Why We Take Child Safety Seriously

A Reflection on Stewarding Our Children with Wisdom and Care

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 22:3, "The prudent sees danger and hides himself, but the simple go on and suffer for it."

For many years, our church has functioned like a family. We have trusted one another, watched out for each other’s children, and ensured that our kids grow up in a loving, safe environment. That’s the way it should be in a healthy church!

So, if you’ve noticed the new Pineland Kids check-in signage at the front entrance, you might be wondering, "Why do we need this?"

That’s a fair question. It’s about our values that we desire to grow in like: wisdom, love, and our testimony as a church.

Throughout Scripture, God shows special care for children. Jesus Himself welcomed them with open arms, saying: "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 19:14)

If Jesus treats children with such dignity and care, how much more should we? Creating a safe, structured environment for our kids isn’t just about rules, it’s about reflecting Christ’s heart for them.

The new check-in system and signage are simply tools to help us do that.

There was a time when you could leave your doors unlocked, let kids run freely around the neighborhood, and not worry about strangers or legal issues. Unfortunately, that’s not the world we live in anymore.

Churches, like every other organization, are now required to meet certain legal and insurance obligations regarding child safety.

If we don’t, and something were to happen, even something small, we wouldn’t just be dealing with hurt feelings. We could be dealing with lawsuits, insurance claims, and even damage to our church’s reputation in the community.

Paul reminds us, "Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4)

The interests of parents today are different than they were 20 years ago. Many new families won’t feel comfortable leaving their kids in a place that doesn’t have visible safety measures.

The new signage at the entrance is one way of saying, "We take child safety seriously. You can trust us with your children." Whether the front desk, or somewhere else will be the check-in place in the future, is beside the point for the moment; there are logistical restraints that we have to work within as we seek to run these systems.

All in all, this is not a sign of distrust, it’s a sign of wisdom and love.

Jesus said, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35) What does this love look like in practical terms?

It means making sure that:

• Every child is accounted for and can only be picked up by the right person.
• Parents have peace of mind, knowing their child is safe while they worship.
• New families feel welcomed because they see an organized, secure children’s program.

Let’s imagine a first-time visitor walking into our church with their little child.
They see:

• A sign directing them to check-in.
• A smiling volunteer greeting them, helping them register.
• A clear, organized system that reassures them their child will be safe.

What impression does that leave?

It tells them:
"This church cares."
"This church is prepared."
"This church is a place I can trust."

That’s a powerful testimony, and it might be what opens the door for a family to hear the gospel. It might calm that anxious parent, who is not used to going to church at all, and already feels out of place, that they can focus on what is happening as we magnify Christ in the gathered crowd, without constantly fearing that their child is unsafe.

For those who grew up in a different time, these changes might feel unnecessary. But they’re not for us, they’re for the next generation.

We want our children and grandchildren to have a church that is both spiritually strong and practically wise. We want new families to feel safe and welcomed. We want our church to reflect Christ’s love and care in every way possible.

So, when you see the Pineland Kids check-in signage, don’t see it as a barrier. See it as an invitation for families to trust us with what matters most to them, so that we can point them to Who matters most in life.

Because when we protect children, we honor Christ.