6-2 Rule

We know that our children's ministry goal is to grow children spiritually, emotionally, physically and intellectually. As we achieve this goal, we need to make sure that our children's area is a safe,secure place. Sadly, I've heard many people call churches the last frontier for predators. Schools and most other organizations are beefing up security to keep predators out. However, due to ignorance and often trusting God to protect us, many times our churches fall flat on the security issue.

All to often we think of churches as having a big God-bubble around us that will protect us. I believe strongly that God wants to protect His children and that He does reward due diligence.

Some call it the 62 rule, some call it the 6-2 rule, some call it the 2-6 rule, and some call it the 26 rule. It really doesn't matter what it's called, it needs to implemented in your church.

What is the 6-2 rule? Simply put it's a simple way to provide safety and security when it comes to volunteers in your ministry.

First, volunteers should be members of the church for at least 6 months before working in the children's department. Typically, a predator will not hang around your church for 6 months waiting to get at your kids. They tend to hop from place to place seeking a church with quick access to children.

When you allow volunteers to join your children's ministry, please use an application process and get background checks on potential volunteers. Keep a file on all your volunteers and your children's director. This shows your volunteers, parents, and authorities that your church is serious about keeping kids safe.

Now that 6 is covered, what does 2 mean? 2 means that you should NEVER have less than 2 volunteers in a room alone with children. Also, married couples count as one person. The reason for this is that legally a spouse cannot testify against their spouse in court. 2 adults in the room protect the children, but it also protects an adult from being accused of something that she/he didn't do.

A few other suggestions to make sure you don't set yourself up for suspicion. If taking a child to the bathroom, make sure you are never alone in the bathroom with him/her. I try to stand outside the bathroom door if at all possible. If you do find yourself in a position where you are the only adult in the room with children, keep the door open. This prevents any speculation or false accusation.

I know many people are probably reading this and rolling their eyes. It seems like excess, and I pray that you are never in a position where you or someone in your church is being accused of child abuse during services. However, if it happens, your church needs to be able to prove that it did everything it could to prevent the situation from happening. The 6-2 rule along with keeping a file on each volunteer with applications, background checks, and reports on any situation that may occur will help your church to prove in court that you did everything possible to protect the children in your ministry.

Sadly, there are many stories of churches that did not try to protect their kids and volunteers. After the person accused of child abuse was prosecuted, the families often sued the church, and possibly the association and state convention for not taking due diligence. Please don't get yourself in this situation!

Why does this matter?

As a church we want to protect all of our children. We also want to do as much as we can to protect our volunteers from being suspected of evil.