Protecting Your Church Against Sexual Predators

An invaluable handbook written by an experienced lawyer for confronting and avoiding the spiritual, emotional, and financial devastation resulting from churches not anticipating the presence of sexual predators in the church. Many flourishing churches have been destroyed by child molestation and the resulting litigation. Unfortunately, sexual predators within the walls of the church are not uncommon. They sit in our pews. They come to our picnics. They even preach from our pulpits and teach in our classes. How can a church protect itself and its children from a very real threat and avoid financial catastrophe brought on by a groundswell of lawsuits? This practical and pertinent book by attorney Voyle Glover cuts to the chase, providing concise, succinct guidelines for protection against sexual predators. Glover's expertise on a wide variety of issues will minimize a church's risk by reducing the opportunities for predators, decreasing liability, and managing the excessive legal exposure. Topics include:

• Insurance issues that need to be addressed and understood now.

• Is forgiveness an issue when dealing with a repentant child molester?

• Why it is essential to distinguish between restoration, love, and obligations.

• What to do when there is an accusation raised against a church member.

• What about sexual assaults by leadership?

• Guidelines for pastors and other leaders in counseling situations. Includes forms designed to help protect the church.

They sit in our pews. They come to our church picnics. They may even teach Sunday school or serve on a committee. They are sexual predators, and no church or ministry is immune to the devastating effects of child sexual abuse and the resulting litigation.

Good intentions alone will not stop the physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual damage resulting from just one incident of abuse. This invaluable guide, written by an experienced attorney and active church member, provides must-have information on important questions such as:

• What if a church member or leader is accused of molestation?
• What should be said to the media after an incident or an allegation?
• What insurance coverage should a church have?
• What screening and background checks should be used for church
workers?
• What policies should be implemented to protect children?

“Whether you are running 50 or 500 on Sunday morning, you owe it to yourself and to your congregation to read and study the material in this book. . . . Voyle, you have written a winner!”

—Evangelist Tim Lee
Garland, Texas

“A ‘must-read’ for pastors, ministry leaders, and church members. . . . Predators have no respect for ministries or those who work and worship there. We must be aware, informed, and prepared. [This book] is a vital tool in our arsenal with which we can protect our children.”

—Dan Burrell
Senior Pastor, Northside Baptist Church
Superintendent, Northside Christian Academy
Charlotte, North Carolina

Voyle A. Glover, Esq. (J.D., Valparaiso School of Law) is a former Deputy Prosecutor for the State of Indiana and is now a private attorney in Merrillville, Indiana. He and his wife, Trudy, are active members of a local church.