Author: Hannah Bolick

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Posts by Hannah Bolick

Resilient Discipleship: Why Readiness Matters for the Church Today

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In recent months, tragic headlines have reminded us again that churches are not immune to risk. From violence and fire to medical emergencies and storms, disruption often arrives without warning. Yet too often, churches either avoid the conversation out of fear or delegate responsibility to a small team of volunteers. The result is that when crisis comes, congregations are left unprepared, anxious, and distracted from their calling. 

Responding to Child-on-Child Sexual Misconduct

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While abuse of a child by an adult is terrible, it’s usually straightforward to evaluate what is happening. But what about sexual misconduct between children? Is it always abuse? No. Is it always illegal? No. And what should we do about it? The impact on children’s lives is not measured by whether the actions are abuse or a crime—so we must take it seriously.[1]

As we evaluate how to respond, it may help to use as an example several common situations. We’ll take the perspective of behavior that is discovered by a church or ministry, but parents will also have to evaluate situations they uncover.

Confidential Church Communications and Mandated Reporters

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In every state, the law requires that certain professionals immediately report to authorities suspicions that a child has suffered abuse.  If you are a pastor, elder, deacon, or other leader in your church and are informed of a situation in which a child may have suffered abuse, what are your obligations to report what you have learned? 

 If your congregation has given you authority and responsibility over a church and its members, the answer is likely not a simple one and will depend on the state in which you live, your role in the church, and how you learned about the situation.

SBC Abuse Prevention & Response department launches new Helpline

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The SBC Abuse Response Helpline has experienced a significant update in conjunction with a new partnership with The Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP). The Helpline can be contacted by calling 833-611-HELP or by visiting https://sbcabuseprevention.com/helpline. The website also features email and chat options.

The Path Forward – Repentance & Accountability

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When misconduct allegations surface, the clock starts ticking. Phones buzz, social media erupts, and the very people a congregation longs to protect begin asking hard questions. In those first frantic minutes, improvisation invites confusion; preparation invites clarity. Our churches—already under a media microscope for their handling of abuse—must have a plan in place long before a pastor’s phone lights up at midnight, even if the allegations are false. 

From Scramble to Strategy: How Southern Baptist Churches can Pre-Game a PR Crisis

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When misconduct allegations surface, the clock starts ticking. Phones buzz, social media erupts, and the very people a congregation longs to protect begin asking hard questions. In those first frantic minutes, improvisation invites confusion; preparation invites clarity. Our churches—already under a media microscope for their handling of abuse—must have a plan in place long before a pastor’s phone lights up at midnight, even if the allegations are false. 

Guard the Gates

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In John, Jesus gives this description of the Good Shepherd and describes Himself as being the narrow door by which those who enter are saved. He talks about the thief and the robber climbing the fence to try to get into the sheepfold to harm the sheep. Then in verse 3, Jesus refers to the gatekeeper as being the one who opens the gate when the Shepherd speaks. Let’s consider the gate and the gatekeeper as they relate to church security.

Recognizing Abuse in Marriage: A Crucial Responsibility

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Every marriage faces challenges, but not all problems are equally severe. As shepherds and counselors, we have a responsibility to not only address marital issues but also to recognize instances of abuse. This awareness is vital, as it enables us to discern what kind of support and counsel is needed. Abuse within a marriage context is one of the most complex and confusing counseling situations.

Safeguards for Churches

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Southern Baptists are a force for good – I have been inspired by Dr. Jeff Iorg’s common refrain as I have traveled with him and met Southern Baptist leaders. For more than 100 years, Southern Baptists have been a force for good throughout the U.S. and around the globe. We could spotlight the work of the North American Mission Board and Send Relief in responding to disasters and the work of International Mission Board missionaries involved in all sorts of mercy ministry in faraway places.

NOTE: The information contained here is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice. The Southern Baptist Convention encourages each church to consult with legal counsel when implementing local policies and practices.