Bethlehem Baptist Church Deals with the Sexual Abuse of a Child

Another learning lesson from another prominent church. This time it is Bethlehem Baptist Church. The elders of the church announced a week ago (July 14) that a child had been abused by a juvenile in their children’s ministry. From all outward appearances, the elders are handling the situation with as much transparency as possible and following prescribed “best practices” when something like this surfaces. (Best practices include turning the incident over to the police immediately and not trying to handle the investigation in-house.)Church leaders need to learn from how others handle situations like this.Most important in this case is the realization that the abusers in cases of child sexual abuse do not always have to be adults. According to this article, 23 percent of reported cases of child sexual assault are committed by juveniles.On average, the average child is exposed to pornography by age 11. (In the most recent study, Josh McDowell states that this age of exposure has now fallen to 9-years of age.) It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to conjecture what things a 9-10-year-old might attempt on a child if he/she has been exposed to hardcore pornography. (NOTE: most law enforcement considers sexual interaction between children and juveniles where there is an age difference of 5-years or more. In other words, a 13-year old who interacts sexually with an 8-year old would be considered an abuser.)This is a conundrum for the church. We like to see our students serving, and the children’s ministry is an obvious place for students to serve, especially with their parents serving as the teacher. Unfortunately, this also places young people in tempting situations when they take children to the bathroom unsupervised. This is an ongoing discussion we as church leaders must engage in as our culture continues to become more and more sexualized and pornography has a greater and greater impact on the families of our church.Below is the statement concerning the incident from the Bethlehem Baptist Church Elders. Here is a link to the complete document they distributed to their church.

The elders of Bethlehem will share the following statement at our Sunday services across all campuses on July 14, 2019:The elders of Bethlehem want to inform the congregation that last year, an incident occurred in which a juvenile engaged in sexual misconduct against a child in our Early Childhood Ministry at a Bethlehem campus. When a Bethlehem leader learned of the situation through a letter sent by the victim’s parents, he immediately called law enforcement, which began an investigation. Bethlehem cooperated in this investigation, which is now concluded, though certain legal proceedings may continue. Law enforcement’s investigation identified only one isolated incident, but even one incident is too many.We take this matter very seriously and are heartbroken and grieve for the families that have been affected by this incident. We are grateful for the courage of anyone, especially a young child, who speaks out about abuse. If you have any information about child abuse or suspected child abuse, we encourage you to contact local authorities immediately. We share this statement and information to inform the congregation as we move forward to identify any ways to improve our child protection policies & procedures and to provide additional training for Bethlehem’s leaders, staff, and volunteers. As we attempt to protect the identities of the young people and families involved, we have concluded that it is appropriate to share only limited information.We have engaged GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment) to help us to continue to fulfill our priority of protecting the next generation and to help us find any ways that could better safeguard the children of Bethlehem. GRACE will provide training for our leadership on Saturday, August 3, and for the entire congregation on the weekend of August 10/11 at each campus. We pray that God will heal those affected by this situation, especially the young victim, and help and guide our congregation as we move forward.

Pastoral Candidate Interview Questions

1. Describe your call to ministry.
2. How do you view the relationship of a senior pastor to the associate staff positions, other members of the staff and the elders?
3. Define your understanding of an elder form of church government.
4. Please define discipleship and explain how it functions within a local church. How do you envision assimilating a person new to their faith or from a different background.
5. What are your priorities in relation to your life and your ministry?
6. What is the role of a senior pastor in a local church?
7. Do you hold any doctrinal positions that are outside of traditional Baptist doctrine?
8. What is the role of a church in the life of a family?
9. What magazines do you subscribe to and read regularly?
10. Give some examples of how you have led your church to be actively involved in the community and present a salt and light testimony to the world.
11. What interests do you have outside of the ministry and your family?
12. Have you ever left employment or a ministry position involuntarily?
13. Please briefly comment on your view of the following:

• The charismatic movement
• Tithing
• The end-times
• Eternal security
• Divorce and remarriage
• The role of women in the church

14. What do you believe is your spiritual gift/gifts?

15. What is your greatest strength? Weakness?

16. Describe your personal devotional life?

17. In working with members of the opposite sex, what steps do you take to demonstrate a lifestyle that is above reproach?

18. Why do you wish to relocate?

19. Apart from money owed on a home or other appreciating assets, what consumer debt do you have at this time?

20. Would you object to our church performing a credit check on you?

21. How many hours a week do you currently work and what do you feel is a reasonable schedule considering the needs of your family?

