We Need a Word From God

By Ken Row
In the early 80's, Andraé Crouch penned:

We need to hear from you.
We need a word from you.
If we don't hear from you what will we do?
Wanting you more each day,
Show us your perfect way.
There is no other way that we can live.

These words ring ever true today. We need to hear from heaven.

Our nation needs a word from God.
Our leaders need a word from God.
Our families need a word from God.
Our districts need a word from God.
Our churches need a word from God.
Our pastors need a word from God.
Our teachers need a word from God.
Our convention needs a word from God!

If we don't hear from God, what will we do?

Let us begin to pray and fast in earnest that God will speak to us, and that we will hear Him when He does.

Five Thoughts about Handling Tough Decisions

By Charles Scott
Leaders must make tough decisions. The basic principle is that decisions are not made because they are easy, not made because they are cheap; they are made because they are right.

When your values are clear to you, making decisions becomes easier.
- Roy Disney

#1 - Outcomes are not 100% predictable
We cannot predict perfectly the effect of any decision - regardless of how much care we take in making a choice. We change, our values may change, and circumstances change over a lifespan. Ultimately, we can only decide what is right today and the difference we can make now! When we don't get what we thought we wanted, we do get what God’s Wisdom knew we needed.

#2 - Decisions seem tougher with experience
Decisions appear to become tougher as we gain experience. We are asked to search a larger knowledge bank for difficult answers - to give back as we've been given so that we do not regress. Abraham Maslow wrote, "You will either step forward into growth or you will step back into safety." Wrong decisions of the past will often illuminate our way to the right decisions of tomorrow. Handling tough decisions - with courage - leads us to grow.

#3 - Some decisions can wait, others cannot.
Some decisions will require fast critical thinking and quick decisive action. Other, more personal decisions, will require more deliberation. Ask yourself: Could this action bring joy, does it support my deepest values, and could it benefit others as well as me? If so, how?

#4 - The Holy Ghost often has an opinion.
Always pay attention to any unshakable feeling that a particular decision is right, or that it is wrong, or that you need to allow some time to pass before making the decision. Check out the facts and do your due diligence on the matter, but don't ever neglect a persistent feeling from the Holy Spirit.

#5 - Decisions do not have to be made alone.
Many difficult decisions require a team effort. Entire teams often need to consult with other teams when needing the benefit of a particular expertise. Individuals, as well, can often turn tough decisions into informed decisions by simply asking for help. One phone call or letter to a friend or colleague might provide the necessary help.

20-Somethings 10% More Likely to Believe the Bible

By Charles Scott
According to a new study of 1,400 unchurched respondents conducted by LifeWay Research, 20-somethings are more likely than the 30-plus crowd to believe in the God of the Bible, the resurrection of Jesus and the uniqueness of the Christian God. They're also more interested than their older counterparts in hearing more about Christianity. The report found that 80 percent of unchurched 20-somethings believe in God (compared to 72 percent among those 30 and older), and 57 percent believe there is only one God, as described in the Bible (compared to 47 percent of older adults). That same 10 percent difference existed when both groups were asked if there was a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of other religions-with the younger set more apt to affirm a biblical view of God.

• When it comes to Christianity's core principle-the resurrection of Jesus Christ-two-thirds of non-churchgoers in their 20s believe in the biblical account, while only 54 percent of those older and unchurched believe.
• Jason Hayes, a young adult ministry specialist at LifeWay, said the study's findings go against "much of what we've read, heard and even told ourselves" regarding a younger generation of nonbelievers. The truth, he said, is that "they are open to Christianity." But Hayes also recognizes a difference between the two groups in how each views the church. Although younger non-churchgoers may line up to more core Christian beliefs, 40 percent believe the church wouldn't approve of their lifestyle choices (compared to 30 percent among those older).
• "Churches wanting to connect with this [younger] generation need to be informed and prepared," Hayes said. "The world is watching, and young adults are looking to see a real and authentic faith from Christians. It's not enough for the church to simply believe the right things. Our actions must be connected to these convictions as well."

Pastoring in Today's Economy

By Charles Scott
LifeWay Research found that almost two-thirds of all pastors say they've seen an increase in people outside their church asking for help. In addition, 31 percent of pastors have experienced a similar surge among those within their congregations.

Among the study’s other notable findings:

• 35 percent of pastors say their church staff is more cautious about trying new things that cost money.
• 40 percent of churches say they've had an unusually high number of congregants lose their jobs.
• Among pastors whose salaries dipped from last year due to the economy, 55 percent still paid for ministry items out of their own pocket.
• Only 1 percent of all pastors have seriously considered leaving the ministry as a result of the current financial crunch.
• The study found that the average church saw giving increase 4 percent in 2008, while more than a quarter of churches are currently receiving at least 10 percent more than they'd budgeted for. Overall, 71 percent of churches are either meeting or exceeding their budgets.

Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Survey

Please share this information with your congregations!

