Is your church equipped for “issues”? (Discussion about risk scenarios posed in the church setting)

Some of my most joyous experiences in church were connected to my time volunteering in the youth group. There was nothing like singing in the worship team, leading small group discussions, praying with youth about the common social pressures and challenges and seeing them grow in their faith—- and of course having to set a few of the little rebellious ones straight ;) It was such a rewarding season of service. 

But…

I was also simultaneously getting more established in my profession and learning a lot in my first job at the hospital counseling troubled youth. I was quickly gaining a ton of experience around addressing abuse, trauma, doing family work with the parents and handling very challenging behavioral issues. And it turned out the more issues I saw it at work- the more I was seeing issues everywhere! I started to realize that we as a church needed to be properly equipped for handling these emotionally charged moments with the youth with professional accuracy. Fortunately, my church youth leadership team were very open to these conversations and awarenesses and I believe most scenarios that needed further assessment were handled well, but it begged the question — for the church body as a whole — are we ALL well informed and equipped for mental, emotional and behavioral issues within our congregations? Especially our vulnerable youth?

Some churches have a counseling department of some sort or the pastors do the counseling, but not all pastors hold licenses or were formally trained in therapeutic interventions. I recall a time I heard a minister do an altar call for anyone that had been sexually abused or mistreated - and some youth came forward for prayer. I saw the youth get prayed for by the youth leaders ……and sent back to their seats. I immediately noted - “hey- you have to make sure those kids didn’t just basically disclose being unsafe at home and the abuse isn’t current and active! We can’t just pray and send them back to their seats, more follow up is needed!” I clearly never forgot that- and it’s been a huge reason why I believe God put me in this position - to make the body of Christ better equipped for these scenarios. 

So— is your church properly equipped for these situations? Pastors  - are you and your leaders trained in proper protocols for addressing disclosures of abuse, addiction, domestic violence or suicidal ideation ? Do you have a process around handling that off the wall visitor that randomly starts shouting nonsense mid service or behaves in an unsafe way? Church executive -  Is there an external non biased board to assist in handling any moral failures or legal problems that surface with your PASTOR? Now I am not suggesting everyone drop everything and head off to grad school to get formal training in counseling, de-escalation techniques and legal ethics. That’s a job for my colleagues and me among all the other trained professionals in those fields. I am asking - do you have a process in place for WHEN it’s in front of you ? Is there a referral base (ahem ahem !) Do you know when DCPP has to be called ? Is your security team well trained and equipped for the unexpected? Do you know when a pastoral counseling session has shifted into needing more professional care and the situation has exceeded your scope or ability? Is there pastoral accountability and shared leadership such that if the pastor is found to be engaging in inappropriate behaviors there is an airtight professionally approved protocol for swift response ? 

The church is a hospital - we know that. It’s a safe space for people with all kinds of unhealed areas or active issues. We would be remiss to not properly outfit our “hospitals” with all the right staff, medicines, procedures and connections to specialists for the unique cases. We pray, we support, and we also need to use wisdom and know where special reinforcements are needed so that we can continue to serve our communities lovingly, effectively and safely to the glory of God. 

SPECIAL NOTE To Pastors/Ministry team leaders reading this and feeling stirred: Do you have a clinical situation, mental health issue or dilemma in your church you’re not sure how to proceed with? Click on our “schedule now” icon and complete the “consultation” form so we can assist you!