Protecting Your Church from Sexual Predators

Protecting Your Church from Sexual Predators.  Article by Jim Newheiser

We are blessed to have a very vigilant "security team" and a very intentional security process in place at Lake Country Bible Church.  I very much appreciate Mike Umland's intentional leadership in this area of ministry. One can never be too careful when addressing sexual abuse issues with precious children.  Having said that, we walk by faith and not by fear so biblical balance is needed in parenting and when implementing safety checks in the life of the church.

I. Lessons learned from unthinkable Sexual abuse. 2 Sam. 13:1-22

A. Sexual predators are incredibly deceitful. 2 Sam. 13:1-6 Jude 1:4

1. Sexual predators are self-deceived – they call it “love”. 2 Sam. 13:1,15 1 Co. 13:4-7

2. Sexual offenders abuse trust. 2 Sam. 13:1-6 Jude 1:4

3. Predators invest significant time and effort into manipulating others. 2 Sa. 13:3-5

4. Those in spiritual authority who become sexually involved with people under their care
are guilty of abusing their power, even if a crime has not been committed. Ezek. 34:4ff

B. Potential victims need to be taught to cry out. 2 Sam. 13:7-14 Deut. 22:23-24

1. Because sexual predators are masters of manipulation, boys and girls need to be
prepared to know exactly what to do if someone tries to take advantage of them.

2. Tamar, to her credit, did not hide what had happened to her. 13:19

C. We need to protect and help victims. 2 Sam. 13:15-22

1. One of the saddest parts of Tamar’s tragic story is the failure of others to protect her
both before and after she was raped. 13:7,19-21 Prov. 31:8-9 Ps. 82

2. If you suspect that abuse has taken place, ask. 2 Sam. 13:20a

The Best Birthday Present Ever!

One of God's best gifts is the gift of family.  Psalm 127:3 reminds us that, "Children are a blessing and a gift from the LORD."  While verse 5 of this inspired song declares, "How blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; They will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies at the gate."

One of the greatest joys of parenting young children is that the more you give the more you receive.  In God's abundant grace you always get back more than you give.  As such our children teach us a lot about our relationship with our blessed Godhead!

The Word of God also celebrates the gift of 'covenant companionship.'  "He who finds a wife finds a good thing (a treasure) and obtains favor from the Lord" (Proverbs 18:22).  

I am blessed among men because of the great blessing God has given me in my wife and kids.  Proverbs 31:10, "An excellent wife who can find? For her worth is far above jewels."  

I received many special birthday greetings last week for which I am most grateful!  The most special present I received was this special "book" from my eldest daughter (8). 

Please indulge me as I share this special present with you (my daughter's kindness).

"Meet the World's Best Dad"

By E. M. Kolstad