Child Molestation Destroys Church

6/4/2018

Jack was one of the most likeable Pastors in the history of his Church. He was not confrontational and looked for ways to handle every situation without bringing harm on anyone.

When a member asked to see him after Church, Pastor Jack readily accepted the appointment to see how he could be of assistance to one of his best members. Once the Pastor’s door was closed, the gentleman told the Pastor that the new Youth Pastor (who had just celebrated his 19th Birthday) had been intimate with his 14 year old daughter and the issue must be addressed immediately.

Pastor called the Youth Pastor into the office and the Youth Pastor confirmed there had been a sexual relationship with the young lady, but that it was consensual. Pastor Jack thought he had reached a solution to solve the issue without inflicting further harm on anyone. Pastor miscalculated and did not take appropriate action.

The young lady’s father filed criminal and civil action against the Church, the Pastor, and the Youth Pastor. The Youth Pastor was imprisoned, the Church did not have enough insurance to cover the lawsuit and had to be sold to pay damages, and Pastor Jack was no longer sought after to Pastor any Church

As a certified counselor for almost 21 years, I have had the unpleasant task of counseling hundreds who have suffered sexual abuse at the hands of those who should have been protectors—i.e. Pastors, Ministers, and Church Chaperones.

The Catholic Church has been in the news recently have been placed under the societal microscope for these and similar situations, but they are not the only guilty parties. Some of the Protestant churches in this nation, and around the world, are just as guilty.

Patriarchal Cover-Up

Catholic and Protestant churches do not have much in common, but one dark secret they both share is that of Patriarchal Cover-Up. Catholics do it to protect their Dioceses and the Vatican. Protestants do it to protect their local church image.

In Protestant circles it is falsely taught that the victim should be quiet and forgive. Although, I believe in forgiving, I also believe in consequences. Unfortunately, many of the sexual abuse cases are hard to prove without several witnesses and/or victims who are willing to come forward. This creates a dilemma for a Church that does not want its name drug through the mud during any impending trials. So, what recourse may a Christian victim exercise?

Should Christians Sue Other Christians?

According to the Apostle Paul in 1st Corinthians 6, we should not sue another believer.

1 Corinthians 6:1-6 (GWT)

1 When one of you has a complaint against another, how dare you go to court to settle the matter in front of wicked people. Why don't you settle it in front of God's holy people?
2 Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? So if you're going to judge the world, aren't you capable of judging insignificant cases?
3 Don't you know that we will judge angels, not to mention things in this life?
4 When you have cases dealing with this life, why do you allow people whom the church has a low opinion of to be your judges?
5 You should be ashamed of yourselves! Don't you have at least one wise person who is able to settle disagreements between believers?
6 Instead, one believer goes to court against another believer, and this happens in front of unbelievers.

However, we are in a day where the Body of Christ will not judge itself and therefore must, in this matter, resort to the writings of Apostle Peter.

1 Pet. 4:17a (KJV)

17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God. . .

The abused should have the right to pursue their case (if it is legitimate) in the courts of the land, if for no other reason, to force the guilty into ownership of their transgression. Notice, I said if it is legitimate. I have provided counsel in situations where the claims were not legitimate. For instance, I counseled one family because the daughter made false accusations that resulted in her father spending years in prison before she confessed that she had lied simply to punish her father for not allowing her to date a certain boy.

Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy

Every Church should have in its bylaws an explicit written policy that outlines the Church’s stance on reports of sexual abuse by any member or staff, and the reporting procedures that dictate how the abuse will be reported.

Although Pastors are bound to Priest/Penitent privilege, care must be taken to ensure the protection of the victims.

A Church with a valid Sexual Abuse Reporting Policy could easily save itself thousands of dollars in insurance premiums.

How We Can Help

Chitwood & Chitwood is the nation’s premier Church Management Expert. Our 80 years of experience has taught us to be proactive in Church matters by detailing everything within legally written bylaws.

This is why every Pastor, Pastor’s Spouse and Church Leader should attend the next Church Management and Structure Conference. At these conferences we address issues such as the one mentioned in this blog along with many more that need to be addressed so that the Church may operate in legal compliance.

To register for the conference nearest you visit us at www.cmtc.org or call 800-344-0076. Time is of the essence—your procrastination may prove to be the demise of your Church and ministry.

Guest Blog by: Dr. Ronnie Shaw

What You Will Learn at our Conferences

Our Church Management Conferences will arm you with the information you must have to shield your Church or Ministry from IRS intrusiveness; teach you how to get your Taxes to the lowest possible rate; and daily operate your Church or Ministry within IRS acceptable guidelines.

Our Conferences have been taught across the Nation for over 48 years. Because of the Penalties, Fines, and even Imprisonment that the IRS imposed on many Churches and Pastors, Dr. Chitwood felt led by the Holy Spirit to become a buffer between Churches, Ministers, and the IRS.