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Like a Shepherd

Protecting All Vulnerable Sheep from Abuse.

Cheerful grandchildren spending good and funny time with their happy grandparents.

This article is based on "Protecting Children from Abuse," a Safety Member Certification training module, the Church Security Guide article "Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Church," and the Expert Resources article "Creating a Safe Environment for Vulnerable Congregants: A Guide for Prepared Protectors."[1][2][3][4][5]

From the Bible –

He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young (Isaiah 40:11).

Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds (Proverbs 27:23).

Introduction –

passages in the Bible that speak of shepherds and how they care for and protect their sheep. This care is especially true, as in Isaiah 40:11, for those most vulnerable, the lambs and the pregnant ewes.

This serves as an example for the shepherds of the church (pastors, teachers, and group leaders) caring for our most vulnerable members: the children, the youth, the elderly, the developmentally disabled, the physically disabled, etc. Besides seeing that they are spiritually fed and led, they also need protection from those who would take advantage of them and abuse them. That's where the sheepdogs (church safety ministries) have a role.

Online News and Reports -

Ohio, September 6, 2015 - According to an article in The Columbus Dispatch, there are many cases in Ohio of developmentally disabled adults (DDAs) being abused. Many or most of these cases go unreported, primarily because victims are unable or do not know how to report, and often non'abusers who know of abuse neglect or refuse to report it. It is often hidden when the abusers are family members. The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, neglect, or abandonment.[6]

Oregon, January 2012 - The Oregon Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority jointly produced a Mandatory Abuse Reporting Form for the abuse of an adult with developmental disabilities. The types of DDA abuse to be reported include:

At the end of a description of the abuses and the requirement of reporting (with a religious exception for voluntary seclusion) is a place to sign this statement:

"I received and read this notice about my mandatory abuse reporting obligations."[7]

Memphis, Tennessee, May 3, 2024 and February 28, 2020 - A former caregiver was arrested for abuse of a vulnerable adult. Over four years earlier, another caregiver was arrested for physical abuse of a cognitively impaired adult.[8][9]

Roswell and Alpharetta, Georgia, March 12, 2025 - A now former youth pastor at an Alpharetta church was arrested at his Roswell home for using child pornography. Authorities were notified by a cybertip from a watchdog group. The church had been unaware of any misconduct until his arrest. They fired the man after confirming the charges..[10]

Jacksonville, Florida, March 9, 2022 - Three men in a Jacksonville church, including the pastor, were arrested and charged with capital sex abuse. The cases extended back 30 years, involving children under 12-years-old, and continued for a long time. The acts also included emotional, verbal, and physical abuse (including beatings). According to current and former members, the abuse was "normal" in that church.[11][12]

Discipleship Ministries (an agency of The United Methodist Church), September 2010 - The director of the Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries for the Discipleship Ministries, Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., wrote an article about what the role of church leaders should be in regard to elder abuse. He began with a passage from Psalm 141:

"My eyes are fixed on you, O God, my Lord; in you I seek refuge; do not leave me defenseless. Keep me from the trap that they have laid for me, and from the snares of evildoers. Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety" (Psalm 141:8-10).

He cited our society's failure to "value aging and growing older" and the resulting indifference. At the same time, the proportion of elderly in our population is growing. Along with this is an increase of elder abuse. Most of it comes from older persons becoming dependent on others.

Gentzler relates the definition of elder abuse given by the National Center on Elder Abuse: any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.

He lists the kinds and signs of abuse, then outlines the role church leaders can play in recognizing and reporting abuse. He also tells what the church can do to promote proper care for vulnerable adults, particularly the elderly.[13]

More than Children -

Many of us are so conditioned to think of children being abused that we may overlook the fact that abuse is committed against more than children. There are other members of the population who are vulnerable to abuse, and many of them are in our church community. Some are members of the church or in members' families, and there are other ways our church may have contact with them, such as through our congregation's outreach ministries.

As an example, in congregations I have attended are persons with cerebral palsy, Down's syndrome, cognitive decline, various physical disabilities, damage from strokes, multiple sclerosis, etc. Many of these have had to depend on others to some extent, which means that there is and was the possibility of abuse.

