Resources

Quick Links:

Note: These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Their presence here does not constitute an endorsement by Dove's Nest.

Let the Children Come: Preparing Faith Communities to End Child Abuse and Neglect by Jeanette Harder

Creating Child and Youth Protection Policies

Worship

Curriculum (child abuse and neglect; parenting)

Faith Denominational Statements and Guides

Speakers and Trainers

Training Videos

Organizations

Recommended Reading  (adult; children)

 

 PROTECTING CHILDREN from Mennonite Church USA

Creating Child and Youth Protection Policies:


Worship

Preaching and Pastoral Care

  • Allen, Jon G. (2005). Coping with Trauma: Hope Through Understanding.
  • Carr, David. (2014). Holy Resilience: The Bible’s Traumatic Origins.
  • Culp, Kristine. (2010). Vulnerability and Glory: A Theological Account.
  • Grieb, A. Katherine. (October 27, 1999). "Vindication: The cross as good news for women." The Christian Century magazine. (subscription required)
  • Jones, Serene. (2009). Trauma and Grace.
  • Lipsky, Laura van Dernoot, and Connie Burk. (2009). Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others.
  • Nouwen, Henri. (1972). The Wounded Healer.
  • Nouwen, Henri. (1989). In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership.
  • Sojo.net. 100 Sermons on Sexual and Domestic Violence.
  • Thornton, Sharon G. (2002). Broken yet Beloved: A Pastoral Theology of the Cross.
  • Vieth, Victor I. (2018). On This Rock: A Call to Center the Christian Response to Child Abuse on the Life and Words of Jesus
  • Volf, Miroslav. (2006). The End of Memory: Remembering Rightly in a Violent World.


Curriculum

Child Abuse and Neglect:

  • Let the Children Come: Preparing Faith Communities to End Child Abuse and Neglect. The audience for this book is Christians who are concerned about the safety and well-being of children. Church educators will be able to use this book to lead adult Sunday school classes 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.
  • Circle of Grace. The goal of the Circle of Grace program is to educate and empower children and youth to actively participate in creating a safe environment for themselves and others. 
  • Dealing with Abuse. Close to Home series (with study guide). Child abuse is much more widespread than we’d like to admit. At least one in three girls and one in seven boys are sexually abused by the time they are 18. Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse is also far too common. This pamphlet speaks primarily to adults and teenagers who seek healing from the wounds of childhood abuse. It highlights the Bible’s emphasis on God’s passionate concern for the well-being of children.
  • Body and Soul: Healthy Sexuality and the People of God. (MennoMedia). Worship resources. Curriculum for adults and youth.

Parenting:


Faith Denominational Statements and Guides

Mennonite Church USA: 

  1. Resolution on Male Violence Against Women (1993)  
  2. And No One Shall Make Them Afraid (1997)  
  3. Ministerial Sexual Misconduct Policy and Procedure (2000) 
  4. Protecting and Nurturing Our Children and Youth Resolution (2013) 
  5. Statement on Sexual Abuse Resolution (2015)
  6. Panel on Sexual Abuse Prevention
  7. Recognizing and Responding to Sexual Misconduct Poster (2018)
  8. Anabaptist Faith Formation: Protecting Children
  9. Protecting Children resource page 


Speakers and Trainers  

(For more information about training options, click here. To request or schedule a speaker, contact info [at] dovesnest.net.)

  • Linda Gehman Peachey, MDiv, freelance writer and teacher; cofounder of Dove's Nest; member, East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church; Lancaster, PA
  • Brenda Yoder, LMHC, counselor, writer, speaker, educator; Shipshewana, IN 
  • Anna Groff, MPA; Goshen, IN
  • Melissa Rorabaugh Heise, MEd, MTS, teacher, licensed foster care provider; Pottstown, PA
  • Carol Grace Hurst, PhD, MSW, LCSW, associate professor & program director of Social Work at Eastern Mennonite University; Crozet, VA
  • Glen Guyton, BS, MEd, director of Mennonite Church USA, speaker, writer, advocate for intercultural competency, member of National Speaker Association; San Antonio, TX
  • Leah Rediger, PhD, director of Religious and Spiritual Life at Doane University; Crete, NE

 

Videos

 

Organizations

Background Check Registries and Resources:

Faith-Based Organizations:

Area Conference Resources:

Insurance:

Other Organizations:


Recommended Reading

Adult:

Children: