Oak Hill Baptist Church © 2008-2009

Every year the Christian Education Board struggles with a very real problem in our world, the abuse of children. Our congregation has directed the Board to use a series of procedures to keep kids safe at Oak Hill and to keep Oak Hill safe from false accusations. Yes, the sword is double-edged with many consequences.

 

We love working with kids. They drink in Bible truth readily. They thoroughly enjoy adults who spend time with them and frequently offer smiles and hugs to these representatives of Jesus. Whether in the church building or somewhere around town, children light up when they see an Awana leader or Sunday school teacher. They may even break away from Mom or Dad to hug their spiritual friend. How often do we hear testimonies by an adult who came to Christ early in life through just such a person!

 

Yet we hear also from society-at-large of the dangers of showing affection to children not our own. Insurance companies, teacher organizations, and government agencies warn about the dangers of hugs, reading a book to a child on your lap, or taking a child home in your car without another person (preferably an adult) along. Things can happen. Misunderstandings take place. Accusations can be made even if the abuse never occurred. The best advice is to be guarded.

 

More recently a psychological “minority report” has been filed. Secular counselors observe that fear of unhealthy touching can actually set up children to become victims of that very thing. Kids need healthy physical affection. When they do not get it, they become vulnerable to predators who are skilled at picking off the most vulnerable. So pushing away children who want to be hugged can have negative consequences. Children already abused need to know that all adults do not treat them in the same fashion. They need to see a different model, one that can be trusted. (Check out the book The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog, by Perry and Szalavitz.)

 

The challenge for a church is great with many potential dangers. The challenge for a church is also incredible with the potential to heal. As we welcome damaged children (and adults) into our fellowship, we will be irritated by their behavior. They do not know how to act appropriately. Our wisdom will be stretched to find ways to correct them without burdening them further. Our patience will be strengthened as we try to accomplish some simple task with a child clinging to us. Yet all this effort and much more is worth the eternal fruit in showing a kid the safety that is in Jesus and his people.

 

We know the verses: the warning about causing “one of these little ones…to stumble” (Matt. 18:6) and the entreaty to “let the little children come to me” (19:14). Is there anything better than being trusted by these rug rats, crumb crunchers, and curtain climbers? After all, it has been said that a child is the best judge of character. May we continue to welcome them, carefully hug them to fill their emotional tanks, and gently point them to Jesus.