09/08/2026
Over the years, some churches have covered up child abuse, deciding to handle it “in-house” or refusing to report it lest the church “look bad”. Some churches have put child offenders in children’s ministry roles, believing it’s okay because they’ve repented. Others have sided with offenders over victims, or worse, twisted scripture to defend the abuser while silencing the victim. Some, believing they can simply trust their staff, shrugged off safety procedures.
These things have led to untold numbers of child abuse instances in churches, and it is not acceptable.
We cannot claim to love these children and say we want to lead them to Jesus then leave them vulnerable to abuse.
It is important to have clear guidelines in our churches and ministries, such as these ten, to prevent abuse and help any and all victims, whether they were abused by someone in the church or someone outside of it.
Does your church adhere to these rules? What other rules would you add?
