Church Family,
At the 2021 Annual Meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Nashville, the convention formed the Sexual Abuse Task Force (SATF) to administer an independent investigation of the SBC Executive Committee (EC) over the last 20 years related to handling sexual abuse reports. The SATF was to oversee the investigation and publish its findings and recommendations one month before the 2022 Annual Meeting on June 14-15 in Anaheim, California.
Last week this report was published. FOLLOW THIS LINK FOR THE SATF STATEMENT AND GUIDEPOST SOLUTIONS FULL REPORT.
The Guidepost Solutions report is lengthy (288 pages, plus appendices). It relates allegations of abuse by EC members, mishandling of abuse allegations, mistreatment of abuse victims, patterns of intimidation of sexual abuse victims and advocates, and resistance to sexual abuse reform initiatives. It relates a situation in which a few key leaders in the EC protected the denomination at the expense of victims minimizing the crimes committed against them. The revelations contained in this report are sinful and disturbing.
The report contains a host of recommendations to the convention to help all convention entities and churches properly handle future abuse situations. When the convention meets in two weeks, responding to this report will begin.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR CHURCH?
First, this report should remind us of the seriousness of sin and temptation. Let each of us fight the deeds of the flesh. Paul teaches us: "For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Rom 8:13). Only the gospel is the answer to our sinful nature.
Second, we should lament this situation, grieving that we live in a world where abuse still is a reality. We should mourn that our SBC leaders have acted unjustly. We should pray for the Lord to make all things right.
Third, we should recognize that abuse is sin - whether sexual, physical, verbal, or emotional - whether inflicted on a child or adult. The correct action is to act to protect the abused, not safeguard the abuser.
Fourth, our church leaders should receive training in responding to reports of abuse. Earlier this year, in a doctoral seminar, I completed training to equip pastors in this regard. This training is available free to any church leader or member: Becoming A Church that Cares Well for The Abused.
Fifth, we should send messengers to convention meetings (SBC, GBMB, FRBA) to stay abreast of proceeding and, when opportunities present themselves, be voices of influence. Cole Barnes and I will Crestview’s messengers to the Annual Meeting in Anaheim.
Finally, we should urge anyone in an abusive situation to seek help. Help is available:
Contact local law enforcement (911)
Childhelp National Child abuse hotline: 1800-4-A-Child or WHAT IS ABUSE?
Georgia Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-33HAVEN, or IS THIS ABUSE?
The day is coming when abuse will no longer exist. Until Jesus returns and ushers in the fullness of his kingdom, we must be prepared for the reality of abuse.
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas