How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities
If you’ve been looking for a clear, research-driven, and deeply pastoral guide to making church safer—this is it. In Safe Church, therapist and former pastor Dr. Andrew J. Bauman distills years of clinical work and a large research project into a concise, practical manual for leaders, volunteers, and everyday churchgoers who want their communities to mirror the heart of Jesus.
Why this book matters
Bauman centers survivor stories and data (drawn from 2,800+ women working in churches) to show how “everyday” patterns—minimizing “jokes,” misapplied texts, unclear policies, and CEO-style leadership—create conditions where harm can thrive. He pairs that reality check with action steps: publish and teach policies, require abuse-prevention training, diversify leadership, create safe reporting paths, and build referral networks to trauma-informed care. Baptist News Global+2The Allender Center+2
What you’ll find inside
- Responsible, accessible theology. He re-reads commonly weaponized passages with attention to language and context, restoring mutuality and the full Imago Dei.
- Concrete practices. Annual trainings, background checks, transparent reporting, and survivor-centered responses you can implement this quarter.
- A hopeful tone. The book names hard truths without despair; it’s an invitation to tell the truth, repent, and rebuild wisely.
Our take (5/5)
Safe Church threads the needle: it’s theologically faithful, clinically informed, and immediately usable. If you lead a ministry, serve with kids or students, sit on a board, or simply care about your congregation’s health, put this on your required reading list. It’s short enough for a staff study and sturdy enough to shape policy.
Who should read it
- Pastors, elders/deacons, and board members
- Women’s/children’s/student ministry leads and volunteers
- Seminary students and residency programs
- Any congregant longing for a safer, more honest, more Christlike church
Book details & where to buy
- Title: Safe Church: How to Guard Against Sexism and Abuse in Christian Communities
Author: Andrew J. Bauman • Publisher: Baker Books • Pub date: January 21, 2025 • ISBN: 978-1540903976. Baker Publishing Group - Order from the publisher (Baker Publishing Group). Baker Publishing Group
- Baker Book House (often discounted). Baker Book House
- Bookshop.org (supports independent bookstores). Bookshop
- Barnes & Noble. Barnes & Noble
- Amazon. Amazon
Our Podcast Episode with Dr Bauman is below.
