Brackenhurst Baptist Church loves our children. We prayerfully work for their eternal safety by pointing them to the loving and gracious Lord Jesus, who said, “Let the little children come to me” (Matthew 19:14). By proclaiming truth, we aim to ensure that our weekly gatherings are a spiritual place of safety for our children. But coupled with this, we also endeavour to do all we can to provide a place of physical safety.
Several years ago, we implemented a child protection policy. This policy calls for teachers to undergo a screening process, addresses the number of teachers required per classroom, and speaks to matters related to the crèche and many other child-related issues. In addition, we have cameras installed as a means of providing security for our children.
This all points to our concern for the welfare of our children. The elders are committed to providing both spiritual and physical safety as families gather each week for worship and ministry. But each member of Brackenhurst Baptist Church shares in these responsibilities. In this brief article, I want to pay particular attention to the physical safety of our children. We need to work together to make sure our corporate gatherings remain a place of safety.
On the Lord’s Day, especially, our parking lots are full of vehicles. And with the presence of vehicles, of course, comes the possibility of accidents. Over the years, we have had a couple of fender benders and some dented steel poles! Thankfully, however, we have never had an accident involving persons. Hopefully we never will, yet we must be vigilant in this area.
Children love to run around before and after the services and it is a delight to see their delight. However, their excitement is not always matched by carefulness. They sometimes pay little heed to cars coming and going and they sometimes run between parked vehicles. We therefore must drive slowly and carefully. And, of course, parents carry the special responsibility to keep an eye on their children, including on the playground.
The fenced in play area next to the church office is a wonderful place for children to play and, from my observation, it is well utilised. However, please be aware that, while there is a camera on the playground, the church does not provide childcare to oversee this. Those on security duty keep an eye on the vehicles and on the property—and we are grateful for their service—but childminding is not a part of their job description. Parents, therefore, might want to accompany their child or take turns doing so with other parents.
I am grateful to the Lord that, in so many ways, Brackenhurst Baptist Church has been a place of safety. Let’s continue to work together to keep it so. If you have any suggestions concerning how to improve our safety, please share this with one of the following deacons: Selwyn Smith, Jadyn van Heuvel, or Theuns Human. This will be much appreciated.
Looking forward to another safe Sunday,
Doug