SBC Launches Fortify Initiative to Enhance Church Abuse Prevention Training

The Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) has launched the Fortify Initiative, a new program aimed at helping churches enhance their abuse prevention and response efforts. The initiative was announced during the Southern Baptist Conference of Associational Leaders annual meeting on June 7. SBCAL president Ray Gentry encouraged associational missionaries to share the resource with their respective states and churches.

“The Fortify Initiative provides a roadmap for associations to make our churches safe places for all who attend, and to know how to deal with those who would or have caused harm to the vulnerable,” Gentry said.

Churches and individuals have the option to attend scheduled Fortify training events or host customized events tailored to their church, association, or region. The initiative includes a website offering planning and promotional resources, as well as additional training and resource materials available in both English and Spanish. These materials can be requested through an online form.

The Fortify Initiative is part of the SBC Executive Committee’s ongoing effort to equip churches with practical abuse prevention resources. SBC leaders have emphasized that abuse prevention is most effective at the local church and state convention level, where leaders can address state-specific laws and ministry contexts.

Church leaders can find event information, training topics, resources, and registration details through the SBC Abuse Prevention & Response website.

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