What does a successful intentional interim look like, and what do pastors and churches have to say about intentional interim ministry? Part 2 of 2.

If your church could be known for healthy relationships, a confident vision, an exciting mission and vibrant fellowship, would you be interested? Intentional interim ministry is designed to get your church there.

Talking about sex at church and with children can be difficult. LeAnn Gardner, a lecturer at Baylor University’s Garland School of Social Work, offers ways and reasons to make it easier.

To survivors and churches: Far more people have been sexually abused than are reported. The reasons for underreporting are numerous. It’s long past time to defang those reasons.

How can you reduce the possibility of a child being sexually abused? Scott Floyd, director of Counseling Programs at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, provides guidance and resources for preparing children and their environments to be safer places.

When abuse does occur, what should be done? Scott Floyd, director of Counseling Programs at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, explains who should report abuse and when and how. He also gives guidance on how to care for children and families during the reporting process.

How should churches act out their responsibility to provide safe places for children to grow in Christian faith? Scott Floyd, director of Counseling Programs at B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, provides some clear guidelines.

Louis Armstrong’s song, “What a Wonderful World,” is one of my favorites. The words and tune echo in my mind and escape my lips often. And yet … .

While church staffing is a difficult conversation, it is one we must have if we are to be good stewards of our resources and our witness.

To any other man or woman who has been a victim of sexual abuse, I would like to tell you that you matter and I believe you. What happened to you was not your fault. You deserve healing and an opportunity to live a life free from shame and fear.

Like children and youth, adults experience a range of affects from childhood sexual abuse. Scott Floyd examines some of those affects and points to hope and resilience for adults survivors of abuse.

When a congregation welcomes a new pastor, it is an exciting time, a new beginning for both the congregation and the new minister. To maximize this new beginning, it is important to prepare spiritually, cognitively and emotionally for a new chapter.