Church spires once dominated the skylines of American cities, while rural chapels served as the center of community life in small towns and villages across the country. The church enjoyed the respect of society and the esteem of the culture.

But, the world has changed.

Municipalities across America routinely attempt to zone churches out of the best locations. Sexual identity has become the watchword as secularists seek to replace religious freedom with sexual preference as a cherished American value. Members and non-members often bring litigation against churches for physical injuries sustained during church activities. And, sadly, the number one reason churches currently wind up in court is the sexual abuse of minors.

Emerging Legal Threats to Churches

In analyzing recent trends, we have identified five emerging legal threats that each church should be aware of and ready to address:

1. Sexual Identity vs. Religious Liberty

2. High-Risk Ministry Activities

3. The Increasing Secularization of Culture

4. Zoning and Property Issues

5. Sexual Abuse of Minors

In the midst of such a cultural whirlwind, how should your church respond? How do you stay on mission? How can you protect your members and guests from harm?

Sexual Abuse of Minors

Year after year, the number one reason churches find themselves in court is the sexual abuse of minors. While it’s not a comfortable subject to talk about—churches are prime targets for sexual predators because they often provide access to youth and children.

In addressing this threat, the church’s aim is threefold:

1. Protect Minors

2. Protect Innocent Volunteers

3. Protect the Congregation

Protecting Minors

One of the greatest responsibilities a church has is to protect its youngest members who cannot protect themselves. Your church can do this by establishing clear policies regarding interaction with minors by volunteers, conducting criminal background checks for all volunteers, and training volunteers in how to detect and report signs of sexual abuse.

While the sexual abuse of minors is the number one reason churches go to court, minors are not the only persons sexually abused in churches. There are others who are vulnerable that the church must protect—for example, persons in a counseling or persons under the authority of another. These members need to be protected, as well.

Protecting Innocent Volunteers

In addition to the interest in protecting minors, your church has an interest in protecting volunteers. Some churches have chosen to digitally record all activity in the nursery and children’s classes in order to protect children from abusers and protect innocent volunteers from false accusations. Other churches have installed one-way glass windows so parents can check on pre-school children without being noticed. Many churches have adopted volunteer policies that safeguard volunteers from ever being alone with a minor.

Protecting the Congregation

The cost of sexual abuse to the minor, the minor’s family, and the church is calculated not only in the shattered lives of those involved—but in reputation and in the ability to continue to minister effectively in the community. A well-thought-out and implemented policy regarding ministry to minors goes a long way to protecting both those who are vulnerable and the church’s ability to continue to minister to the community.

Guardrails to Protect Your Church

Pike’s Peak rises over 14,000 feet above the surface of the earth. You can hike to the top, take a train to the top, or even drive your car to the top. But, there’s a hitch—there are virtually no guardrails on the journey. You drive up over 4,000 feet of road with 153 switchbacks with an average grade of 7% in the face of oncoming traffic on pavement and gravel with only a handful of guardrails. And, those guardrails are so old and rickety that they could barely stop a go-kart, let alone an SUV.

Driving to the top of a mountain without guardrails carries risk, but not nearly as much risk as doing ministry without the necessary guardrails. In the face of today’s emerging legal threats, you will never be able to eliminate every risk or anticipate every contingency, but you can put the necessary guardrails in place to protect your church in a secular age. Then, you can focus your time and energy on fulfilling the purpose God has for your church, reaching the summit of your ministry.

Reynolds Law Group Can Help

For information about how Reynolds Law Group, PLLC can help protect your church against this emerging threat, contact our team by clicking the button below.