The Deeper Reality
Sexual abuse scandals are not merely PR crises—they are moral failures with lifelong consequences for survivors. Churches that respond defensively compound harm. Churches that respond with transparency, humility and structural reform can begin to rebuild trust.
Professional church leaders must understand: survival of the institution cannot outrank care for the wounded.
Your response will preach louder than any sermon.
In moments like these, the credibility of the gospel is not defended by image management—but by truth, justice and courageous accountability.
Essential Resources for Churches Responding to Sexual Abuse Allegations
Independent Investigations & Abuse Response
GRACE (Godly Response to Abuse in the Christian Environment)
An independent organization that conducts third-party investigations, assessments and trainings for Christian institutions. netgrace.org
Guidepost Solutions (Faith-Based Practice)
Provides independent investigations, compliance reviews and monitoring services for religious organizations. guidepostsolutions.com
MinistrySafe
Offers abuse prevention training, background checks, and policy development specifically for churches. ministrysafe.com
Legal & Risk Management
Church Law & Tax
Legal resources, risk management articles and compliance guidance for churches. churchlawandtax.com
Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company
Provides risk management resources, abuse prevention tools and insurance consultation for ministries. brotherhoodmutual.com
GuideOne Insurance
Offers abuse prevention resources, legal risk assessments and insurance support.
guideone.com
National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA)
Best practices for governance, compliance and administrative leadership. nacba.net
Survivor Advocacy & Support
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network)
Operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE) and provides survivor-centered resources. rainn.org
National Child Abuse Hotline (Childhelp)
24/7 hotline for reporting child abuse or receiving crisis intervention support.
Phone: 800-4-A-CHILD childhelphotline.org
SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests)
Advocacy and support for survivors of clergy abuse. snapnetwork.org
Darkness to Light
Prevention training and child sexual abuse awareness programs (including Stewards of Children training). d2l.org
Governance & Accountability
ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability)
Provides standards of governance, transparency and board accountability.
ecfa.org
The Christian Legal Society (CLS)
Directory of attorneys familiar with nonprofit and religious organization law. clsnet.org
BoardSource
Governance best practices for nonprofit boards. boardsource.org
Prevention & Policy Development
MinistrySafe (again worth repeating)
Offers customizable sexual abuse prevention policies and training modules. ministrysafe.com
Protect My Ministry
Background screening and compliance tools designed for churches. protectmyministry.com
Praesidium
Consulting firm specializing in abuse risk management and safety systems. praesidiuminc.com
Media & Crisis Communications
The Colossian Forum (Conflict & Public Witness Resources)
Guidance for Christian institutions navigating controversy.
The Slingshot Group
Leadership consulting, transition support and crisis advisory for churches.
slingshotgroup.org
Outside Crisis Communications Firms
Churches should strongly consider hiring an external PR professional experienced in nonprofit crisis response. Look for firms with demonstrated experience in institutional abuse cases—not just brand management.
Additional Critical Reminders for Leaders
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Maintain a list of local trauma-informed counselors not directly affiliated with your church.
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Establish a relationship in advance with a qualified independent investigator before a crisis happens.
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Keep updated contact information for local law enforcement and child protective services.
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Regularly audit your church’s abuse prevention policies with outside review.
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Ensure your denomination’s reporting requirements are clearly documented and followed.
Sexual abuse response is not a DIY endeavor. Churches that attempt to handle allegations internally without outside expertise often compound harm and increase legal exposure.
The most responsible step a church can take—before and after a crisis—is to build systems of accountability that prioritize survivor care, transparency and justice.
