Integrating a Child Sexual Offender into the Congregation: Best Practices in an Evolving Field Churches are increasingly presented with the challenge of offering the hospitality of God’s table to all who seek fellowship while protecting children and other vulnerable people. When it becomes known that a convicted child sexual offender desires to become part of the congregation, the decisions faced by leadership must be considered on a practical, theological, and legal level. Churches caught up in this difficult situation without preparation may quickly find themselves in an emotional firestorm as members react not only to the desire to protect children, but also re-experience the unresolved traumas of their own childhood. We offer an introductory two-hour workshop on best practices that includes characteristics of pedophiles; how offenders engage children by “grooming” them; training church members for supervision of the offender; communicating with the congregation; and working with judicial and clinical resources. Consultation services are also provided. For more information, contact Linda Crockett at 717-560-9969, extension 226.
	Samaritan Counseling Center 1803 Oregon Pike Lancaster, PA 17601 717-560-9969 · 1-800-400-7789 Fax 717-560-9553