Like many of you, I have been in disbelief as I have recently read about the sexual and power abuse that is happening in our culture. This disbelief has turned into anger as I've read about this same kind of abuse and power structures in our churches and student ministries. I am no longer in denial and you should not be either - we are only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this abuse issue in our churches.
To that end, the board of directors of The Ember Cast and I have just completed working on a policy for abuse, misconduct and leadership with minors. We don't have a good name for this policy but it encompasses a few of these issues altogether: abuse, sexual misconduct, reporting, and conduct for leadership with minors. As of a few weeks ago, we have implemented a new process which includes background checks for leaders and a required review and signature of this policy from each leader. Leaders with partner organizations may also be asked to review and sign this policy, depending on their existing systems for addressing these issues. Of course, some of the motivation behind this is providing absolute clarity for leaders surrounding these topics. Another motive behind the policy is the spirit of the document: if you abuse a student while working with The Ember Cast, we will turn over heaven and earth to put you in jail for as long as possible. [Yeah a little dramatic.]
Here is our policy if you are interested in requesting read access.
Other resources that were helpful included Brad Feld's post on this subject, Andy Crouch's post about power dynamics, and the Protect My Ministry and GRACE organizations. Also, special thanks to friends at Mosaic Christian Church and Grace Community Church for providing examples of their policies.
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