Seven Next Steps after this Training

This lesson is going to present things we can do in order to try and keep current and also dig a little deeper into this area.

It will also help us to think of people in the ministries they are in at Fairlawn and what parts of this study, if not all, they need to be aware of.

Step One: Talk with an abuse victim.

Without this conversation, everything we have done is theoretical.

If we hear from someone who has been through this, it gives us the opportunity to see how abuse affects someone.

Even if the church this person was a member of failed, it gives us a chance to see how we should react.

We may have someone in the church who has went through abuse and never had a chance to share. This would give them a chance.

A good direction for the talk would be for the person to go through this study so they can see what spoke to them and what they wish they might have had or did have.

Step Two: Talk with an attorney about your state’s laws.

Have them put it in laymen’s terms so that we can understand.

Don’t stop until you can say what the law says in our own words.

Before the meeting, make a list of questions so you’re not wasting his time and yours.

Step Three: Talk with a social worker.

Perhaps the person can come to a Q & A hosted by the church. This would show them our commitment to how we want to handle a situation if it would come up.

Good Questions

What are the best resources in our community for victims of abuse?

What are the most common mistakes you’ve seen churches make in handling abuse?

What are the best ways you’ve seen churches be an asset in abuse or neglect cases?

Can you give us an anonymous abuse case study that we could think through together?

If we have a question about an abuse case, who would consult with us?

We should consider sending these questions in advance so they have a chance to think through them.

Step Four: Review key church policies.

As a result of going through this, you will see our policies differently.

You may understand better why some things are in place.

You may also see some gaps that need to be closed in order to make sure we can handle something like this.

Some key policies we need to visit:

What is the background check policy for all church staff and volunteers? Is it being consistently put into practice?

Is this churchcares.com training a requirement for all staff at your church?

Do you have adequate policies for your children’s ministry to ensure the safety of children? When was the last time you did a quality control review of how these are being implemented?

Do you know how to create and effectively oversee a care team?

Do you have a policy to ensure proper reporting in cases of sexual abuse against a minor by a staff member or church volunteer?

Do you have a policy on the attendance and accountability expectations of a registered sex offender who wants to attend or become a member of your church?

Do you contact the prior church of those seeking to join your membership, asking questions about their character, causes for concern, reason for leaving?

While this if fresh in our minds, we need to make sure the groups who are assigned to these responsibilities think them through and put the proper things in place.

This may wait until after October once the team returns from TX.

Step Five: Read the links provided through this study.

Step Five: Read the links provided through this study.

If you would like a list of these, they can be provided for you.

Ought to add these to your reading list so that you can delve further into specific areas of abuse.

It will also keep us sensitive to this.

Step Six: Send Links to Specific Leaders.

As you go through reading this material, you may think of ministry leaders who need to read this particular article.

You can use this as an opportunity to encourage leaders.

Watch how you approach people when you are doing this.

Make sure they don’t read it as you think they are lacking in what they need to know to run their ministry.

Step Seven: Post resources on abuse through the church’s social media accounts.

This will help us to remember that God loves and cares for the oppressed.

What the pastor speaks of from the pulpit, people will see it is okay for them to talk about.

We may have someone in our congregation who is currently struggling and in the midst of an abusive relationship. If we talk about it and post things about it, they will find that they aren’t the only ones, and may make a move to come forward.

We can schedule a time for us to do this so we don’t forget.

Video - 9:21 (All)

Question: What is your final word of encouragement or instruction for ministry leaders who are completing this study?