Guest Blogger Dr. Melodie Bissell is Chair & Senior Safeguarding Consultant at Plan to Protect®. Her vision for safeguarding is rooted in God’s love and redemptive plan for children. Prior to launching Plan to Protect®, Melodie was a child evangelist with Child Evangelism Fellowship, and a Children’s Pastor. Melodie is married to Scott, who is a pastor in Ontario, Canada. They have three grown children who serve Jesus as missionaries and in their local churches.
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Jesus’ words still echo through time: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these” (Matthew 19:14). These words were more than a gentle invitation—they were a command. A command to clear the way for children to know Jesus, to experience His love, and to grow in safety and peace.
As parents, we have a sacred responsibility to remove every hindrance and safeguard the hearts, minds, and bodies of our children. It is time for a holy reformation in how we raise our children—a movement rooted in the heart of the Father.
The Father’s Heart for Children
God’s Word is filled with reminders of how deeply He values children. He calls them gifts. He knows them by name. He delights in them. As parents made in His image, we are called to mirror His love by how we raise, speak to, guide, and protect our children.
To carry the Father’s heart means we must be intentional. We must not only create safe homes, but also choose churches, schools, and activities that uphold the sanctity and innocence of childhood. We must model what it looks like to live with integrity and faith, knowing our children are always watching and learning.
Safeguarding Starts at Home
Safeguarding is not only the job of institutions or leaders. It begins in the home. It’s in the conversations we have, the media we allow, the boundaries we set, and the people we trust with our children.
When we:
- Watch our words and actions,
- Discipline with love and respect,
- Speak life and value over our children,
- And hold ourselves accountable to godly standards,
we lay the foundation for a lifetime of confidence and safety.
As parents, we must also ask hard questions of the communities we entrust our children to. Does this church, school, or program take child protection seriously? Are their policies strong? Are their leaders trained? Are they transparent, accountable, and willing to take action if something is wrong?
Let us not be passive in protecting our children. Let us be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.
Choosing Environments that Reflect God’s Heart
Parents, choose churches and ministries that value the innocence of children—not just in word, but in action. Look for communities that:
- Have strong safeguarding policies and practices in place
- Screen their staff and volunteers
- Train their staff and volunteers to recognize signs of abuse
- Take allegations seriously and act decisively
- Promote healthy, respectful relationships
- Empower children to speak up if they feel uncomfortable
- Celebrate children as full members of the Body of Christ
When safeguarding is embedded in the culture of a church or ministry, children thrive. They grow in confidence, in joy, and in faith—unafraid and unashamed.
A Generation Raised in Peace
My vision is to see a generation of children growing up without fear—loved by their parents, protected in their communities, and confident in their identity as children of God. I long to see kids nurtured in homes and churches where they are discipled with tenderness, mentored by trustworthy leaders, and surrounded by people who reflect Jesus well.
We cannot change the past, but we can build a better future. One child at a time. One home at a time. One choice at a time.
Let It Begin With Us
If we are to protect the innocence and souls of our children, it must begin with us—mothers, fathers, grandparents, guardians.
Let us be families that:
- Reflect the protective heart of the Father
- Guard our children’s hearts and innocence
- Pursue holiness in our own lives
- Create homes of safety, healing, and joy
- Model integrity, humility, and truth
- Teach our children to know and follow Jesus
- Expect the same commitment to safeguarding from every environment our children enter
Over the past 25 years, I’ve seen what happens when we fail to protect. But I’ve also seen the beauty of what happens when we rise to the challenge. Safeguarding is more than a program—it is a ministry. A sacred call to protect, disciple, and cherish the little ones entrusted to us.
May your home be a place where your children run freely—never in fear. May your family reflect God’s love, protection, and joy. And may we, as parents, rise with courage and conviction to protect the most precious gifts God has given us.
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More about Melodie Bissell: Melodie’s vision for the next generation is influenced by her two grandchildren. Melodie is available for speaking and training opportunities and invites you to connect at [email protected]. Join the growing network of families and churches committed to raising the standard in child protection.
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