Executive Summary - 2008 - NationalChristianPoll.com
Conducted by: Christianity Today International, Market Research Department

BACKGROUND
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of the study is to understand more about Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Programs, if any, in U.S. churches among church leaders on NationalChristianPoll.com.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES, AND PLANS
Thinking about specific procedures in protecting the children of your church from sexual abuse, please check how often each is followed.

Seven in ten or more of churches represented do the following always:

• make sure there is an adequate number of adults supervising children or teens
• all play areas are fully visible
• require individuals or groups to obtain permission from an authorized
  person before sponsoring an activity
• have a system in place to control the use of facility keys

Procedure/Policy	Always	Sometimes	Never	Don't know
We make sure there is an adequate number of adults supervising children or teens.	80%	18%	1%	1
All play areas are fully visible.	79%	17%	3%	2%
We require individuals or groups to obtain permission from an authorized person before sponsoring an activity.	73%	14%	3%	10%
We have a system in place to control the use of facility keys.	72%	16%	7%	5%
Two or more unrelated workers are present.	54%	36%	3%	6%
We have a check-in process in place.	54%	23%	17%	6%
We have a designated person(s) to secure rooms.	52%	24%	12%	12%
We require volunteers to be part of our ministry for a designated period of time before allowing them to be involved with children.	41%	27%	14%	18%
We conduct frequent, random checks during program and activity times.	33%	37%	13%	17%
We have a monitor(s) to periodically check classrooms and restrooms.	32%	29%	22%	17%

THE FOLLOWING ARE PRIMARY ISSUES FOR LOCAL CHURCHES:

Do you have a written policy on preventing child sexual abuse?

Do you have a written policy on handling allegations of child sexual abuse?

Which of the following apply in your child sexual abuse prevention program?

• We take our policies to prevent sexual abuse seriously and see that they are enforced consistently.
• We have adequate insurance coverage if a claim should occur.
• Our workers understand state laws concerning child abuse reporting obligations.
• We have a clearly defined reporting procedure for a suspected incidence of abuse.
• We have a specific response strategy to use if an allegation of sexual abuse is made against our ministry.
• We are prepared to respond to media inquiries if an incident of abuse should occur.
• At your church, is there a clearly designated or identified person to whom children, staff, and volunteers need to report suspicions or outcries of abuse?

When there is an allegation of sexual abuse or a suspicion of sexual abuse, many churches have a process for handling such a situation.

In your church, is there a particular plan as to how to handle an allegation of abuse?

If your church has a response plan, does it include reporting the allegation internally?

If your church has a response plan that includes reporting the allegation internally, to whom should the allegation be reported to?

BACKGROUND CHECKS
Does your church screen workers who interact with or have access to minors?

When does your church require that this screening be completed?

How often is the background check renewed or refreshed? (Should be annually.)

Do you conduct the same level of background check on staff and volunteers?

Does the person receiving the background check report receive any training as to what offenses may be “red flags”?

EXCUSES
If a lack of support exists for creating and maintaining a child sexual abuse prevention program, what would you say is the reason?

A sampling of responses received:

• "That can't happen here!"
• "Too much paperwork to keep up with," and "Would never happen to us."
• A feeling that everyone knows everyone and it couldn't happen here.
• Adequate staff commitment.
• Background checks vs. protection of privacy of volunteers.
• Everybody is basically supportive, but it's a lot of extra hoops to jump through for volunteers.
• I would say it's a difficult issue that people think really won't happen in church and no one is really sure how to go about implementing it.
• Inconsistent enforcement of policies!!
• Ironically, parents don't seem too concerned.
• It is hard to get people to (volunteer) for youth and children’s programs, and we take what we can get. We aren't a terribly large church and we generally know everyone.
• Just have not gotten around to doing it yet.
• Lack of knowledge on how to create and maintain a prevention program.
• No effort has ever been made to demonstrate the need and the practical implications of not acting to put policies and practices in place.
• Not expecting it would ever happen to us.
• Our congregation is not large enough to warrant having a prevention program.
• Our leaders are incapable of doing such things. This could never happen at our church.
• Seems too formal to some people who would rather have a family atmosphere.
• Some church workers do not want to be investigated because they feel like their Christian walk should be evidence enough that they would never harm or endanger any child/teen.
• The overall (hassle) of it.
• Too much red tape and difficulty adhering to all of the safeguards.
• Volunteers feel they are not trusted. Volunteers do not want to fill out a form that asks about abuse in their past.
• We have a small (40 avg. Sunday) church, and everyone knows everyone else very well. There is no energy to increase vigilance when so many other issues are consuming our few resources.
• We started out as a small church and at that time no one felt the need for it. Since then we have grown considerably, but not all people seem to realize the importance of this.

TRAINING
Do you have a child sexual abuse training program for church staff or volunteers who are involved in your church activities and programs?

