Let the children come

New book - coming soon! 

Title: Let the children come: Preparing our faith communities to end child abuse and neglect

Author: Jeanette Harder, PhD

Children are being hurt and killed every day through abuse and neglect. While the church would like to believe that "it doesn't happen here," research and experience tell us that it does. Readers of this book will learn about the role of faith communities in ending all types of child abuse and neglect. In the context of the Bible and faith, this book helps Christians to learn about their role in ending child abuse and neglect in all communities: church, home, extended family, neighborhood, school, work, etc. The book encourages Christians to consider how they and their church play a role in protecting children and strengthening families in their communities.

Only a few books exist on the topic of child abuse and neglect as it relates to the church. The books that are on the market speak primarily of sexual abuse and treatment of adult survivors of sexual abuse. Other books on the market propose policies to protect the church against child abuse. This book is unique in that it considers all types of child abuse and neglect, including neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. This book is also unique in its "wide angle" approach: members of our faith communities have a role in protecting children in all areas of life, which includes the church, but also in our homes, extended families, neighborhoods, schools, jobs, etc. Each chapter contains real-life stories and discussion questions; tips on teaching the material as well as sample prayers, exercises, and other resources are included in the Appendix.

The audience for this book is Christians who are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of children. Church educators will be able to use this book to lead an adult Sunday School class on the role of our faith communities in ending child abuse and neglect. Church denominations will want to use this book as they raise awareness and provide training on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.

Scottdale, PA: Herald Press