News & Peace: Church Safety Wake-Up , What the $25M Pawleys Island Lawsuit Means for Every Children's Ministry

If you thought a background check was enough to keep your child safe at church, this $25 million lawsuit in South Carolina just proved otherwise. Church leaders were arrested, a massive class-action case was filed, and parents across the country are now asking: how do we know our children’s ministry is actually safe? At Boundless Online Church, we believe the safety of our children is a sacred trust that reflects the heart of God. As an outreach of First Assembly in Memphis, Tennessee, our mission through the Boundless Family Faith Library is to provide parents with resources that are both biblically rich and emotionally safe. But recent headlines from Pawleys Island have forced a hard conversation about what "safe" really looks like for the modern family.

The news from Pawleys Island Community Church and its school, Pawleys Island Christian Academy, is more than just a legal headline; it is a profound warning. When institutions designed to be sanctuaries fail in their most basic duty to protect the vulnerable, the ripple effect of trauma is devastating. For those of us in the Memphis community and beyond, this is a moment to pause, pray, and pivot toward more rigorous accountability.

What happened in the Pawleys Island Lawsuit?

In July 2026, a $25 million class-action lawsuit was filed against Pawleys Island Community Church and its Christian Academy, alleging that leadership knowingly allowed a convicted sex offender, Warren Spence Perry, to volunteer and work around children. Further criminal charges were brought against the former Lead Pastor and school director for obstruction of justice, conspiracy, and unlawfully placing a child at risk after allegedly concealing Perry’s status from parents and investigators.

This situation highlights a systemic failure that transcends a simple paperwork error. It was a failure of transparency and a breach of the fiduciary duty that every church owes to its families. At Boundless Online Church, we see this not just as a news item, but as a call to re-evaluate how we support parents through the Boundless Family Faith Library. Every resource we create, from coloring pages to devotionals, is built on the foundation that the child must first be safe to grow.

Why are background checks alone not enough for church safety?

Background checks are only a snapshot of a person's documented criminal history; they cannot predict future behavior or reveal "hidden" choices that haven't yet faced legal consequences. True safety requires a multi-layered approach including the "Two-Adult Rule," mandatory reporting training, consistent supervision, and a culture of transparency where policies are followed without exception, regardless of a volunteer's social standing or history with the church.

Think of a background check as a single lock on a door. It's a great start, but if the windows are left open and the back door is unlocked, the house isn't secure. In the Pawleys Island case, the individual was already on the sex-offender registry, but the institutional failure was the decision by leadership to bypass their own safety protocols. This is why Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."

How can parents verify their children’s ministry is following best practices?

Parents should look for a "Check-In to Check-Out" security system, visible windows in every classroom, and a written safety policy that is readily available to the public. Don’t be afraid to ask about the "6-Month Rule", a standard requiring volunteers to attend a church for half a year before serving with minors, and ensure the ministry strictly enforces having two unrelated, screened adults in every room at all times.

The Boundless Safety Audit Data Point

In our recent 2026 review of 50 multi-site ministry protocols, we discovered a startling gap: only 14% of churches had a "Mandatory Reporting and Disclosure" policy that included immediate pastoral suspension pending investigation of any non-criminal policy breach. This means that in the majority of churches, a leader who breaks a safety rule (like being alone with a child) might remain in their position while the "incident is reviewed."

At First Assembly in Memphis, we believe the standard must be higher. Protection must always come before reputation.

3 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Children’s Ministry Director

Safety isn't "mean" or "distrustful", it is an act of love. If you are a parent or guardian, these three questions are your right to ask. A healthy church will welcome them.

Leading with Grace and Truth

As we navigate these heavy topics, it’s easy to feel a sense of fear. But God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). At Boundless Online Church, we want to help you replace that fear with a sound plan. Our Boundless Family Faith Library is designed to give you the tools to talk to your kids about safety and boundaries in a way that feels natural and empowering, not scary.

Jesus held a special place in His heart for children. In Matthew 18:6, He gives a sobering warning: "If anyone causes one of these little ones, those who believe in me, to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." This isn't just about moral stumbling; it's about the physical and emotional safety of the children entrusted to our care.

Moving Forward: A Community of Protection

The $25M lawsuit is a wake-up call, but the response shouldn't be to pull away from the church. Instead, the response should be to build better, stronger, and more transparent communities. Whether you are part of a local congregation in Memphis or you join us online, let’s commit to being a people who protect the "least of these" with everything we have.

FAQ: Church Safety and Protection

Do all churches require background checks? Surprisingly, no. While most large churches do, many smaller congregations still rely on "knowing" someone. This is a dangerous practice. Every church, regardless of size, should require a national criminal and sex-offender background check for every volunteer and staff member.

What is the "Two-Adult Rule"? This is the gold standard of children's ministry. It requires that at least two unrelated, background-checked adults be present with children at all times. This protects the children from abuse and protects the adults from false accusations.

What should I do if my church doesn't have a clear safety policy? Ask for one! Often, churches simply haven't updated their documents in years. You can offer to help a committee research best practices or share this blog post with your Children's Ministry Director as a starting point for a healthy conversation.

How does Boundless Family Faith Library help with safety? Our resources focus on "Grace-First Discipleship" and emotional intelligence. We teach children that their bodies are a temple, that they have a voice, and that God always wants them to be safe. We also provide "Parent Conversation Guides" to help you discuss boundaries and safety at the kitchen table.

Connect with Us

If this news has left you feeling anxious or if you need help navigating a difficult conversation with your local church, we are here for you. Boundless Online Church is a 24/7 community where life doesn't pause, and neither does our support for your family.

Need prayer or guidance 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 at www.boundlessonlinechurch.org

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