Bulletin Insert/Flyer
The office of Safe Church Ministry has produced this bulletin insert/ flyer on the topic: "Criminal Sexual History and Involvement in Church" to assist churches in identifying the following questions:
Can a congregation maintain a safe church environment and also welcome those who have offended sexually?
- What are the critical points to consider?
- What have other churches done in this area?
- Where can I find useful resources?
The bulletin insert may be ordered through Faith Alive by clicking here. This product is available free to CRC congregations. It is also available, in bundles of 100, for a small fee to all others.
Webinar
"Today's Lepers in Your Church" How can a church maintain a safe environment and also welcome criminal sexual offenders? This webinar will help answer that question.
Articles and Information
Known Offenders - Five Things to Know: This article by GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) notes warning signs to be heeded when navigating issues around known offenders.
How to Deal with Registered Sex Offenders in Your Church: This video resource, from AG Financial Solutions, answers many questions churches have regarding registered sex offenders in church.
Hope Builders Christian Restorative Ministries: An example of a ministry directed towards sex offenders, with much higher success in recovery for abusers than typical programs.
The Issue of a Registered Sex Offender attending Church can be Challenging: A document with helpful guidelines from 70 times 7 Life Recovery, an organization dedicated to providing resources for recovery for addicts of all kind.
Protection and Inclusion: Guide for Congregations on Safety Including Persons Who Have Committed Sexual Offenses: A succinct guide from Dove's Nest, an organization dedicated to keeping children and youth safe in faith communities.
Registered Sex Offenders in Ministry Activities: Brotherhood Mutual offers many resources for safeguarding against abuse when registered sex offenders are members of the church.
Recommended Book
Sex Offenders in the Church: An inexpensive resource from Christianity Today produced by Church Law and Tax Store.
Sample Policy Documents
These are designed to provide an extra layer of protection for your church.
Church Policy - Sample 1 (from AG Financial Solutions)
Limited Access Agreement - A checklist format
Ministries for Those Who Have Offended
Agape Resource Ministry: provides materials to assist churches in protecting their congregations while integrating a sex-offender into their congregation.
Criminal Justice Chaplaincy: An organization based in Grand Rapids MI, dedicated to resources for those interested in restorative justice.
Crossroad Bible Institute: Based in Grand Rapids, MI, dedicated to providing discipleship, advocacy, and resources to prisoners. Email: [email protected], Phone: 616.530.1300
Forgotten Man Ministries (Grand Rapids, MI): Offers a variety of ministries to inmates and those who serve them.
Prison Fellowship International: Resources for ministering to and restoring criminals and their communities.
Let's Discuss
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