THE NUMBER ONE REASON CHURCHES GO TO COURT
When it comes to legal issues, churches face numerous potential disputes, including:
Personal injuries
Employment disputes
Property and zoning issues
Insurance disputes
Religious liberty claims
All these rank high on the list, but the leading reason churches find themselves in court is due to the sexual abuse of minors under their care.
It’s Not Just a Catholic Problem
Many pastors and church leaders are shocked to learn this. Often, they ask, “Isn’t that just a Catholic church problem?” The answer is a resounding, “No.” Sexual predators target places where victims are plentiful—churches, schools, etc. All kinds of churches are always in need of volunteers, making them vulnerable.
What Should Your Church Do?
1. Adopt a Child, Worker, and Church Protection Policy:
The goal is to protect children, innocent volunteers, and the church’s ability to continue to minister.
2. Select, Screen, and Train Workers Carefully:
Workers should consent to background checks and complete appropriate applications before being allowed to work with children. Additionally, workers should be trained to serve according to the policy adopted in step one.
3. Constantly Review Your Ministry to Ensure Compliance:
Regularly check to make sure the policy is being followed. As the saying goes, “You don’t get what you expect, but what you inspect.”
Keeping Them Safe Program
To assist churches in protecting their members, we have developed a program called Keeping Them Safe, which provides all the necessary tools to implement the three steps listed above. Protect your church and the children today.
If you have any questions, please contact our team by clicking the button below.
