A recent poll taken by Christianity Today International indicates that 80 percent of churchgoers believe convicted sex offenders should be attending church, provided proper precautions are taken.
Poll participants were less enthusiastic about those offenders serving in various ministries in the church, with roughly half those responding in the affirmative, and only 26 percent of responders in favor of these individuals serving in leadership positions in the congregations.
When it comes to matters of sex offenders, many churches are finding themselves stuck between the Great Commission and a desire to provide a safe environment for their congregants – particularly children. A church in Wisconsin has proposed a novel solution, offering “adult-only” services on Thursday nights with the intent that such services might appeal to such ex-offenders while calming the fears of parents at the church. However, to this point the service has only drawn 10 to 12 worshipers – none of which match the demographic for which the services were intended.
How would you have voted in the poll? What suggestions would you offer for churches wanting to reach out to these ex-offenders? Share your thoughts in the comments!