22. What is your philosophy of working mothers?

23. As you have thought and prayed about Grace Church what, if any, thoughts has the Lord placed on your heart?

24. How does your wife perceive a possible move to Des Moines?

25. What aspect of your work do you find the most personal fulfillment–and why?

26. What areas of your work cause you the most personal stress and frustration–and why?

27. What is the most helpful thing you can tell us to truly understand “the real you”?

28. What roadblocks do you feel are currently holding you back in your current ministry?

29. What is the one thing that truly demotivates you?

30. At this time do you sense any leading from God regarding Grace Church?

31. Have you come to a place in your life where you are no longer searching for answers to fundamental doctrinal questions?

32. Have you ever read through the entire Bible?

33. How would you describe the spiritual condition of your children?

34. Do you believe you have reached a point in your life you are willing to make a long-term commitment to a church and to a community?

35. Describe your vision of a growing, vibrant, biblically-based new testament church functioning in today’s American culture.

36. Do you have a preference for denominational affiliation or independence?

37. Describe how you would work with a confrontational staff member or elder?

38. Are you able to think critically without becoming critical?

39. Are you a natural encourager to your staff and elders?

40. Do you enjoy a wide network of friends and professional associates outside of your church family?

41. How do you handle defeat?

42. Do you have any preference regarding the current staff?

43. Of the three critical roles for a senior pastor, preaching/teaching, vision casting and leading/managing the staff, which would energize you and which would drain you?

44. Looking at former staff members or elders who have left, what would they say frustrated them about you?

45. Are there personal discipline issues in your life that you have struggled to overcome?

46. Give some examples of how you relate or don’t relate to unsaved people?

47. If God chooses to leave you in your current setting for another ten years, realistically how will it look different than it does today?

48. Iowa is not a part of the Bible belt. How will you minister in a location where Methodists and Lutherans outnumber Baptists 4-1 and where the word “Baptist” is considered by many to be a negative.

49. Think for a moment as a church planter. If you were starting a church in Des Moines, IA from scratch, what would it look like? What would the worship be like? What would your priorities be?

50. Describe how you would minister to a homosexual in truth and in love?

51. Do you relate better to white-collar professionals or blue-collar factory workers?

52. If you can only be remembered for one thing in your life, what would you like it to be?

Kitchen Use Policies

Grace Church

Kitchen Policy

It will be the policy of Grace Church to offer kitchen facilities in support of authorized and organized ministry and program activities of the church. Kitchen supply budget allocations will support facility and equipment purchases and maintenance. The service of meals, refreshments, or snacks will be either on a cost reimbursement basis or will come from planned allocations in the ministry budget of a user organization. The general policy is that individuals will pay for food items that they consume.

Use of food service facilities by nonmember groups or organizations will not be permitted except in the case of funerals, weddings, and/or meetings or programs preapproved by the Business Manager.

In support of these policies, the following procedures will be followed when requesting and using food service facilities:

1. The Kitchen Supervisor: The Kitchen Supervisor is directly responsible for all food service operations. This includes the planning of services; the purchase of food and other consumable items; the recruitment, training and utilization of volunteer kitchen personnel; and the inventory, accounting, and management of kitchen activities. The Kitchen Supervisor is responsible to the Business Manager for the food service operations of the church.
2. Church-Wide Activities: Use of the kitchen facilities in support of programs designated for the church body will be carried out under the direction of the Kitchen Supervisor.
3. The Wednesday Evening Fellowship Meal. This meal will be prepared by the kitchen staff on a recurring basis. Menu planning will take into account that the meal must be a no-cost item in the budget. Meal prices should include both food and consumable items.
4. Church banquets, meals, receptions, etc. will be prepared by the kitchen staff. Such operations will also be no-cost to the annual food service budget. Payment for such activities will either be by sale of meal tickets or through ministry allocation budgets.

3.   Organizational and Program Activities: The use of kitchen facilities by various ministries or groups within the church will be: (1) Preapproved on the Church Master Calendar, and (2) Coordinated with the Kitchen Supervisor.

1. The Calendar Request Form will be used to request use of the Kitchen facilities.
2. If kitchen equipment or materials are used, then a responsible individual (as indicated on the Calendar Request Form) must be designated and approved by the Kitchen Supervisor. This individual will be held accountable for the cleanliness, security, and use of the facility and equipment.
3. If meals are to be prepared in the kitchen, then a member of the church kitchen staff or an individual specifically authorized by the Kitchen Supervisor to operate the kitchen equipment must be present and in charge.
4. Use of the kitchen and food service facilities by ministries or groups must be cost-free to the church. Groups are expected to pay for consumable items such as plates, napkins, sugar, punch, etc. Current prices of these items will be discussed by the Kitchen Supervisor when arrangements are made to use the facilities.
5. Kitchen equipment and materials will not be removed from the kitchen without written approval of the Kitchen Supervisor. Individuals who check out equipment will be directly responsible for the care and return of such. The individual will be assessed for damages or loss.
6. Sunday School Classes, Bible study groups, choirs, etc. are expected to provide their own equipment and refreshments in their classrooms. Do not remove bowls, pitchers, glassware, silverware, etc. from the kitchen. The food and supplies in the kitchen are not community property. Each group is expected to provide their own. Groups are asked to use ice conservatively.
7. Groups and responsible individuals are expected to leave kitchen facilities cleaner than they found it. Dishes, silverware, and cooking utensils are to be washed and put away. Trash is not to be left in the kitchen over night. Do not assume the custodians will take it to the dumpster–the responsible individual will ensure it is taken out.
8. Groups or ministries that leave the kitchen facilities in unacceptable condition, or use the facilities without the prior approval of the Kitchen Supervisor, will have their ministry budget assessed $50. Repeat offenders may be denied future use of the kitchen facilities.

 4.     Non Program and Church-Related Activities: The utilization of the kitchen facilities by any group other than those recognized as a church-related organization must be approved in advance and occur on a not-to0interfere basis with any programmed activity. For the purpose of definition, a non-program activity by members include weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, showers, birthday parties, and the like.

 5.     Since these activities are considered private affairs, even if all attendees are church members, the use of the church facilities, equipment and labor will be on a cost/fee basis.

Kitchen facilities will not be made available to nonmember organizations without the written approval of the Business Manager.

a.    Events When a Meal is Served. When dinners are requested to be served to participants, such as a wedding rehearsal dinner, then a fee of $50 will be charged to cover the costs of use of the kitchen. This is in addition to any fees charged for use of the general facilities and custodial fees. If consumables are used then a fixed fee of $10 will be added to the charges. An authorized kitchen staff member must be employed to prepare and/or supervise the meal preparation. Payment for this individual’s services will be negotiated by the requester. All food items must be provided by the requester. No church food stuffs or condiments will be used.

b.   Events When Refreshments Only are Served. If the kitchen facilities are used for a shower, reception, party, etc. then the requester will receive prior approval for the activity from the church office and the Kitchen Supervisor. An individual specifically authorized by the Kitchen Supervisor will be in charge of the activity to ensure it is left clean and orderly. The requester is expected to provide all food items as well as the necessary plates, napkins, etc, to serve the items. No kitchen items will be used.

A Biblical Model for a Deacon Ministry

Grace Church

Deacon Ministry

Purpose:

The purpose of the deacon ministry at Grace Church is two-fold.  First, the deacons will serve the congregation through a comprehensive ministry of helping meet needs; physical, material, financial, and legal.  Second, the deacons will assist the pastors/elders by allowing them to concentrate of the ministries of the Word, prayer, and spiritual oversight and direction of the church.

Deacon Ministry Structure and Procedures:

• DEACON SELECTION: Each year, the elders of Grace Church will compile a list of deacon candidates to serve in the ministry, and the membership will vote the candidates into office with a simple majority.  Deacons will serve for a term of two years.  After that term, they must wait one year before being considered for the office of deacon.

All eligibility requirements specified in the constitution and bylaws of Grace Church for the office of deacon will be enforced during the compilation of the list of deacon candidates.  The following 12 qualifications must be met by each candidate, without exception, in order for the candidate to be brought before the church membership for vote:

1)    He must be worthy of respect. (I Timothy 3:8)

2)    He must be sincere. (I Timothy 3:8)

3)    He must not be one that indulges in much wine. (I Timothy 3:8)

4)    He must not be one that pursues dishonest gain. (I Timothy 3:8)

5)    He must be committed to the truths of the faith. (I Timothy 3:9)

6)    He must live with a clear conscience. (I Timothy 3:9)

7)    He must be tested with other responsibilities and shown capable. (I Timothy 3:10)

8)    His wife must be worthy of respect. (I Timothy 3:11)

9)    His wife must not be a malicious talker. (I Timothy 3:11)

10) His wife must be temperate and trustworthy in everything. (I Timothy 3:11)

11) He must be the husband of one wife; a “one-woman man”. (I Timothy 3:12)

12) He must manage his children and household well. (I Timothy 3:12)

• DEACON CHAIRMAN: Each year, the deacons will select a man from among the newly elected deacons to serve as assistant deacon chairman.  During his first year, this man will serve as assistant to the deacon chairman, and, the following year, he will serve as deacon chairman.  The deacon chairman and assistant chairman will work along side a lay-elder liaison from the elder body to maintain communication and coordination between the two groups.  The elder body will give direction to the deacon body through the lay-elder liaison and deacon chairman.

The deacon chairman will have the following responsibilities and duties:

1)    He will serve as the leader of the deacons; leading and facilitating deacons’ meetings, coordinating the deacon ministry, assigning tasks to deacons, etc.

2)    He will monitor the skills and availability of each active deacon.

3)    He will handle difficult situations where help must be denied or ended.

