Jennifer Gray Woods

What are independent ministries and is it OK for our churches to work with them?   There are several ministries that operate outside of the official Seventh-day Adventist organizational structure. These are referred to as independent ministries.  Many independent ministries are well organized and fully aligned with the mission and ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. However, this isn’t the case with all independent ministries, and unfortunately there have been times when our churches have worked…

I am a camp counselor at our conference’s summer camp; do mandatory reporting laws apply to me?  Yes, summer camp counselors are usually considered mandatory reporters.   Mandatory reporting laws require individuals in particular roles to report suspected abuse or neglect to designated authorities. While mandatory reporting roles vary by state, some common reporters include teachers, pastors, health care workers, social workers and others who are engaged in watching children.  Mandatory reporting laws are designed to protect children and vulnerable adults from continued abuse and…