President’s Perspective: Churches Must Confront Domestic Violence

I recently had the privilege of touring Connie Maxwell Children’s Home. It was a refreshing and impressive visit. I saw how Cooperative Program funds and other donations are used to positively impact children’s lives for Christ.

I also know that some of these children were placed at Connie Maxwell because they were victims of domestic violence.

According to recent studies, an estimated 10 million children witness some type of domestic violence each year. Boys who see violence in the home are more likely later in life to abuse their spouse. Also, according to the Safe Horizon website, children who are exposed to domestic violence are more likely to suffer health problems such as stomachaches and headaches. Connie Maxwell Children’s Home is helping address a great need confronting the 21st-century church.

Still, Christians must engage a reluctant culture in order to help rid the world of the horror of domestic violence. Without an adequate response, abuse and violence inside the home will become the norm rather than the exception. Churches should help domestic violence victims overcome feelings of shame, failure and embarrassment, as well as assist them in obtaining counseling. All Christians should be lifting up and endorsing individuals and committees that minister to victims of domestic violence.

Throughout church history, Christians have led the way in addressing a host of moral and social ills. If Christians don’t confront domestic violence, many victims will end up dead, and their children will fall into a lifestyle that is contrary to a biblical perspective.

A well-planned response can motivate others to even greater action. As Billy Graham once said, when an individual stands up against an issue, the backbones of others are stiffened.

Thank you the privilege of being your SCBC president.

— Tommy Kelly is pastor of Varnville First Baptist Church and president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention.