The Church & Child Abuse Prevention

By Nancy Osborne | Chief Program Officer & Erica Spivey | Senior Director of Special Projects

As we recognize April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, may we as followers of Jesus choose to shine brightly in a world that desperately needs His light. (Matthew 5:16)

The needs around us are real, but so is the hope we carry. More than half of the children entering the foster care system do so due to neglect or lack of resources. (US Foster Care Statistics 2026: Data & Trends [Updated Mar 2026])

We have an opportunity to surround hurting families and be the bridge that supports family preservation. Christ stepped into the messiness of humanity with compassion, courage, and sacrificial love. And we are called to follow His example.

Our church communities must also confront the painful reality that some children have been harmed through trusted relationships within churches and ministry settings. Those impacted often carry deep confusion, anger, and spiritual wounds. This reality should break our hearts and bring us to our knees in prayer!

When congregations are equipped to understand trauma, cultivate safety, and build relationships rooted in connection, they become places where hope is not merely spoken but embodied. This kind of hope—powered by the love of Jesus—has the ability to transform lives.

The truth is simple and profound: just one caring adult in the life of a child or parent can dramatically influence outcomes. (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University.) One relationship can interrupt cycles of harm. One supportive community can change the trajectory of a family for generations.

While the Church cannot eliminate all risks in this broken world, we are called to remain informed, alert, and committed to protecting our most vulnerable.

Five Practical Steps for Churches Regarding Child Abuse Prevention

1. Watch with vigilance for adults with boundary-pushing behaviors, secrecy, and/or persistent or inappropriate attention towards a child.

2. Offer ongoing Signs of Abuse awareness training for church leaders and volunteers.

3. Respond appropriately and swiftly to concerning behaviors in both adults and children.

4. Implement background checks and enforce strict safety procedures—including check-ins, supervision, and two-adult rules—across all church activities and transportation. Know that while background checks are absolutely necessary, they are not foolproof: less than 10% of offenders have a criminal record. Do not assume "no record" means "no risk." (ministrysafeinstitute.com/about-ministrysafe)

5. Support an ongoing culture of transparency and accountability. Maintain open doors and observable spaces. Support leadership in providing regular supervision and audits of program safety. Speak up if they notice gaps in oversight. (sbcv.org)

(More information about the above practical steps can be found at ministrysafe.com)

By prioritizing awareness, prevention, and courageous action, the Church can better reflect Christ's heart for the vulnerable and help restore trust, safety, and hope within its walls.

The needs around us are real, but so is the hope we carry in Jesus!