SBC Executive Committee Launches ‘The Fortify Initiative’ to Equip Local Churches in Abuse Prevention and Response
ORLANDO, Fla.— Jeff Dalrymple, Director of Abuse Prevention & Response at the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) Executive Committee, announced today the official launch of The Fortify Initiative during the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders meeting here.
“The Fortify Initiative is a turnkey, ‘ready-to-assemble’ abuse prevention and response training model designed to equip local SBC associations and state conventions to better protect their congregations,” said Dalrymple.
Inspired by the biblical account of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, Dalrymple said, “The Fortify Initiative aims to establish a wall of protection around vulnerable persons in Southern Baptist churches. Because mandatory reporting and abuse-related laws vary across state lines, Fortify is uniquely structured to allow network leaders to customize local training events to their specific jurisdiction’s regulations.”
To eliminate financial barriers, the SBC is offering The Fortify Initiative resources at no cost to host organizations.
These free materials include comprehensive event plans, promotional materials, sample schedules, budget sheets and a catalog of topics such as abuse prevention policies, response plans, survivor care and security.
“Fortify is a great example of Southern Baptist leaders working together to maximize local impact through existing relationships with trusted partners,” said Jeff Iorg, SBC Executive Committee president and CEO. “This strategy will enhance our efforts to equip every church—no matter their size or location—in sexual abuse prevention and response.”
Through the Fortify Initiative website, host organizations can request vetted, experienced Christian experts to speak at their events. The curated speaker network includes professionals, such as:
- R. Davis Younts (legal counsel for the Baptist Resource Network of Pennsylvania/South Jersey)
- Kris Buckman (Youth and Kids Consultant for the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware)
- Brad Eubank (Senior Pastor of Petal First Baptist in Petal, Miss.)
- Dr. Brooke Osborn (Associate Professor of Psychology and Counseling at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary).
Dalrymple noted that the roster of nationwide presenters is projected to grow to more than 20 experts by the end of 2026.
The Nashville Baptist Association recently piloted the Fortify Initiative and received positive feedback.
“Many churches want to protect children, students, vulnerable adults and families, but they may not know where to begin,” said Bob Bickford, executive director of the Nashville Baptist Association. “Fortify helped our churches better understand both the seriousness of abuse prevention and the importance of being prepared to respond with care, clarity, and conviction.”
Denominational leaders are already urging widespread adoption of the program across the convention’s network.
“Many Associational Mission Strategists (AMS) and pastors do not know how to properly address issues of sexual abuse and prevention,” said Ray Gentry, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders.
“The Fortify Initiative provides a roadmap for associations to make our churches safe places for all who attend, and to know how to deal with those who would or have caused harm to the vulnerable,” said Gentry. “I encourage each AMS to consider implementing the Fortify Initiative in their association.”
“The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between a church’s good intentions and actual crisis preparedness,” said Bickford.
“Do not wait until there is a crisis to prepare. The call to protect the vulnerable is not optional for the church,” Bickford said.
For step-by-step event hosting instructions or more information, visit sbcabuseprevention.com/fortify.
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