Dear Parents,
As a father of four children, when I scroll through my social media feed and see the latest sexual abuse allegations against a doctor, teacher, or pastor, I am sickened and plead with God to spare my children from ever having to endure such horrific evil. So then, I am not primarily writing this letter as a pastor, I am primarily writing this letter as a parent because I know the anxieties that you have. Quite frankly, I have them as well.
I want you to know several things about our church. First, we are making every effort to make our children's ministries as safe as we possibly can. This year (2018), we have formalized what has been our practice for several years by adopting a formal Child Protection Policy. That document can be seen below.
Second, we recently adopted several new practices: 1. All children's workers are mandated to complete a children's workers application in which they are required to report any past history related to child abuse investigation, civil lawsuit involving sexual misconduct, and accusal of any crime relating to sexual abuse. 2. Every children's worker is required to undergo a criminal background check. 3. We set an extensive plan in the event that any accusation is brought against any member of Grace Baptist Church related to child or sexual abuse.
Third, we are in the process of changing several things in our Children's Ministry Area for the purposes of child safety and visibility. These changes include: Putting 2'x3' windows in every classroom and nursery (to be completed by the end of 2018). Purchasing a paging system for the nursery in the event that a parent is needed to care for their child (to be completed by the end of 2019).
The final thing that I want you to know is that you are always welcome to sit in and observe the classes where your children are present. If you do not feel comfortable with this, your children (even your young toddlers) are welcome to remain in the morning worship service. We understand that they will be restless and make some noise...it does not bother us. We are simply thankful that you are here worshipping with us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at gbchavana@gmail.com.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
October 10, 2018
As a father of four children, when I scroll through my social media feed and see the latest sexual abuse allegations against a doctor, teacher, or pastor, I am sickened and plead with God to spare my children from ever having to endure such horrific evil. So then, I am not primarily writing this letter as a pastor, I am primarily writing this letter as a parent because I know the anxieties that you have. Quite frankly, I have them as well.
I want you to know several things about our church. First, we are making every effort to make our children's ministries as safe as we possibly can. This year (2018), we have formalized what has been our practice for several years by adopting a formal Child Protection Policy. That document can be seen below.
Second, we recently adopted several new practices: 1. All children's workers are mandated to complete a children's workers application in which they are required to report any past history related to child abuse investigation, civil lawsuit involving sexual misconduct, and accusal of any crime relating to sexual abuse. 2. Every children's worker is required to undergo a criminal background check. 3. We set an extensive plan in the event that any accusation is brought against any member of Grace Baptist Church related to child or sexual abuse.
Third, we are in the process of changing several things in our Children's Ministry Area for the purposes of child safety and visibility. These changes include: Putting 2'x3' windows in every classroom and nursery (to be completed by the end of 2018). Purchasing a paging system for the nursery in the event that a parent is needed to care for their child (to be completed by the end of 2019).
The final thing that I want you to know is that you are always welcome to sit in and observe the classes where your children are present. If you do not feel comfortable with this, your children (even your young toddlers) are welcome to remain in the morning worship service. We understand that they will be restless and make some noise...it does not bother us. We are simply thankful that you are here worshipping with us.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at gbchavana@gmail.com.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Matt
October 10, 2018
| Child Protection Policy |