CMBA encourages all members of our Family of Churches to participate in an upcoming Sexual Abuse Prevention Workshop on Wednesday, September 23, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Spring Valley Baptist Church.
The workshop will offer current and practical training for ministry leaders and children’s ministry workers in all church-sponsored gatherings and events. Participants will learn clear and concise recommendations that may be implemented immediately. Each participant is asked to bring a printed copy of their church’s bylaws, policies and procedures, as well as a laptop, so that workshop leaders may offer direct assistance to their church’s resources.
The training is sponsored through the SC Baptist Convention’s initiative focusing on abuse prevention and survivor care. Convention consultants are available to work directly with churches to help them “prevent abuse, respond with wisdom and compassion, and cultivate a church culture where every person is valued as an image bearer of God and treated with dignity, respect, and care.”
Featured workshop speakers include:
Scott Beard is a 30-year civil attorney, victim advocate, executive administrator, and public policy professional who has advocated for legislative and policy reforms for crime victims. His varied leadership experiences include directing a rape crisis center and managing two statewide crime victim compensation agencies, in addition to several faith-based programs at the state and national levels.
Hannah Bolick serves as the Abuse Prevention & Response coordinator for the SBC Executive Committee, a role informed by her experience in child and youth ministry in church, school, and camp contexts. Bolick’s background in communications led her to previously serve as the ECAP communications coordinator and to currently serve on the child safety team at her local church in North Carolina.
Chelsea Copeland is a licensed professional counselor practicing in Conway. Since 2024, Copeland has served South Carolina Baptist churches through her role as Sexual Abuse Prevention and Survivor Care consultant.
There is no cost to attend the training, but participants are asked to register by Sunday, Sept. 20. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., and the event includes lunch for registered participants. Spring Valley is located at 91 Polo Road in Columbia.