Just as we have nuclear families and extended families, a church has its own flock and an extended flock. In most states we have a legal obligation to report abuse in the church when, as worded in the Oregon document, we "have reasonable cause to believe that" abuse has happened or is happening.[7] For us in the church, we have a moral obligation to report abuse in the extended flock when there is a "reasonable cause to believe" it is there.

How Does this Apply?

We may hear of abuse in a church family, but we cannot simply go on hearsay. We can try to find out if that is really happening, basically be alert to any indication of abuse. This may take a pastoral visit with an eye for any signs of abuse in the person concerned. On the other hand, the caregivers may act evasive, as though trying to hide something. Combined with possible signs of abuse, this may arouse suspicion. On the other hand, maybe this situation is embarrassing to them, and maybe they don't know how to properly care for the vulnerable individual.

Members of the church engaged in an outreach ministry may see signs of abuse in those they serve. If it is enough for reasonable belief, the issue should be discussed confidentially with church or ministry leaders, then reported if still reasonable. This is the basic principle of "See something, say something."

There may be more tangible ways to help in some situations. This is especially true if it is a case of neglect - that is if we have an opportunity to fill the need. If the neglect is the result of the caregiver being over-obligated or short on resources, someone can offer to help with the care or provide what is needed. This takes not only a heart to help, but discernment, discretion, and tact.

Where Does the Safety Ministry Fit In?

Some members of the church safety ministry may be involved in other ministries in the church, including outreach, but the ministry itself is rarely directly involved. However, a safety ministry does have a role in awareness, encouragement, education, and guidance.

Awareness,

The Safety Committee can work to inform the pastor and the governing body of the reality and extent of elder abuse, DDA abuse, cognitive impairment abuse, etc. in general and in the community. This includes all kinds of abuse, not only physical and sexual, but also financial, neglect, and involuntary seclusion. The church leadership can then educate key persons, such as teachers, group leaders, and outreach workers, on recognizing and reporting abuse. They can also have programs to make the congregation aware of the abuse of vulnerable adults.

Encouragement,

When we make church members aware of the several kinds of abuse around us - and it could be happening to someone you know - don't leave them hanging. Give them something to hang onto.

Under the banners of "Every little bit helps" and "See something, say something," the Safety Committee and Safety Director can encourage those who might feel overwhelmed by the extent of abuse around us. An Abuse Awareness program should include "How You Can Help." Give the audience tips on recognizing abuse and how to report abuse. An Abuse Abatement Coordinator can encourage and guide those who want to help.

Education,

Educate church leaders, Safety Team members, and volunteers on discerning abuse, tactfully dealing with abusers, helping concerned family members of the abused, using the right channels to report reasonable suspected abuse, etc. Role playing is one way. Social workers can be invited to teach classes on abuse.

Guidance,

The Abuse Abatement Coordinator can be the person someone can go to for advice and coaching. This may also be the person to receive and verify reports of abuse. This person may also help caregivers in the church, guiding them in caring for those in their charge. What if the caregiver is at wit's end or doesn't know where to go for extra help? It would certainly help someone caring for a dependent person at home to have relief at times. These helpers can be trained in how to care for certain kinds of dependency.

Impact of an Abuse Abatement Program -

A desirable impact of an Abuse Abatement program in the church should be the lessening of abuse in the community both inside and outside the church. By setting the example, it would encourage other churches and social organizations in the area to follow suit. Also, those who might otherwise become abusers will know where to go for needed help. Ideally, this help should also lead persons to trust in God, resulting in changed lives.

Safety in General for Vulnerable Persons -

Abuse abatement works best in the context of making the church a safer and more healthful place for those who are vulnerable. The Expert Resources article "Creating a Safe Environment for Vulnerable Congregants" says, "Creating a safe environment goes beyond security protocols—it's about building a culture of awareness, respect, and inclusivity."[5]

We've written extensively about safety for children. There are also safety concerns for those who are elderly, physically disabled, seeing and hearing impaired, cognitively declined, developmentally impaired, etc.

