Article  Human Dignity  Life  Marriage and Family  Religious Liberty  Sexual Abuse

How the ERLC works with SBC churches to prevent sexual abuse

As an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, we are privileged to come alongside Southern Baptist churches in various ways. From Capitol Hill to the pew, we engage with SBC churches as they live on mission in their local communities, displaying the Kingdom of God to a watching world. 

One of the most important initiatives we have worked on in the past two years is the Caring Well Challenge. As we’ve said many times, churches should do everything they can to be a refuge for those who have experienced abuse and to protect the vulnerable among them. Which is why over the last two years, we have come alongside the many Southern Baptist churches who have taken the Caring Well Challenge and why we will continue our efforts to resource and equip churches to care well. So many church leaders have recognized their need to protect their children and vulnerable from the sin of sexual abuse. Whether it’s how they screen volunteers, or set up classrooms for VBS, we’ve heard from churches large and small that the free resources at CaringWell.com have helped them better understand abuse dynamics and prevent abuse. 

As we’ve all seen, pastoring in a pandemic has created untold stress and fatigue for our church leaders. Some are unable to meet in person at all, while many are meeting with various restrictions like multiple services to allow for smaller gatherings. Because of these factors, some churches aren’t able to have a kids ministry right now.

We are thankful that the end of the COVID-19 pandemic is in sight, even if a “return to normalcy” is still several months away. So as we prepare for churches returning to normal, the ERLC is honored to be able to come alongside these SBC churches who are making great strides to prevent abuse at their churches. To the church leaders who are taking the issue of sexual abuse seriously, we are grateful for you and offer our help in any way that we can.

Learn more about the free Caring Well Challenge and how your church can be safe for survivors and safe from abuse at CaringWell.com.



Related Content

How pastors and churches can model hopeful political engagement

On June 11, 2024, the ERLC had the privilege of hosting Dana Hall McCain and Jon Kelly for a panel...

Read More

What is the ERLC’s Research Institute?

What is the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission’s Research Institute, and why is it...

Read More
SBC resolution on IVF

Explainer: What does the SBC resolution on IVF and human life say?

Here is what you should know about what the SBC resolution says about IVF...

Read More

Bringing hope to a fractured public square

Remarks to the 2024 Southern Baptist Convention

Fellow Baptists, this is my third address I have had the privilege of making...

Read More
Pastor's Role in Politics

Pastor Roundtable: What Is a Pastor’s Role in Politics?

Helping your church apply faith to the public square

The pressure during an election year is high for everyone, especially pastors. The last...

Read More

Explainer: 5 harmful federal regulations the ERLC is pushing back against

Part two

This article is part two of a three part series:Part 1Part 3 Over the...

Read More