KBC Resolutions

Title: A Resolution on Abuse and the Protection of Children
Date: 11/13/2007
Topic: Protection of Children
Location: Severns Valley Baptist Church, Elizabethtown

WHEREAS, Our Lord Jesus tells us we will be judged on how we cared for "the least of theses, by brethren" (Matt 25:40 ); and
WHEREAS, Our Lord further commanded us to let the children come to Him for "of such is the kingdom of God" (Mark 10:14), warning about severe judgment for anyone who would "offend one of these little ones" (Luke 17:2); and
WHEREAS, The Bible calls ministers of the gospel - whether they are pastors, counselors, educators, missionaries, chaplains, or others - to be above reproach morally, both within the body of Christ and in the larger community (1 Tim 3:1-13); and
WHEREAS, The holiness of our triune God and the gospel of Jesus Christ require the highest levels of integrity in personal, family, ministerial, and business relations (Ps 78:72; 101:1-3; Prov 10:9; 2 Cor 1:12-13); and
WHEREAS, Ministers and church leaders serve as trusted members of the community, in public ministry, in personal and family counseling contexts, and as private citizens; and
WHEREAS, The erosion of moral fidelity and protection of children has reached crisis proportion in North American culture; and
WHEREAS, Recent years have seen numerous examples exposed where ministers and church leaders have abused their positions within the churches to abuse children, teenagers, and other vulnerable persons within the church; and
WHEREAS, Sexual infidelity and other violations of ministerial integrity always have tragic consequences for those who are victimized and for others indirectly impacted by those transgressions; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the messengers to the Kentucky Baptist Convention, urge our pastors and church leaders to lead our churches in teaching and example toward integrity and fidelity to God and to one another; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we call on our churches to implement appropriate measures to enhance the safety and security of children, teenagers and other vulnerable persons within their ministries; and be it further
RESOLVED, That these initiatives should include - but not be limited to - rigorous background screening for prospective employees and volunteers, training programs for paid and colunteer workers on how to recognize and report the signs of abuse, strict parameters for the counseling practices of ministers and church leaders, and policies for appropriate internet use on church computers; and be it further
RESOLVED, That we call on our churches to show tolerance for any mistreatment or abuse, thoroughly investigating and punishing abusers through biblical church discipline (1 Cor 5:1-13) and through the handing over to the civil authorities in the place of God to punish evildoers (Rom 13:1-7); and be it further
RESOLVED, That we call on our Mission Board staff to provide materials, resources, and training opportunities to aid churches in establishing and implementing safety and security practices for our churches; and be it finally
resolved, That we pray for those who have been harmed as a result of abuse and urge our churches to offer support, compassion, and biblical counseling to them and their families.