A Call for Safer Ministry Practices in Our Churches

I grew up in the church. Within days of being born, my parents bundled up my brother and me and brought us to Sunday services. I was raised under the tender, loving care of nursery workers and Sunday School teachers—those who cradled me, changed my diapers, read me Bible stories, introduced me to Jesus, celebrated my baptism, and later, attended my wedding.

At 13, I volunteered in the nursery and began teaching the two- and three-year-old Sunday School class. For the next five decades, I taught almost every Sunday—celebrating 50 years of children’s ministry. Back then, no one asked for a criminal record check or references. I attended many training meetings, but I can’t recall ever hearing about child protection or safeguarding.

Still, most of my teachers were remarkable. They offered loving and protective care, and I am deeply grateful for their example. However, the need for safeguarding was still very real.

I remember hearing hushed conversations about inappropriate behavior. I remember children going missing or being bullied. These were warning signs that, even if ignored or downplayed at the time, should have led to stronger safety measures.

A Sad Goodbye to the Nursery

I stepped down from nursery ministry two years ago. It wasn’t an easy decision.

When we first started attending our current church, there was no nursery. I was concerned that young parents had no opportunity to worship without distraction. I longed for little ones to experience a caring environment, and I gladly volunteered to serve regularly.

The nursery looked great—clean, organized, and stocked with toys, a change station, a reading centre, and even a quiet room. There were thoughtful touches like cubbies for diaper bags, shoe-free zones, and a sign-in/sign-out process.

I was asked for a criminal record check and given a nursery smock. But that was it. No application. No reference checks. No training. I began to realize the church wasn’t meeting even basic safeguarding standards or insurance requirements.

When the Nursery Becomes a Social Hour

Things got worse.

Parents began using the nursery as a place to socialize. They stayed through the whole service, chatting with friends. Grandparents joined in. Aunties and uncles followed. It wasn’t unusual to have 10 or more adults in the room and only five children.

Snacks were shared without much care for allergies or age appropriateness. Then came the smartphones. Parents took photos of all the children and posted them online. When I asked them to stop, they laughed it off—“They’re our kids. We don’t mind.”

My Voice Was Not Heard

I brought my concerns to church leadership. I offered to help write policies. I volunteered to lead safeguarding training. My offers were declined.

Parents were not screened or trained. My concerns were overlooked. I was silenced.

Eventually, I could no longer volunteer with joy. I could not confidently say the children were safe. I didn’t feel safe myself—not physically, but emotionally and ethically. The burden of responsibility weighed heavily, and yet no one seemed to care.

I stepped down.

A Prayer and a Plea

Recently, I walked by the nursery and whispered a prayer for the children inside. I felt sadness that I couldn’t bring about change. But I know I tried. I know I raised my voice. And I know that safeguarding is worth fighting for.

I am proud of the many years I served. I cherish the hundreds of children and young people I had the privilege to care for.

If you’re in a similar position, know that you are not alone. Many others have tried to raise the bar for safeguarding—but without leadership buy-in, lasting change is difficult. Churches, charities, and not-for-profits must understand that safeguarding is not just about children. It’s also about protecting and valuing the volunteers they ask to serve.

We All Have a Duty of Care

We must do better.We must prioritize safety.We must support and protect those who serve.

We must have a plan to protect.

Because safeguarding isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Have you ever experienced similar concerns in ministry? What steps do you think churches need to take to raise the bar on safeguarding? Share your thoughts in the comments below or contact us to learn more about creating safer environments for all.