Every Sabbath, 15-year-old Noah walks into church with his family. Like many teenagers, he lingers behind his parents, gives short answers when adults greet him and looks as though he would rather be somewhere else. Most people simply see a typical teenager navigating church, family and growing up.
What they do not see is what Noah carries beneath the surface.
The anxiety. The confusion. The impact of abuse and hurt that has quietly shaped how he sees adults, trust, safety and even himself. Sometimes that pain appears as withdrawal, irritability or disengagement. Sometimes it remains hidden behind a smile.
Over time, small moments begin to accumulate.
A youth leader remembers his name. A Sabbath school teacher takes an interest in his life. Adults consistently create spaces that are safe, respectful and caring. Guided by a commitment to care well for others, they listen, respect boundaries and help build an environment where trust can grow.
For Noah, those moments matter more than they realise.
National Child Protection Week (September 6-12) in Australia and National Child Safeguarding Week (September 7-13) in Aotearoa New Zealand, encourage conversations about safety, prevention, advocacy and care for children and vulnerable adults. They remind us that safeguarding is not only about responding when harm occurs. It is about creating communities where children and vulnerable adults feel safe, valued, heard and protected.
As followers of Jesus, this is more than a responsibility—it is part of our mission.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently welcomed, protected and valued those who were vulnerable. He created spaces where people experienced dignity, belonging and hope. Long before children understand doctrine or theology, they learn something about God through the way adults treat them. The way we listen. The way we respond. The way we make them feel safe.
When churches create environments where people are respected, protected and cared for, we do more than reduce the risk of harm. We help remove barriers that can prevent people from experiencing the love of Jesus.
Our churches should be places of refuge, healing and hope. Places where trust can grow, where those who have been hurt can find support and where the love of Christ is demonstrated in practical ways.
Many people wonder what difference they can make. Yet safeguarding often begins with simple everyday actions: noticing, listening, respecting boundaries, supporting safe practices and helping create a culture where people are protected and valued.
Child Protection Week and Child Safeguarding Week invite each of us to ask, “What part can I play?”
The answer may be simpler than we think.
A conversation. A welcome. A listening ear. A willingness to notice.
Sometimes the smallest actions become the clearest reflection of the heart of Jesus.
Together, we can help create churches where abuse has no place, people are valued and protected, and every person can encounter the love of Christ.
For more resources and information, see adsafe.org.au