Being Ready to Protect the Vulnerable -

"Broaden Your Readiness Guide," this week's free download, is a PDF that will help you know how to be ready to help those who need it the most:

Download the Broaden Your Readiness Guide to expand your church safety preparedness. Learn step-by-step plans for fire evacuations, medical crises, and severe weather scenarios to ensure your team is ready for any emergency.

Click *HERE* to get this valuable resource.[14]

Conclusion -

Protection of the vulnerable is for any who need care and consideration, including the children, the elderly, the disabled, the cognitively challenged, etc.

References -

  1. Kris Moloney, "Protecting Children from Abuse," Safety Member Certification, Sheepdog Church Security [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/bundles/safety-member-certification].
  2. Kris Moloney, Church Security Guide, Sheepdog Church Security, June 9, 2023 [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/pages/security-articles?c=church-security-guide]; also at [https://sheepdogchurchsecurity.net/church-security-guide/].
  3. Kris Moloney, "Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults in the Church," Church Security Guide, Sheepdog Church Security, June 9, 2023 [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/pages/security-articles?p=protection-of-children-and-vulnerable-adults-in-the-church]; also at [https://sheepdogchurchsecurity.net/child-and-vulnerable-adults].
  4. Kris P. Moloney, Expert Resources, The Sheepdog Sentinel, Sheepdog Church Security Academy, January 1, 2023 to March 1, 2024 [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/pages/security-articles?c=expert-resources].
  5. Kris P. Moloney, "Creating a Safe Environment for Vulnerable Congregants: A Guide for Prepared Protectors, Expert Resources, The Sheepdog Sentinel, Sheepdog Church Security Academy, May 1, 2023 [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/pages/security-articles?p=creating-a-safe-environment-for-vulnerable-congregants-a-guide-for-prepared-protectors].
  6. Staff Writer, "Developmentally disabled adults often abused and ignored," The Columbus Dispatch, September 6, 2015 [https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/health-fitness/2015/09/06/developmentally-disabled-adults-often-abused/23793520007/].
  7. Department Staff, "Mandatory Abuse Reporting Form," Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority, Updated January 2012 [https://www.sdri-pdx.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Mandatory-Abuse-Reporting-Form.pdf].
  8. Alicia Freeman, "Former Memphis Caregiver Charged With Abuse of Vulnerable Adult, TBI Reports," Hoodline Memphis, May 8, 2024 [https://hoodline.com/2024/05/former-memphis-caregiver-charged-with-abuse-of-vulnerable-adult-tbi-reports/].
  9. News Staff, "Former caregiver charged with abuse of adult patient, officials say," Fox 13 Memphis, February 28, 2020 [https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/former-caregiver-charged-with-abuse-of-adult-patient-officials-say/article_aef25920-3f5b-5a0d-99be-47f54c6a59be.html].
  10. Denise Dillon, "Youth pastor charged with possessing and sharing child sex abuse material," Fox 5 Atlanta, March 13, 2025 [https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/youth-pastor-charged-possessing-sharing-child-sex-abuse-material].
  11. Jessica Lea, "Fla. Pastor, Church Members Face Life in Prison or the Death Penalty After Arrest for Sexual Abuse That Spans Over 30 Years," ChurchLeaders.com, March 15, 2022 [https://churchleaders.com/news/419591-paul-dyal-pastor-church-sexual-abuse.html].
  12. Dale Chamberlain, "Newly Released Footage Shows Pastor Charged With Capital Sexual Battery Denying Allegations, Praying During Interrogation," ChurchLeaders.com, February 14, 2023 [https://churchleaders.com/news/444814-newly-released-footage-shows-pastor-charged-with-capital-sexual-battery-denying-allegations-praying-during-interrogation.html].
  13. Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., "Elder Abuse: The Role of Church Leaders," Discipleship, September 2010 [https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/elder-abuse-the-role-of-church-leaders].
  14. Kris Moloney, "Broaden Your Readiness Guide," Sheepdog Church Security, 2024 [https://sheepdog-church-security.thinkific.com/products/digital_downloads/broaden-your-readiness-guide].