Escaping The Devil’s Bedroom: Dealing With Sex Offenders Who.
My former editor at Christianity Today mag sent me a link to the article below.CTI is conducting a groundbreaking national survey on attitudes about sex offenders in churches. Take the survey now & get a free download: http://bit.ly/9MJC7EThe survey will be used to produce several articles for publication later this year. Feel free to forward or copy this blog post.
I suggestedCT also include articles on s-x offenders being people too, and the potential for theirtransformation. While we need to be careful to protect our children, we also need to view these men and women in light of the Gospel's hope,as God's wounded sons and daughters.Let's remember who the real Enemy is. The editor repliedhewas already looking into that. Go CT!
How do we protect our members from known sex offenders?
by Richard R. Hammar
Question posted on ChurchSafety.com:
There is a female, registered sex offender who wants to attend our Sunday services. We want her to attend, but what guidelines should we have in place to safeguard our children?
Answer by Richard Hammar:
When the senior pastor, or any member of the church board, is informed that a registered sex offender is attending the church, there are steps that can be taken to manage risk. These include the following:
1. Obtain a record of the sex offender's prior criminal convictions by conducting a national criminal records check. The church must be fully informed regarding the sex offender's criminal background.
2. If the sex offender is on probation, identify his or her probation officer and ascertain the conditions that have been imposed. In some cases, sex offenders are not even allowed to attend church. If the probation officer says that the offender is free to attend church, ask the officer if he or she would recommend that the offender be allowed to attend church, and if so, under what conditions. Obtain this information in writing, or, if that is not possible, make a detailed written account of the officer's response.
3. Condition the sex offender's right to attend church services and activities on his or her signing a "conditional attendance agreement" that imposes the following conditions:
The sex offender will not work with minors in any capacity in the church.
The sex offender will not transport minors to or from church, or any church activity.
The sex offender will not attend any youth or children's functions while on church property, except for those involving his or her own child or children, and only if in the presence of a chaperone (see below).
The sex offender will always be in the presence of a designated chaperone while on church property. This includes religious services, educational classes, activities, and restroom breaks. The chaperone will meet the sex offender at the entrance of the church, and accompany the sex offender on church premises until returned to his or her vehicle.
A single violation of these conditions will result in an immediate termination of the sex offender's privilege to attend the church.
The conditional attendance agreement option will not be available unless the church's insurer is informed and confirms that coverage will not be affected.
4. In some cases, exclusion of the offender from church is the only viable option. This option is advisable if (1) for any reason the conditional attendance option is not feasible or enforceable; or (2) if the offender's crimes are so frequent or heinous that exclusion is the only appropriate option; or (3) one or more of the offender's victims attends the church. This will be a judgment call made by the pastor and board.
5. It is often desirable to draft a short policy addressing the church's response to registered sex offenders attending the church, and have it adopted by the congregation during an annual or special business meeting. This would allow the membership to discuss this issue in a rational manner.
6. Seek legal counsel in formulating the church's response.
For additional information on handling registered sex offenders, see volume four in Richard Hammar's four-book set, Pastor, Church & Law (4th ed., 2008, Christianity Today International).
Richard R. Hammar is senior editorial advisor for Your Church, Church Law & Tax Report, and Church Finance Today. He serves as legal counsel to the Assembly of God denomination. He is an attorney and CPA, specializing in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy. A graduate of Harvard Law School, he is the author of more than 100 books, including the annual Church & Clergy Tax Guide, the Compensation Handbook for Church Staff, and his landmark work, Reducing the Risk: Keeping Your Ministry Safe from Child Sexual Abuse.
Boston Marathon Runners Thwarted By Volcano – Soccer- Nbcsports.
BOSTON - David Gray should be making his final preparations for his first Boston Marathon. Instead, he's stuck in hotel room in Brussels, Belgium, trapped in Europe by a massive ash cloud spewed from an Icelandic volcano that's caused hundreds of flight cancellations.
Gray is not the only runner in danger of not making it in time to run the 114th Boston Marathon on Monday. Boston Athletic Association officials say they have heard from about two dozen runners stranded in Europe, including Abdellah Falil, a Moroccan in the elite field who's waylaid in Paris.
Falil, who competed in the 10,000 meters at the Beijing Games, was supposed to arrive Wednesday, but now he's not expected until Saturday night at the earliest. The race is Monday.
Race officials said Friday that European participants who can't make it to Boston in time to pick up their race bibs this weekend can do so Monday morning.
Gray has tried everything to get out of Belgium. He's asked to be rerouted through Italy or Spain, figuring they were far enough south to avoid the ash cloud. But the only way he can get there is by train or rental car, and they are all booked.
"Boston is different," said Gray, a 41-year-old New Yorker and television commercial producer who's twice run the New York City Marathon. "It's not the biggest marathon in the number of runners as far as majors go, but as far as I am concerned, it's the best of the best, with the best runners, and it's a bit of a badge of honor to say you've run Boston."
He's also asked about flying out of Moscow, and going over the North Pole rather than the North Atlantic. All his efforts have failed.
"To have an act of God like this happen is really frustrating," said Gray, who had planned on meeting his wife and two young sons, who he has not seen in three weeks, in Boston.
"I was talking to my 3-year-old son, explaining about the volcano and why I wouldn't see him for a few more days, and he said, 'Daddy, why they can't they fix it?'"
Martin Cunningham, 47, of Bromley, England, said he has been waiting for a couple of days after British Airways sent him a tweet that his flight to Boston was canceled.
"I really set my heart on doing Boston after completing a marathon in Berlin last September," he said.
Cunningham said he has been training hard since December.
Late Friday, Cunningham said on Twitter that British Airways had canceled his Saturday flight and that he wouldn't be coming to Boston after all. "Game over," he tweeted.
The Boston Marathon isn't the only race affected by the volcano.
"We've got the exact same problem runners can't make it to Vienna," said Andreas Maier, an organizer of Sunday's Vienna City Marathon.
And in soccer, Premier League referee Steve Bennett has been replaced for Saturday's Manchester derby between City and United after getting stranded in Romania at a training course.
He was due to fly back Friday. The Premier League said he was expected to referee the derby at Eastlands but has been replaced by Martin Atkinson.
In response to the flight delays, organizers in Boston have extended the traditional Sunday night check-in deadline, and may even allow check-in the day of the race.
"I've had bad luck traveling, but this is up there," Gray said.
Associated Press writers Russell Contreras, Jimmy Golen and William J. Kole contributed to this story.
My Journey: Ray Boltz, Kirk Talley, And The Struggle
There are two Christian singers whose struggle with homosexuality became public, and both under different circumstances.
Back a few years, 2003 or 2004, I'd say, Kirk Talley, a Southern Gospel singer - was "outed" as someone who struggles with homosexuality. I have no idea if he ever pursued the sexual part at all, but one evening was in a gay chat room, chatting with another guy who I believe was claiming to be a Christian. When he found out who Kirk was, he tried to blackmail him - tell his record company and the public. Kirk did the hard thing and called the law in. The man was arrested, but Kirk's struggles became public. He made a comeback with his ministry/career, and speaks publicly about his struggles and is an encouragement to other people who deal with it.
Ray Boltz is more well known, having a music career in the better known Christian Contemporary field, writing and singing some great songs. He too struggled with homosexuality for years, though married with a family. He finally reached a point that he decided since God didn't remove the desires, that it must be ok with God. He divorced his wife, and is pursuing life as a gay man, still claiming to be a Christian living in God's will.
It is easy to knock both men. Kirk was out singing for God, yet in a gay chat room. Ray Boltz decides the lack of deliverance means God's approval. If that were the case, all of the Christians who still fight the desire for the drugs or alcohol they used to be slaves to, may as well go back to them and say it is ok with God.
My struggle would be more like Kirk's, though I do not know if he acted out as I did. For so many years, I bounced back and forth, trying to quit, rise above it,and serve God, only to fall over and over again. Along the way, people found out about my struggle. My family found out, which wasn't pretty - they all know except one brother-in-law. At a Christian business I worked at, a co-worker and "friend" outed me to everyone. I have lost track of how many people know, though I am not public with my struggle. More people don't know than do, that is for sure.
There were many times I felt like completely throwing in the towel. Quit church, openly live as a gay male. I met guys who wanted a relationship with me, but I never went that route for two reasons. I didn't think I could carry it off and not have anyone know, and I was afraid if I did that, I might never come back.
Unlike Ray Boltz, I never once entertained the thought that the lifestyle was ok with God - and I am not putting myself above him for that. I am very thankful I never struggled with that. Possibly because of how conservatively I was raised....I really don't know. The battle for me was never if I could live for God and live as a gay man - the battle has always been trying to serve Christ and not give into the desires & temptations that assail me.
I do wish more churches openly dealt with the issue of homosexuality in a loving and Christ-like way, so that so many people wouldn't struggle in silence, yet there are too many churches openly accepting homosexuality and saying you can be a Christian and be gay. You don't have to change. I really am not sure which God would judge more harshly. Christians who act hateful and judgemental toward people who are gay, or the churches who help ruin and further enslave people who struggle with homosexuality by telling them it is ok. Either attitude can help send people to hell. The second is obvious why. The first extreme can turn homosexuals off on the church so badly that they never have a chance at finding God. And it can hurt those who struggle in silence.
I know of a young man - Lutheran - who was struggling with homosexuality, and had already acted out as a teenager. He went to his pastor, and the pastor told him it was ok - he could be a Christian and be gay. That those verses in the Bible didn't condemn a loving gay relationship. The last I knew, that kid was in college in a relationship with another guy - still professing to be a Christian. If he misses Heaven, his blood will be on that pastor's hands.
It may be a pipe dream, but I believe that every person preparing to be a pastor should learn how to deal with issues like homosexuality. Not every person they come across will have issues like unruly kids or marriage problems. Some of them will have issues like pornography, homosexuality, and worse.
I have often wondered what Jesus would have said to the homosexual when He was here on earth. His silence on the subject is a reason the gay "theologians" say it must be ok. (Most likely, it was not much of an issue where Jesus had His ministry) But what would He have said - and done? Would He have turned aside in disgust, or would He have embraced that person, forgave him, and changed his desires? I believe it would be the latter.
The phrase "what would Jesus do" was a fad for a few years back. You saw WWJD everywhere and on everything. What would Jesus do today with homosexuals? I think He would love them - yet know it was a sin. He would be their friend, and never reject them because He disagreed with their lifestyle.
The world is full of hurting and broken people. People who have never struggled with same-sex attractions have no idea what is like to deal with that issue on a daily basis - likewise, there are people dealing with things I could never relate to. We as a church - as Christians - need to do better at loving the sinner - yes, still hating the sin, and where needed stand up against it - but we will never win the lost - whether it is the homosexual - or the neighbor next door - without love.
National Day Of Prayer Cancelled – Trackpads Community
I just read that our President cancelled the 21st National Day of Prayer celebration because it might offend someone.
Then a friend of mine sent me this link.
http://www.islamoncapitolhill.com/
I don't wish to cast stones at Obama, but I am a Christian Knight, and feel that this is a case of our President intentionally descriminating against the beliefs I hold dear.
The fact the Obama has not choosen a church yet is a little concern, but when combined with news like this I feel it is a matter of "transparency" again, if he has lied about has personal belief systems, than how can we trust anything else from him? Those churches he has supported in the past are radically against the American way of life. All-in-all, I am not comfortable with hidden agendas from a man who was elected on the basis that he would make government more transparent and the back room politics would be forever gone from our government.
I have no issue with him being a Islamic, if he comes out and says so and treats American's with respect. We hired him, and by God (term choosen to fit the situation) whe have the right to fire him if he will not run our country in a manner supported be the majority of the people.
"God, bless American, the land that we (I) love, stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with a light from above." I certainly did not write this song, but it says what I feel. We are America, we are a Christian Country (in spite of Canidate Obama's comments to the contrary) and I am glad that is so. "There are few athiest in foxholes," means when the S*** hits the fan, and bullets are whizzing by your head, you are pretty darned likely to start praying, I did, and if you have experienced any of that ask yoursself if you did too.
Ericka Courtney, Nadia Blooms hero James King To Speak Publicly.
James King the man who found Nadiahad an interview on GMA today. This is the first, and may not be the last. Is he a real attention seeker?
You know, a lot of people will say so, and many many more will say not.
Here are the concerns that I have with his discovery.
James King and written backwards is King James, actually found her by forming his own search party for her which only included himself.
He not only went on his way to find her, but he was lead by the voice of God in doing so. At least he claims. Now my question is thisMr. James, why couldnt you take everyone with you on that adventure? Why did you feel the need to branch out on your own to find Nadia? Wouldnt it make more sense to stay with the group and tell them of your gut feelings? It didnt sit well with anyone that he was on his own when he found her.
No one knows exactly how much time King was with her before he called 911, however on GMA today, he told George Stephanopolous that he had only been with her for a minute or 2 before he called. King states that he had to nourish her. He gave her a energy drink, he brought some fruit for her and trail mix. Wow, how thoughtful? Right?
Well all of this is great, but it would have been better under supervision.
Who can say what he gave this child? Did the doctor authorize him to give her this? Did he know her history? Is she allergic to peanuts? Water in any case would have been best. Did her parents tell him what she liked?
Another thing,James King states that he didnt know Nadia or her family. However, when asked by GeorgehowdidNadia getinto all that brush, King responded, Nadia is a very determined young lady. I thought you didnt know her sir.If anyone who doesnt a person is asked this sort of question, theyd refrain, as he didnt know how she got there. Why would he answer this by saying how determined she was? He acts like he does know her indeed by making these sorts of statements.
James King is then asked whether he knew her, and he states that Nadia told him that she recognized him from church. King states that he also knew or had seen her in church.
To listen to him talk to her during their phone conversation that was reported is interesting. This phone conversation means when he called 911 to inform them that he had located her. He seems so charming and easy going. Almost too good. He sounds like he could literally charm the socks off of anyone.
I think this story is just beginning. There is one thing that people do when they liewhen you ask them a question and they look down or look away, they may be lying. I saw the interview this morning. James King is hiding something. But I guess well see.
I cannot imagine that Nadia Bloom made this journey all along. If Nadia had seen him, a man she recognized from church in her neighborhood, would she had gone with him?
Nadia Bloom was lost in the deep woods and even James King was up to waist in mud. Did Nadia Bloom take the same path to enter? If the officers didnt find her and the dogs didnt pick up her scent, how did James King? Another concern. Was there a easier way to get to Nadia? Did King have to take the route to get to her, or did he choose that path for a reason?
Once youre done with this story, go and read the copycat of this story by another missing child who is Autistic. The story is almost the exact situation to Nadia Bloom. Now something is strange here with this story. Is this a pure coincidence? Check the story out on my home page. This kids name is Taylor Touchstone. You might wanna google his name and read his story. Ive provided it for you here. YOU may have second thoughts about this hero and about this story. This is NOT Nadias fault.
I believe Nadia was exploited, and I really think something is shady after reading this new story. No one on the news is mentoning or running a story on it, but this morning, they did say there was another story with a child who was missing for 4 days. I did the research of it, and you can read it here.
This is so strange guys, really it is. Remember, I challenge the news stories. If something is missing, I seek to find it. I found something and Im sharing it with you.
James King read many scriptures to Nadia Bloom after he found her. I know that some people use biblical scriptures to brain wash kids into doing all sorts of things.
