Pastors, missionaries, ministers, youth workers, elders; all Christian leaders have a special responsibility to safeguard the children God has entrusted to their care.
THIS UNIT WILL:
• identify the beliefs held by Christians that enable abuse to occur
• equip Christian leaders to protect children and respond appropriately to child abuse when it does occur
• clarify legal responsibilities for reporting
In addition to lectures by faculty and practitioners, this course will rely on: documented case studies; news reports; small group and class discussions.
CONTENT
• Biblical and theological foundations
• The nature of abuse
• Understanding those who experience abuse
• Understanding those responsible for abuse
• Understanding those who enable abuse
• Preventing and responding to abuse in church and mission contexts.
Warning: This course contains content that should be upsetting to all participants.
COURSE LECTURERS
PAUL TUXWORTH
Paul has over 30 years experience in counselling, group facilitation and assessment in the field of child abuse. After completing a Social Work degree and studies at BST he has served as a child abuse prevention and response trainer, consultant and investigator in churches and mission agencies throughout Queensland and south-east Asia.
RICHARD GIBSON
Trained as a social worker, Richard has been a pastor and taught New Testament and Church History for more than 25 years. As Principal of BST he longs to raise up workers well equipped to prevent and respond wisely to abuse in churches and Christian organisations.
KELSEY FITZ-GERALD
Kelsey works with children with disabilities and is a clinical coach supporting clinicians engaging in trauma-informed therapy practice. She has worked with families, government institutions and private sector physiotherapy provision for children.
DELIVERY
The unit is available in two modes:
• On the BST campus, in person OR;
• Live-streamed, via Zoom
DATES
• The 13 week unit will be offered in Semester 1 of 2025.
COST
Credit
The unit may be taken for credit (12 pts) toward an ACT award
$2853 – Undergraduate
$3162*- Graduate
(FEE-HELP is available)
Audit
The unit may be audited, without a need to complete formal assessments
$550