Reduce the Likelihood of Sexual Misconduct in a Counseling Setting

As a ministry leader, you should understand the legal risks associated with pastoral counseling, and how you can protect your organization and staff against allegations of sexual misconduct.

Screen everyone and create guidelines

To help your organization avoid a potential lawsuit, screen everyone who you intend to appoint as a counseling to others. Review their qualifications, check at least two of their references, and verify that the counselor has no record of criminal activity or sexual misconduct.

 

Put your counseling procedures into writing. Conduct counseling sessions only on church premises when others are present in the building. Ensure that at least one other church leader is aware when the counseling session occurs.

 

Guard against the development of inappropriate attachments or relationships between the counselor and the counselee. Establish a set number of counseling sessions that a particular counselor can provide to an individual. Instruct counselors to refrain from any speech or physical contact that the counselee or others could construe sexually or romantically. Even hugging could be misunderstood.

 

Prohibit any pastor or counselor from privately counseling individuals of the opposite gender and make sure that a parent or other adult is present when counseling a minor. Few counselors start out with the intention of committing sexual abuse, so assign accountability partners who regularly check with counselors to see if they are struggling with any problems.

 

Keep records secure and confidential

Counselors should take notes during all counseling sessions—documenting the duration and time of the appointment, who was present, and any topics covered during the session. Document all one-on-one contact with people who are currently in counseling or who have been in counseling previously. Secure all notes and records relating to counseling sessions and keep them strictly confidential.

November 7, 2023
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic
Stop Plumbing Leaks with FloLogic

Water and the damage it brings can be one of the most devastating property claims a ministry or organization can experience. Fortunately, there's a solution that identifies leaks when they start, as small as 1/2-ounce-per-minute. It's called FloLogic.

Tags: plumbing, prevention, water leak, water damage
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Increasing Donor Trust
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Tags: insurance, ministry, donors
July 31, 2023
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle
What to Know About Loaning Your Ministry Vehicle

Has your church or school ever been asked to loan or rent one of your vans or buses to another ministry? Rather than running the risk of loaning or renting your own vehicle, you could consider aiding them financially in renting or chartering a vehicle from a rental agency.

Tags: insurance, car insurance, renting, safety, travel, ministry
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Save Money with One Change
Save Money with One Change

A periodic review of your insurance policy is a good way to make sure your ministry is protected for its most current needs, but it also may offer the opportunity to find some significant savings.

Tags: risk, insurance
January 26, 2023
Brotherhood Mutual Foundation Kingdom Advancing Grant
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For the second year, the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation is offering the Kingdom Advancing Grant to innovative Christian church programs that are transforming local communities through ministry.

Tags: ministry, operations, foundation, grant, brotherhood mutual foundation
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Responding to Mission Issues
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Tags: mission travel, protection, risk, volunteers, kidnapping, insurance
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Tags: ministry, insurance, operations, legal assist
November 10, 2022
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan

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Tags: ministry, insurance, emergency, fire safety, volunteers
September 9, 2022
School is Back in Session
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Tags: ministry, protection, insurance, christian schools, volunteer safety, child safety, transportation
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Tags: ministry, protection, religious freedom, insurance
May 12, 2022
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers
Five Common Tricks of Cyber Scammers

Cyber security is increasingly crucial in our technologically advanced world. Scammers use many schemes when attempting to steal your data, but you can outsmart them by understanding their methods.

Tags: ministry, cyber security, technology, data, protection
March 1, 2022
Resolving Conflict in the Church
Resolving Conflict in the Church

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Tags: ministry, peacemaking, conflict, mediation, safety
January 25, 2022
Keep Your Ministry's Money Safe
Keep You Ministry's Money Safe with Organizational Optional Theft Coverage

Theft isn’t just an issue for banks and large companies. Sometimes the kind and caring nature of your ministry is exactly what makes you a target. Organizational Optional Theft Coverage helps to assure that, if a thief takes advantage of your institution, what’s lost can be restored.

Tags: protection, ministry, theft, cybersecurity
September 1, 2021
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Earthquake Season
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Earthquake Season

Earthquakes are starting to rumble the earth again. An earthquake’s impact can range from being a minor annoyance to causing a major disaster. The safety planning you do now can help your ministry protect its people and property.

Tags: earthquake, property, protection, weather, damage
July 22, 2021
Thousands in Relief Funding Available to Ministries Through the Employee Retention Credit
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Most ministry leaders don’t realize there is funding available to non-profit employers including churches, schools, colleges, and camps. This post includes some highlights about the credit and guidance on where to start to see if your ministry is eligible.

Tags: ERC, tax credit, payroll
June 17, 2021
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season
Prepare Your Ministry for Another Active Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season officially started June 1, and weather experts say this season is likely to produce above-normal activity. Take action to prepare your ministry to withstand a hurricane now, so you’re not scrambling when a watch or warning is posted.

Tags: hurricane, weather, weather emergency, safety, damage, prevent damage, protect
April 19, 2021
Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan
Take Time to Review Your Ministry's Child Protection Plan

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Though child abuse may not be something you could ever imagine happening within your ministry, sexual abuse of a minor is one of the top five reasons churches end up in court, according to Church Law & Tax. Studies also show that a child is much more likely to be sexually abused by a trusted adult than a stranger.

Tags: protect, risk management, child care, youth, child safety
March 16, 2021
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now
Prepare for Severe Spring Storms Now

When severe storms strike, they can produce high winds and tornadoes. Damaging winds can wreak havoc on your ministry’s property and to buildings. A high wind event can crash debris through your windows, strip your siding, down trees on your parking lot, peel shingles off your roof, and fling back the flashing.

Tags: weather emergency, lightning, storms, safety, protect
February 25, 2021
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles
Catalytic Converter Theft on the Rise: Protect Ministry Vehicles

Thieves are taking advantage of soaring precious metal prices. Take steps to protect your ministry’s vehicles and property.

Tags: protect, theft, vehicles, vehicle
November 23, 2020
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season
COVID-19 and the Christmas Season

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Tags: COVID-19, health, health safety, protect, coronavirus, Christmas, risk management