Caring Well Sunday

This day serves as an important reminder not only of the reality and prevalence of the wickedness of abuse, but also the church’s higher responsibility to be the safest place for the vulnerable. It is a day to honor survivors, to pray for them, and to yearly rededicate ourselves to vigilance in safeguarding the next generation and vulnerable adults both within the church and without. Each of us have a vital part to play in making our churches sanctuaries for the abused and safe places for the vulnerable to hear the gospel and grow in discipleship.

Pray for survivors of abuse.

Pray for survivors in your community and across the globe, that they would find physical safety and hope and healing in the gospel of Jesus Christ; that any survivors in our congregation who have not shared their story would feel safe to do so and that we would support them with the loving care of Christ; and that we would make clear in every action, that our church does not tolerate abuse.

Learn about the long-term impacts of trauma and abuse. Seek to understand how to care for survivors in a compassionate way that is sensitive to deep wounds abuse causes.

Prepare to prevent abuse. Familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse, common boundary-pushing behaviors associated with grooming, and basic safeguarding practices that protect the vulnerable.