Expert advice for protecting the church’s children against sexual abuse and bullying — plus, how to mitigate internet-use risks What are the biggest risks and liabilities facing churches in the area of protecting children? Alex Smith: Allegations of sexual abuse are the greatest risk and liability. Also, complacency — saying, ‘We’ve always done it this […]
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Sexual abuse: training ministry staff to care well AND prevent At the beginning of each new year, many of us make New Year’s Resolutions: evaluating our past year or present circumstances and resolving to improve on a particular matter (i.e., more time with the kids, less coffee, more exercise). For the Southern Baptist Convention, the […]
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Regular communication, accessibility and speed are at the heart of improved security. By Debi Davis When it comes to crisis situations, the state of events can change with every passing instant. If people can’t keep up with this rapid change, it can lead to disaster. A perfect example of this is the Battle of New […]
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Expert advice for helping to prevent — and, if necessary, respond to — a security emergency on your campus In a lot of churches, an “it-can’t-happen-here” mentality prevails. But how big of a threat is a security emergency? Bill Cushwa: Let’s quickly dispel the false sense of security. Our school shooting occurred seven years ago […]
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By Sam S. Rainer III There are two kinds of restaurants: those that embrace children, and those that tolerate children. If you’re a parent — especially if you have multiple small children — then you know this reality. When my family of six storms a restaurant, I can tell immediately whether the establishment will embrace […]
Read More >Help protect your church’s youngest members by taking these steps By Elizabeth Norman Childcare centers and preschools at churches across the nation are experiencing rapid growth right now — in fact, many of them are at capacity and even require waiting lists. With this demand, it’s important to remember to revisit procedures to help keep […]
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By Keith Shaver Today we hear news reports of an ever-increasing number of church vandalism, thefts, robberies and, in some instances, active shooters. Those stories are driving the local churches to investigate methods to secure the church facility and protect its members’ personal security. For the church to provide the right security solution, its current […]
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By Daniel Venet Tree of Life Synagogue; Parkland; Emanuel African American Methodist Church; Charleston; Las Vegas; Sandy Hook; Columbine and Oklahoma City. It’s clear what all these places have in common, and there are many more. The list goes on. These examples of terrorism have heightened our awareness and fear when we enter an office […]
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By The Risk Team at Glatfelter Religious Practice As a church leader, how can I protect my organization from a cyberattack? If you’ve ever found yourself asking this question, you’re not alone. Church leaders across the United States are working to improve their IT infrastructure, and for good reason. While there is the threat of […]
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In a lot of churches, an “it-can’t-happen-here” mentality prevails. So, how big of a threat is an active-shooter situation for churches in the United States? And more important, what can church leaders do to mitigate this threat? We asked two seasoned church security experts for their thoughts. Overall, are most churches adequately prepared to respond […]
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