In today’s world, parents are looking for more than great programs—they’re looking for safe places for their children. In this essential training, Michael Aubrey, Leadership Development Director for the Illinois Baptist State Association, outlines a clear, practical path to making your church a trusted refuge for kids and students.
Whether you’re developing new child protection policies or updating old ones, this video gives you actionable guidance in five key areas: training, screening, protection, reporting, and care. You’ll learn how to build systems that not only prevent abuse but also respond well when incidents arise. With real-world insight, legal clarity, and an emphasis on compassionate leadership, this presentation equips your ministry to safeguard the next generation with excellence and integrity.
If you’re a pastor, staff member, or volunteer leading in next gen or family ministry, this is a must-watch resource to help your church fulfill its holy responsibility to protect and care for the most vulnerable.
5 Key Insights
Safety Requires Structure Creating a truly safe environment for kids and students isn’t about good intentions—it’s about having clear, documented policies for training, screening, supervision, and reporting. Churches must treat child protection as a system, not a one-time effort.
Training Must Be Ongoing and Inclusive All adults who interact with minors—including pastors, staff, volunteers, and even security teams—should be regularly trained in abuse prevention and response. Online tools and partnerships with local law enforcement can enhance effectiveness and accountability.
Screening is a Non-Negotiable A thorough screening process—including applications, reference checks, background checks, interviews, and social media reviews—helps ensure that only trustworthy individuals are placed in positions of influence over minors.
Clear Reporting Protocols Are Crucial Churches must have both internal and external reporting processes, and every adult working with kids should understand their role as a mandated reporter. When in doubt, report. Silence or mishandling can deeply harm victims and destroy trust in leadership.
Caring Well Builds Trust Responding to abuse means not only protecting victims and reporting properly, but also caring well for the broader church community. Handling incidents transparently and responsibly builds long-term trust and reflects the character of Christ.
