Guarding God’s Little Ones: Why Preventing Abuse Must Start with Us

Children are among God’s greatest gifts — full of joy, promise, and potential. Yet in too many homes and churches across Africa, those gifts are being violated. Abuse, especially sexual abuse, is happening at alarming rates — not just in society but, tragically, within the church. 

Dr Philip E. Morrison, in his powerful book Safe, calls us as pastors, parents, and Christian leaders to face this reality with honesty and courage. His research exposes what many have avoided for too long: the church is not automatically safe. If we do not intentionally build safeguards, the place meant to protect children can harm them.

Prevention is the Highest Form of protection. 

Morrison’s message is clear — preventing abuse is the best way to protect children. Once abuse has occurred, the pain runs deep: emotional wounds, broken trust, and spiritual confusion that can last a lifetime. Healing is possible, but it takes years. Prevention spares children from suffering. 

Prevention also demands that we move beyond good intentions. We must actively create safety — not just hope for it. Whether you’re leading a congregation or raising children at home, the responsibility is the same: to guard those who cannot guard themselves. 

For Pastors: Building the Protective Umbrella 

In Safe, Morrison describes what every church needs — a “protective umbrella” of policies and practices that shield children from danger. This means: 

• Establishing clear guidelines for how children’s ministries operate. 
• Conducting background checks and providing training for all staff and volunteers.  
• Ensuring open visibility — never allowing children to be alone with adults unsupervised. 
• Creating safe reporting systems so that children and adults can speak up without fear. 

Pastors, this is part of your calling. You shepherd not only souls but also bodies. Creating a safe environment is spiritual leadership in action — an act of love that mirrors the care of Christ Himself. 

For Parents: Partnering with the Church in Vigilance 

Parents, your voice is powerful. You are the first line of defence in your child’s life. Talk to your children about safety, boundaries, and trust. Pay attention to changes in their behaviour. Be alert to the environments you place them in — even within church settings. 

Partner with your Church to make sure protective systems are in place. Ask questions. Advocate for training and transparency. Prevention begins in the home but grows stronger when families and churches work together. 

A Spiritual Battle We Must Not Ignore 

Morrison reminds us that keeping children safe is not only a social or administrative task — it is spiritual warfare. Abuse is one of Satan’s most devastating tools, destroying innocence and distorting God’s image. When we protect children, we stand against evil itself. 

That means discipline and accountability are spiritual acts. Calling out wrong behaviour, enforcing policy, and reporting abuse are not acts of rebellion — they are acts of righteousness. 

A Call to Courage and Compassion 

The church in Africa is at a crossroads. We can no longer remain silent or assume that prayer alone will protect our children. Prayer must be matched with policy, awareness, and courage.

As pastors and parents, we have the privilege — and the duty — to create a culture where every child feels safe, seen, and loved. This is the heart of Christ’s ministry. He welcomed the little ones and warned that anyone who harms them faces severe judgment. 

Let us choose prevention. Let us act before harm happens. Let our churches and homes become shelters, not shadows. 

Are you ready to protect children at home, in the community at church and everywhere else?

Safe by Philip E. Morrison is an essential resource for every pastor, church leader, and parent who believes that protecting children is part of God’s mission. 

Get your hardcopy of Safe on Amazon or from Kindle as an e-book.