• BENEVOLENCE TEAM: Each year, the deacons will select no fewer than 4 men from among them to serve on the Benevolence Team.  This team will have the specific duty of meeting weekly to review the financial assistance requests that are submitted.  They will make decisions on the distribution of benevolence funds for amounts greater than $75.

 The Benevolence Team will make decisions on requests for only the following needs:

• Utility delinquent shut off notices
• Eviction notices
• Unpaid rent or mortgages (due to illness, loss of job, etc.)
• Some needs pertaining to vehicles/transportation

The Benevolence Team will have the following responsibilities and duties: 

1)    Meet once a week on Friday or Saturday to review requests for assistance.

2)    Make a decision regarding the approval/denial and amount of the request.

3)    Coordinate with the Executive Director in the distribution and recording of benevolence fund expenditures.

4)    Communicate the decision back to the requestor.

Categories of Need:

Grace Church acknowledges that the day-to-day needs of people extend to several categories.  The following is a list of needs that will be addressed by the deacon ministry:

• Physical – A physical need includes anything that diminishes a person’s ability to perform essential daily tasks due to illness, disability, or injury.

• Material – A material need includes any lack of provision that is essential for survival including food, shelter, and clothing.

• Financial – A financial need includes a lack of funds and/or poor management of funds required to care for common financial obligations.  The Benevolence Team and/or the elder body will address these needs greater than $75.

Guiding Principles:

Given the limited time and resources available, Grace Church must be a careful steward of that which God has entrusted to us.  The church has a responsibility to balance financial responsibility with compassion and generosity.  Therefore, the deacons will use the following guiding principles regarding requests for help:

1)    Is the person in need a faithful member of our local fellowship of believers?  The local church cannot care for all of the needs present in their community, but it should care for the needs present in its own congregation.  Paul instructed the church to take special care of those who are part of the family of believers (Galatians 6:10) and have a faithful testimony (I Timothy 5:5).  Therefore, although Grace Church will not refuse to help anyone who is truly in need (as resources allow), the deacons and elders will give top priority and special consideration to the members of our church.

2)    Does the person in need have family who can/should care for their needs?  Paul instructs the church in I Timothy 5:4 that, if a widow has relatives, the family should care for her so that the church can use its resources to care for others who have no help.  Therefore, if the person in need has family members who could help, the  deacons and/or elders will encourage the family to care for their relative’s need before providing assistance.

 3)    Is the person willing and able to work?  Believers are instructed to work with our hands so as not to be dependent on anybody (I Thessalonians 4:11,12).  Paul ordered the church not to support those who are lazy and refuse to work (II Thessalonians 3:6-12).  Therefore, Grace Church will only help those members who are willing to work but, for reasons beyond their control, cannot earn wages enough to supply for the basic needs of their household.  Also, if monetary assistance is provided, the person will be asked to provide a voluntary service to the church if they are physically able.

Description of a "Typical" Church

"It is easier to give birth than to raise the dead."

The typical church in America has lost its First Love. In most congregations, the reason for existance has become self-serving and self-centered. The pastor, God’s appointed leader within the body, is many times little more than a paid errand boy. The direction and focus of the church is controlled by the official board (Elders, Deacons, Trustees) or by unofficial power centers (the wealthiest family, the most intimidating women, those with the longest tenure in the church). The pastor is either frustrated by his inability to lead the congregation or he has surrendered his authority and credibility in exchange for a comfortable paycheck and lifestyle. Official meetings (board meetings and annual congregational meetings) are a study in trivial pursuit. Those in resistance to change stand guard over every item on the agenda. Issues involving finances bring harsh discussion and open division. The qualifications for leadership within the church body are many times based in secular beliefs rather than biblical principles. As a result, men (and women) reach levels of considerable influence within the church in spite of their lack of biblical qualification.

Most stalled churches:

• place little emphasis on spiritual growth, prayer, evangelism, and discipleship.
• have worship services that are boring and out-of-touch with today’s needs.
• emphasize tradition and embrace the past instead of the future.
• have a history of short (5-7 year) pastorates.
• have an aging congregation (50 years of age and over).
• have a small core of truly born again, Bible believing members/attenders.
• struggle to meet their basic budget needs.
• have little, if any, missions emphasis.
• receive new members either through birth or same denomination transfers.
• have outdated facilities.
• survive because of the service and giving of less than 20 percent of the congregation.
• have inadequate ministries/programs for today’s needs (Singles, Divorced, Generation Xers who grewup without any church background, Families struggeling financially, children living in a world without moral boundaries).
• have one or more “sacred cows” or dead horses that consume a large portion of the church’s resources (time and money).

Do you see any of these symptoms in your church? How would you diagnose a stalled church? How can you begin to infuse life into a stalled church?