Guard the Gates
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...
ARITF Updates
Recognizing Abuse in Marriage: A Crucial Responsibility
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...
Safeguards for Churches
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...
Rotten Fruit: Sexual Sin in Culture
Sometimes life gets busy. Too busy to even take a piece of fruit for a quick snack when running out the door. This can have a negative effect when we purchase fruit for...
Loving the Vulnerable with Your Actions
Sexual assault is an epidemic in America. Per Rape & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 68 seconds an American is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. That should get...
Safeguarding the Vulnerable: Why Canadian Churches Must Prioritize Abuse Prevention
In recent years, the Canadian Church has come under increased scrutiny regarding its response to allegations of child abuse and clergy sexual misconduct. These incidents are not only morally reprehensible and spiritually devastating—they...
Suggested Best Practices for Use of the DOB and SSN in Searching for Criminal Records
Screening and training of childcare workers is a must for any child- and youth-serving organization. Parents entrust our organizations with the care of their children, so we have a responsibility to be diligent...
So You Want to Be a Child Safety Coordinator… Maybe?
I get it—child safety isn’t exactly the role everyone’s lining up for. It doesn’t come with confetti, stage time, or a cool Spotify playlist. But if you’ve found yourself here—whether by calling, conviction,...
Mandatory Child Abuse Reporting Laws: What Church Leaders Must Know
Every state has a mandatory child-abuse reporting law on the books. But many pastors and church leaders are unaware of these statutes, let alone their need to comply with them. Now is the...