News & Peace: Church Safety After the Pawleys Island Lawsuit , What Every Parent Should Know
- Boundless Team
- Jul 24
- 5 min read
The church was supposed to be the safest place. But a $25 million lawsuit is shaking children's ministries across America today. Here is how you can protect your kids without losing your peace.
The recent news out of South Carolina is heartbreaking: Pawleys Island Community Church is facing a $25 million class-action lawsuit after allegations emerged that leadership knowingly allowed a convicted sex offender to volunteer with children for years. Even more staggering, former senior pastor Don Williams, his wife Ginny, and the academy director have been criminally charged with obstruction of justice and child neglect. As parents, we are left asking: How did this happen, and is my child safe at our church?
What happened at Pawleys Island Community Church?
The $25 million lawsuit alleges that church leadership knowingly placed children at risk by allowing Warren Spence Perry, a registered sex offender, to volunteer in the nursery and elementary programs for six years. According to reports from WMBF News and FITSNews, Perry’s status was allegedly hidden from parents by the senior pastor and academy director, even after his 2023 conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor. The civil suit, filed on behalf of numerous families, seeks accountability for what they describe as a profound breach of trust and safety.
This is not just a story of one bad actor; it is a story of systemic concealment. On July 20, 2026, the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office announced criminal charges of obstruction, conspiracy, and child endangerment against the church's highest leaders. Investigators allege there was an intentional "collusion" to keep parents in the dark. For many families, the pain isn't just about the proximity of a predator, it’s about the betrayal by those who were called to protect the flock.
The systemic failure: What went wrong in the leadership?
The failure at Pawleys Island occurred because leadership prioritized institutional reputation and personal relationships over the biblical mandate to protect the vulnerable. According to the criminal investigation, the leaders had "intimate knowledge" of the offender's background but took active steps to ensure that information was never disclosed to the congregation. This highlights a dangerous "culture of silence" where accountability is sacrificed for the sake of avoiding scandal.
When a church lacks an external board of oversight or a transparent reporting structure, it becomes vulnerable to these types of failures. In this case, the lack of a rigorous, third-party background check policy and the failure to enforce "two-adult" rules allowed an offender unfettered access. Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 22:3, "A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished." Prudence in children's ministry means assuming the worst could happen and building fences to ensure it doesn't.
3 non-negotiables for church safety every parent should look for
To ensure a children's ministry is safe, parents should verify three absolute non-negotiables: mandatory professional background checks for every volunteer, a strict "two-adult" rule in every room, and a culture of total transparency regarding safety policies. If a church cannot clearly explain its vetting process or refuses to allow parents to observe classrooms, it is a significant red flag.
The "Two-Adult" Rule: No adult should ever be alone with a child who is not their own. This protects the child from harm and the adult from false accusations.
Comprehensive Background Checks: This should not be a "handshake" agreement. Every volunteer should undergo a national criminal background check and a sex offender registry search every 12-24 months.
Open-Door Policy: You should always have the right to peer into a classroom or check on your child at any time. Safety thrives in the light; secrecy is where danger hides.
What parents can do without being paranoid
You can protect your children without living in fear by shifting from "blind trust" to "informed partnership" with your church's leadership. Being a "prudent" parent doesn't mean you are being difficult; it means you are being a steward of the children God entrusted to you. Start by asking for the written safety manual and observing how volunteers interact with kids during check-in and check-out.
At Boundless Online Church, we believe safety is a ministry of love. We encourage parents to ask the hard questions. A healthy church will never be offended by a parent who wants to know the safety protocols; in fact, a healthy ministry leader will be encouraged by your involvement. Trust is earned through transparency and consistency over time.
FAQ: Church Safety and Protection
How often should a church run background checks? Ideally, background checks should be conducted annually or at least every two years. Since criminal records can change, a one-time check at the start of a volunteer's service is not enough.
What should I do if my church doesn't have a written safety policy? Ask to speak with the Children’s Pastor or the Pastor for Boundless Online outreach. Offer to help them research and implement a standard policy. If they are unwilling to adopt basic safety standards, it may be time to find a church that prioritizes the safety of your children.
Does a background check catch everything? No. Background checks only catch those who have been caught by the law. This is why the "two-adult" rule and classroom monitoring are just as important as the paperwork.
Talk About It: Family Conversation Starters
For Kids (Ages 3-6): "Do you know that you are always safe at church? Who are the teachers you can go to if you ever feel uncomfortable or need help?"
For Kids (Ages 7-9): "At church, we have rules like the 'two-adult' rule to keep everyone safe. If an adult ever asks to be alone with you, what should you do? (Answer: Say no and find Mom or Dad right away.)"
For Pre-Teens (Ages 10-12): "How do you feel about the safety at our church? Do you feel like you can talk to us if something ever feels 'off' or weird during a youth event?"
Printable: 3 Questions for Your Children's Ministry Director
Download or print these questions to take with you this Sunday:
"May I see a copy of your written Child Protection Policy?"
"What is your process for vetting and background-checking volunteers?"
"How do you ensure that no adult is ever left alone with a child?"
Connect with Us
If this news has left you feeling anxious or uncertain about your family’s spiritual home, we are here for you. We believe the church should be a sanctuary of peace, not a place of fear.
Need prayer right now? Text us. www.boundlessonlinechurch.org www.famemphis.org Prayer Line Text: 1-901-213-7341 24/7 AI Phone Support: +1 (901) 668-5380 Ministry Hours: CST 9–4, Monday–Friday Sunday service streaming online.
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