We have seen story after story about predators in the place that is supposed to be our place of restoration and refuge -THE CHURCH. Truth is, the child molester has found sanctuary in the church because church goers want so desperately to believe that everyone who attends church is good, or at the very least has some redemptive quality within them.

We have seen story after story about predators in the place that is supposed to be our place of restoration and refuge -THE CHURCH. Truth is, the child molester has found sanctuary in the church because church goers want so desperately to believe that everyone who attends church is good, or at the very least has some redemptive quality within them. Afterall, to a great extent, we need to believe that to help us feel better about our own shortcomings. But, this mindset couldn't be farther from the truth! Predators have learned that parents are often easily fooled by those who know how to use church lingo, exhibit acceptable church ettiquete, and show what appears on the surface to be a genuine interest in our children.

As parents, we have to stay on guard and not be fooled by the “nice public behavior.” Predators are skillful and know exactly what to say, how to say it, and when to say it, because their entire existence is about their next conquest. We can’t be blinded by our faith to the extent that we place more trust in someone else’s flesh than we do in our own. Think about it….we flee certain situations because we know they aren’t good for us and the temptation might be too much to handle if we linger too long. The same can be said about a child molester; give them too much access and they will strike. And, when they do, you won’t even see it coming because you’re too busy admiring the way they pray, how they seem to love the Lord, or what a nice person they are. Not to mention, predators understand basic human nature; you can't come across as a complete jerk and expect to be welcomed with open arms. This is why predators are typically going to be very pleasant to you and your child. That being said, we must be on guard at all times and remember that predators are extremely crafty at hiding in plain sight – even in the church!

Please understand that I am not advocating paranoia, nor am I suggesting that we go around accusing people in the church of being child molesters. I am merely challenging parents to consider who has access to your children and under what circumstances…even in the church. Remember, when the angels of the Lord came, Satan came also!