Handling Allegations in a Ministry – Responses and Investigations
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Leader’s Edge: Leadership
Handling Allegations in a Ministry – Responses and Investigations
By: Theresa Lynn Sidebotham
Illumify Media, 2022
182 pages
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Summary
Theresa Sidebotham is a graduate of Wheaton College and is a long-time practicing attorney, having served on the Colorado Court of Appeals and at a large law firm in general litigation and serving religious institutions before opening Telios Law. In leading Telios Law, she has represented a variety of businesses, ministries, churches, and individual clients in matters ranging from child protection to civil rights. She has long-term experience in conducting internal investigations into misconduct allegations.
A church office worker complains about romantic advances made by a married pastor. What do you do? Parents in your congregation accuse a teenage boy of touching their daughter inappropriately. How should you handle it? A woman in your ministry files a sexual harassment complaint about a male coworker, which turns into a confusing he said/she said clash. How can you determine the truth?
Allegations of harm must be taken seriously. The health and reputation of the organization, the potential victim and the accused are all at stake. How does one go about investigating in an effective, godly way? This work is a handbook that provides guidance for pastors, ministry leaders, board members, and HR professionals in
– initiating the process of investigation, documentation and response;
– maintaining fairness and communicating appropriately;
– listening to and protecting those who may have been victims;
– taking responsibility when necessary and restoring those involved;
– whether outside expertise is necessary.
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