Bearing His Image: New Resources to Help Alabama Baptist Churches Protect the Vulnerable
Bearing His Image was one of the many events surrounding the 2026 SBC Annual Meeting in Orlando. The SBC Executive Committee and One More Child hosted a panel of seven experts in abuse prevention, survivor care, and anti-trafficking, moderated by Jodi Domangue, chief operating officer of One More Child.
The event’s name spotlights its purpose. Jeff Dalrymple, director of abuse prevention and response for the Executive Committee, emphasized that abuse violates the dignity of every person created in God’s image. For a detailed account of the discussion, we encourage you to read the Baptist Press coverage.
Key takeaways for church leaders include:
The traditional concept of “stranger danger” is outdated. Counselor and author Julie Lowe explained that most abuse is committed by someone the child knows and trusts. Predators often seek to gain the trust of both parents and children.
Much of the current risk is online and within local communities. Panelists noted a significant increase in online enticement of children and emphasized that most trafficking victims live at home and attend churches like ours. This issue is close to home.
Prevention starts with open conversation. Lowe urged parents to discuss God’s design for their children’s bodies, as these conversations equip children to recognize and report abuse.
For Alabama Baptist churches, protecting those entrusted to their care is a matter of stewardship. Faithfully protecting the congregation is essential, especially as sexual abuse remains a leading cause of church litigation. Prevention is both a moral and practical responsibility.
To support churches, the Executive Committee has expanded and updated resources at sbcabuseprevention.com. Notable offerings include:
The Fortify Initiative, launched June 15 at the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders, compiles training topics, presenters, event plans, and adaptable resources for churches and associations.
The Ministry Toolbox provides practical tools, including the Essentials prevention-and-response course, state convention resources, and a vetted list of background check and safety vendors.
The Abuse Response Helpline offers confidential, gospel-centered support for survivors and ministry leaders by phone, chat, or email at 833-611-HELP (4357).
Your church or Associational Missionary can be connected to these resources above in a way that builds the most effective strategy for your context. Additionally, this can include reaching out to our State Board of Missions through safe.alsbom.org, which means support at both the national and state levels.