Which of the following types of training resources do you use to protect children from sexual abuse in your church?

• Conferences
• Seminars
• Online
• Video
• DVDs
• Printed
• Materials

PERSONNEL
Does your church have a person who is responsible for protecting the children from sexual abuse at your church?

Does your church have a committee responsible for protecting the children from sexual abuse at your church?

INSURANCE
Does your church have liability insurance that covers child sexual abuse?

What level of liability coverage does your church have for this coverage?

STATE ISSUES
Most states have statutes that require reports of abuse and suspicions of abuse. Some state statutes clearly identify particular people as mandatory reporters.

Are you familiar with the reporting statutes in your state?

In your state, are you a mandatory reporter?

In your state, are there any exemptions for reporting abuse or suspicions of abuse (i.e. clergy privilege, attorney-client privilege)?

NOTES
How the Data Was Gathered
Interviews were conducted among Active Christians panel members on NationalChristianPoll.com identified as church leaders, holding specific responsibilities at church.

Sample Definitions
*Church Leaders are identified as those who hold the following positions of responsibility: Children's ministry leader/volunteer, Choir/worship team/musician/volunteer, Christian Education director/teacher/leader/volunteer, Church business administrator, Church secretary/office staff, Committee leader/member, Community outreach leader/volunteer, Elder/deacon/ trustee/board member, Media/Communications director/member/volunteer, Ministry leader/coordinator/volunteer, Music director/worship leader/volunteer, Pastor/minister/ priest/clergy, Small group/Bible study leader, Sunday school teacher/volunteer, Treasurer, Vacation Bible School teacher/leader/volunteer, Youth director/leader/ volunteer, and other positions of responsibility.
* A qualified panelist is an Active Christian Church Leader who responded to screener questions that he/she is able to comment on what measures their church has taken to prevent child sexual abuse from occurring within their ministry.

Limitations
With a total sample of 704 completed questionnaires, the maximum margin of error is +3.7 percentage 95% of the time. With a sample less than 704, the margin of error is greater than +3.7 percent 95% of the time.

Report Notes
Responses that do not total 100%: due to multiple responses, rounding of numbers, or refusals.
For purposes of this report, qualified panelists are referred to as Total Respondents.

Charting the Course: Anger

By Charles Scott
The emotion that most Americans are expressing currently is rage. People are angry about bank bailouts. People are angry about corporate takeovers in one industry while others are left alone. People are really angry about AIG. I have learned that anger breeds anger.

Jack Welch wrote recently about rage, “Rage isn’t healing. It’s polarizing.” Welch goes to cite a few rage-busters: Tiger Woods is back on the golf course, precious family members will be graduating from high school or college in a few weeks, and, of course, baseball is back!

God created us with the emotion of anger, and on many occasions the Bible records that God was angry. Psalm 7:11 states that He is angry with the wicked every day. We have to agree that anger is not evil in and of itself. Anger is an emotion of conception. It will either birth a righteous action (Christ becoming our salvation) or it will birth offense to the nature and character of God. God’s anger is birthed from the nature of purity, holiness and displeasure with sin. But what makes us angry?

It is usually a feeling resulting from some type of injury either done or perceived, and if perceived, that is just as real as if actually done. It is almost always the case that when anger arises then the mouth starts in motion. Proverbs 22:24 warns us, “Make no friendship with an angry man.” Jesus said in Matthew 5:22 that anger without cause warrants judgment. Paul gives the qualities of leadership in Titus 1:7 as one who is not soon angry. And we are given the charge to not allow the sun to set on our wrath. (Ephesians 4:26)

How we handle our emotions will define us as leaders in the Kingdom; the most dangerous is anger and the most definitive.

Easter's Over, Now What?

By Ken Row
The weeks (or months) of Easter planning have played out.

The worship leaders led.
The choirs sang.
The preachers delivered the Word.

Now most church workers are resting for a day or two.

Some are resting with a smile of satisfaction -- they saw the results they'd hoped to see.

Others are simply resting.

Either way, these next few days are critical.

Yes, you should take a rest.
Even Jesus needed time away from the crowds.

No, you should not resign.
Your exhausted mental and spiritual state makes you vulnerable to nonsense. Make it your policy to never make permanent decisions right after victories or defeats.

Yes, you should reflect.
My friend, Rick Clendenen, recently gave me three questions to ask after church events and services:

1. What's the best thing that happened?
2. What's the worst thing that happened?
3. What can we do better next time?

No, you should not resign.
Are you paying attention? Expect that the devil will do anything he can to depress you. He knows you're vulnerable right now. Even if resigning seems perfectly sensible (enticing even), determine to not even think about thinking about it until two weeks are up.

Yes, you should be wary.
If you're going to rest, do it like Gideon's 300 -- the ones who drank their water by raising their hand to their mouth. Get refreshed, but keep your chin up and your eyes on the horizon, because the enemy is still out there.

No, you should not resign.
Enough said.