how to join.
