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Last week I wrote about the challenges that the Christian church faces with the increase of registered sex offenders and their desire to attend church.
As previously stated, this is a very controversial subject that puts the church to the test of Christian faith versus realistic protection of staff, volunteers, and guests, especially the most vulnerable, our children.
We spoke of court cases that sex offenders have won, where the courts have stated that sex offenders cannot be banned by the state from attending church or religious activities because of the sex offender's First Amendment rights (freedom of religion).
But the questions still remains, what is the church to do in situations where a convicted, registered sex offender begins to attend their church?
Church security is unlike any other area of protection because we are Christians and have to take our guidance from the Bible and the Christian principles it teaches. First and foremost there always has to be God's words as our guide, not man's actions. From the Good News we develop our plans, praying that we are exercising good discernment.
We have stated many times that the Christian Security Network does not have all the answers; in fact, no "expert" has all the answers. However we learn from each other, this is what it means to "network" and that is why it is part of our name the Christian Security NETWORK.
So it was no surprise that a "unique" approach to this issue would come from one of the Christian Security Network Subscriber churches.
This medium size church, in the heart of the country in Missouri, looked at the challenge of convicted registered sex offenders in their church and developed "Mutual Agreement for Spiritual Growth" document, which they have allowed us to share with you.
Their Senior Pastor stated that they developed it several years ago to meet this challenge and seems to have worked out well for them. He said they developed it from scratch and initially had their legal counsel look it over, but have "tweaked" it over the years and need to have an attorney review it once more (which is always a good idea).
We had several of our Advisory Board Members take a look at this document, as well as outside legal counsel, and all agreed that this was a "very enlightened approach to trying to help someone".
Below is a link to the document for you to consider use in your church or ministry. You will note that this particular church uses areas of the church by room numbers as to where the sex offender can and cannot go; you would have to adjust it for your particular operations. As always, your state and county may have different laws that may change the use of this form - always check with your legal counsel, law enforcement, and insurance companies before you implement such a program.
The attorney we had review the document did suggest one wording change to the document, stating:
"It does create some sort of expectation that in only certain circumstances can a person be "bumped" from the church. How about instead of 'In the event of any of the above guidelines being ignored or overlooked' the document reads: 'In the event of any of the above guidelines being ignored or overlooked, or in any other circumstances that in the judgment of the Elders warrants such action', then if something else comes up, they can take the same actions..."
He concluded his review with:
"I think people just have to try to do the right thing--be compassionate to offenders, but keep their eyes wide open. And the form is great because it will help focus everyone--keep the surprises to a minimum!"
Our Advisory Board Member, Kathleen McChesney, who is a former top official with the F.B.I. and worked in international sex offender in the church programs after she left, added:
"The key to avoiding and resolving problems usually centers around communication - communication with the offender and the church community. Candid discussion with the adults in the church and letting them craft a plan, rules, guidelines from the outset is important as is communication with the offender, including this type of agreement with defined rules and consequences are a good solution. Those who "monitor" the situation must clearly understand their responsibilities.
Another technique is to have "prayer partners" that is individuals who volunteer to be with the offender while he/she is attending services and activities. Under no circumstances should the offender (pedophile) be alone with children or vulnerable adults in the church environment or related activities. Those who have assaulted adults need to be monitored. If they don't agree they can try to go elsewhere.
Realistically, there are non-identified sex offenders attending services and no one really knows until something goes wrong. Many churches require background checks for volunteers who work with children and vulnerable adults so if there is an attempt to be around children it may be discovered before something happens. Also, the educational/training process can be helpful - discussion groups, presentations about abuse, self-protection etc."
As with any difficult situation, such as sex offenders and church attendance, it is better to address the topic than ignore it.
I hope this information is useful in your church or ministry.
In Christ,
Jeff Hawkins
Executive Director
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