In his book On Guard, Deepak Reju explores a topic many choose to ignore: the reality of child abuse and protecting children in a fallen world. Christians must realize that not everyone within a church is a Christian, and the depravity of man in this fallen world is capable of unspeakable evil. The existence of sin within the church should not surprise the church; this necessitates policies and procedures to safeguard children. We must also guard against an opposite error, living in fear that abuse will happen in our church. God is sovereign over all things, which leads us to proclaim along with David that, “in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? (Psalm 56:4).” Deepak shows his high view of children as fellow image bearers as he lays out practical steps for churches of all sizes to prevent abuse and wisely responding to abuse with prudence and compassion should it happen. The book is broken into three sections that exposes readers to the dangers of child abuse, strategies to safeguard against abuse, and strategies for responding to abuse.
Deepak presents convincing arguments that all churches should have a Child Protection Policy (CPP). He rightly proclaims that children are made in the image of God and Scripture presents a high view of children and the responsibility to protect them. To begin, he seeks to educate the reader about child predators and why they choose churches. Child predators are grouped into two different types: the power predator and the persuasion predator (26). Each requires specific strategies to protect children. The power predator boldly strikes when opportunity presents itself, whereas the persuasion predator uses his personality, charm, and influence to gain trust and then progressively abuses children. This slow, intentional, and evil method makes churches a prime target and increases the difficulty of identifying and protecting against. Churches are often seen as a soft target because of cheap grace and failures to provide even basic levels of safeguards.
To safeguard children, Deepak recommends eight strategies: Child Protection Policy, secure check-in/out, church membership, background checks, building design, training, abuse talks, and resources in the community. These are practical and prudent strategies that any church can implement regardless of size. Most are already implemented in a majority of churches, but others require a culture change that acknowledges sin and creates an openness to talk about it. The church must avail itself to all resources available including child protective services, biblical counselors, and law enforcement. Churches must thoroughly vet volunteers and leaders of all children’s ministries and events. “Children’s ministry volunteers should be treated as more than just a warm body who watches kids; they should be treated as image-bearers who have value and dignity in the eyes of God (80).” Children’s ministry, from birth on, should involve praying, caring for, and discipline children to be mature men and women of God.
The final section is a Biblical response to abuse should it happen within the church. Deepak uses David’s failure to address Amnon’s abuse in 2 Samuel 13 as a negative example of responding to abuse. “David’s silence is deafening and his inaction inexcusable. As a father David was responsible for righting Amnon’s wrongs and caring for Tamar after the rape; even more so, as king, he was responsible for administering justice in the whole land of Israel (121).” We cannot allow abuse to occur without a response. We seek to protect and minister to the abused with a comprehensive care plan. The abuser, even if repentant, must own up to their abuse which includes facing consequences. True forgiveness does not mean that consequences are removed. As church leaders, we must admit our failings as shepherds in charge of leading the flock; even if that means exposing the church to liability.
This book succeeds in its purpose to inform and prepare churches to prevent and respond to abuse within the church. Though written for the church, it is a valuable resource for any children’s program. Much time and consideration has been put into researching and providing actionable strategies for churches. Further resources may be found in the appendixes to assist churches in setting up policies to protect and care for the church. Child physical and sexual abuse is a difficult topic that many avoid, but On Guard lives up to its title to present a picture that the church cares and stands against abuse.
The book devotes much time bringing attention to the problems of child abuse and arguing for churches to implement strategies to safeguard against it. Maybe I am naïve but protecting children should already be a priority for all churches. Are there really churches in this day and age that refuse to implement steps to protect children? Much of the book could be trimmed to remove the frequent arguing and pleading for a child protection program within churches and still be a comprehensive resource for churches.
I found the most useful section of the book to be the final section. It is what churches are really lacking in. Churches must be prepared should the unfortunate happen. There are a number of high profile cases where churches have failed to care for both the victim and abuser. In the story involving Andy Savage, he admitted to sexually assaulting a underaged student and the church responded with a standing ovation to his courage in confession and professed repentance. Deepak rightly argues against such cheap grace towards offenders and cautions churches. As a biblical counselor, I especially appreciated his tender care towards the victims and providing a comprehensive care plan for them. This includes owning the church’s mistakes.
On Guard is a valuable resource for protecting and caring for the children in any church. It provides clear guidelines to implement policies aimed at protecting children and how to handle these difficult situations. The appendixes are helpful resources to reference to when reviewing and updating policies or if abuse does happen. On this side of glory, we will continue to feel the effects of the fall and there will be sin committed, even within the church. Churches must do everything they can to discourage and prevent abuse. Preventing abuse is only a small piece of a children’s ministry though, we are to raise up children in the fear of the Lord to be mature Christians who bring God glory in all they do.
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On Guard: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse By Deepak Reju |