Faith and Family: Keeping children safe at church — Parents, caregivers can find peace in protection that only Christ offers to those they love

In the church we need to value our children and teach them to worship the Lord. This is why we put policies in place to protect them as well as to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. As a father I am particularly concerned for how the church approaches the next generation. It is always important to know the biblical and theological motivations we have to care for our children in a sin-broken world.

All of humanity is created in the image of God. In Genesis 1:26, God says, “Let us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” Being created in God’s image is special to humans, and all human life has value because they are created in God’s image.

Jesus cares for children. The clearest reference to Jesus’ value of children is found in the Gospels. Matthew 19, Mark 10 and Luke 18 recount the story of children being brought to Jesus and the disciples rebuking them. Jesus responds by telling the disciples to allow the children to come to Him. He continues to explain that the faith of children is the kind of faith believers should exhibit. Jesus is willing to stop all He is doing to demonstrate His love for children.

The Bible instructs us to teach children to worship God. In Deuteronomy 6, Moses explains that we are to teach our children that, “The Lord our God is one,” and that they are to love the Lord their God with all their heart, with all their soul and with all their strength (Deut. 6:5). Moses instructs parents that this truth is to be discussed at all times: “These words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:6–7). He is implying that the love of God is central to all of life. The reality is that God is to be the central focus of our children’s lives, and this is the greatest way we can value and protect our children.

Solomon also models how to impart wisdom to our children. In the first nine chapters of Proverbs, Solomon is teaching his son about the diverging paths of wisdom and folly. Solomon seeks to protect his son by teaching him that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

Trusting God

As our children grow and mature, we also must grow and mature in our trust that our Heavenly Father cares far more about their protection than we can imagine. This is only the beginning and we must learn to trust God with them now. When they grow up we will have to trust Him even more as they serve Him on mission in our communities and to the ends of the earth.

As a parent or caregiver consider the following ways to find peace in the protection Christ offers to those we love:

1. Consistently pray for your children’s protection.
2. Be vigilant.
3. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s prompting and discernment.
4. Talk to your children about proper behavior and educate them about safety.
5. Get to know child-care workers.
6. Advocate for your children by talking to church leaders and knowing their policies. If the church’s policies are not similar to the ones listed above, talk to leadership about implementing them.

The church also has a great responsibility to children in its care. What can the church do to protect children and “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4)?

• Create policies and procedures that protect children. Make sure the whole church knows the needs of caring for children and to be on guard for any suspicious activity.
• Put your best teachers and leaders with your kids, not adults.
• Teach children how to be wise.
• Ensure your church has ministries specific to the needs of children.
• Involve kids in the community of faith.

This calling to value, teach and protect our children should shape all of what we do in the church. The greatest way we can honor our children is by teaching them to worship God. Providing a safe and loving environment allows us to do just that. (James Dew contributed)

Editor’s Note — Jonathan D. Six is director of alumni development and denominational relations for Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina.

Helpful resources

• Church Security (booklet, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions)
• Protecting Children and Youth from Sexual Misconduct in Your Church (booklet, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions)
• Reducing the Risk Leader’s Starter Kit: Keeping Your Ministry Safe from Child Sexual Abuse (churchlawandtaxstore.com)
• Child Safety for Nurseries, Daycares and Playgrounds (booklet, GuideOne Insurance)
• Essential Guide to Children’s Ministry Safety (churchlawandtaxstore.com)