In January, the International Mission Board appointed Somer Nowak to the newly created role of prevention and response administrator. This appointment was an important step for the IMB in caring well for survivors, protecting those in their care, and holding perpetrators accountable. I had the opportunity recently to speak with Nowak and hear her passion …
Continue...When the COVID-19 crisis struck America it caused a disruption in all of our churches. It also has drawn attention away from another crisis that we were just beginning to address: the crisis of sexual abuse in our churches. Last year, in response to the abuse crisis, the Southern Baptist Convention launched the Caring Well …
Continue...She wanted to serve her church. She had a strong teaching ministry in a parachurch organization, and when the call for Sunday School volunteers came, she was eager to help. But a question on the volunteer application stopped her cold: “Have you experienced physical or sexual abuse as a child? If yes, please explain.” Yes. …
Continue...Churches across the nation are diligently working to minister in the midst of COVID-19. As churches determine their method of meeting for the fall, some may attempt to establish in-person meetings, some will continue virtual gatherings for an extended period, and others have developed hybrid plans for gathering similar to school district programs. Regardless of …
Continue...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, …
Continue...“We thought our daughter was safe in the church youth group.” “We trusted him. He went to our church and knew our family.” “We had no idea the music pastor had a history of complaints at past churches.” “With so much on my plate as a single mom, I was thankful to have a man …
Continue...A 7-year-old girl sexually abused by her father squirms in her chair, stares at her toes, and hesitantly asks the investigator, “Am I still a virgin in God’s eyes?” A sexually abused boy walks into a crowded courtroom and sees both his ministers and half a dozen church elders present to support the father he …
Continue...The coronavirus has disrupted the world, closing schools and businesses, and sending us to our homes to wait out the pandemic. Many of us are learning to work and worship online, while balancing e-learning, kids walking in on video conference calls, and having cabin fever for those of us still seeing cold temperatures in a …
Continue...When we think about caring for people during the COVID-19 crisis, many of us think about widows, the elderly, or those already battling severe medical conditions. Pastors and ministry leaders may think about children’s ministry, streaming services, caring for people at a distance, and what weddings and funerals should look like in this season. But …
Continue...Justin Holcomb discusses how parents can address sexual abuse with their children in an effort to protect them.
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