Offenders

The bible says everybody is a sinner. Certainly sex offenders must be chief of all sinners. Not so! It does not matter what sin you commit in this life, the bible says we are all sinners and we are all separated from God.

The Bible does not state anywhere that sexual sin or a sin against children cannot be forgiven.

What is the solution for sin that separates me from God?

Romans 5:8, But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:2-4 We died to our sinful lives. So how can we continue living with sin? Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ when we were baptized? We shared in his death in our baptism. So when we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and shared his death. We were buried with him so that we could live a new life, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the wonderful power of the Father.

Romans 6:23, For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 10:8, for it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

John 3:16, For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Hebrews 8:12, For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

Jesus died for all sinners including sex offenders. How could Jesus forgive a sin such as a sex offense against a child? Jesus does grieve for those children harmed and Jesus hates sin, but he loves the sinner. Jesus went to the cross to die for your sexual sin and other sins as well. Jesus will never turn his back on you. You are a blessed child of God if you have confessed your sin and take Jesus as your Lord. This is the day of your salvation. Allow your old life to be buried with Jesus so that he can give you a new life.

I would like to attend church, but I'm afraid of the congregation finding out I'm a registered sex offender. What do I do?

It can be difficult for some registered offenders to attend church. Many people fear offenders being in their church. But on the other hand, many understand the grace of God and his power to change people. Many churches are beginning to learn how to reach out and meet the needs of offenders. Please make an appointment with church leadership before you attend church. Request that the leadership review our website and contact us for more information. We can help that church learn to minister to you in safety.

It is difficult to reveal your past to people. You risk rejection. But avoiding the church entirely is dangerous for your spiritual life, and emotional wellbeing. On the other hand, attempting to keep your past hidden from everyone at church separates you from one of God's powerful tools for change: open and honest christian fellowship. And if you keep your secret, but people find out from others, this can bring even more distrust and pain. Letting a trusted church leader know your history is the safest and most godly path.

Are there registered offenders attending church successfully?

Absolutely! Thousands of registered offenders are attending church today. As expected, churches will not give you unconditional trust. You can expect the following:

Churches will seek verification from probation and treatment providers that you are meeting their expectations and are low risk to re-offend at church.
You will have church safety rules to comply with that minimize associating with children in the church.
You will be expected to be involved in our spiritual programs.

I know I have nobody to blame but myself for all the consequences due to my offense, but how do I find joy in my life?

You are not alone! Most registered offenders struggle with being discouraged. Many are homeless or can't find employment with their criminal record. Some have huge heartaches due to harming someone they loved. Jesus knows what you are going through. Jesus has some instructions for you:

Jeremiah 33:3, Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Joshua 1:9, have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Galatians 6:9, Let us not become weary of doing good, for in the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

If you are discouraged, please email us so Keeping Kids Safe Ministries can pray for you. Talk to your church leaders and ask for some Christian men to connect with.

I'm thankful God saved me and I want to live for Christ, but how do I know what God's will for my life is?

Jeremiah 29:11-13, for I know the plans I have for you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

God has something special intended for your life. You may not realize you have a dramatic testimony to tell. You can help people see how extreme God's grace and power to change people are. For some, it may be reading the state sex offender registry and praying for those on that list. You have an understanding and a heart for others in this situation. God has a plan for your life! Imagine what God could do with thousands of registered offenders that seek God instead of seeking kids. Imagine fewer victims of sexual abuse.

Notice: Any communication to Keeping Kids Safe Ministries regarding information about a crime against a minor that has been committed, and indicating information about either the victim or the perpetrator will be given to the appropriate authorities. Be aware that e-mail is not untraceable.

But also be aware that if it is in the best interest of all concerned that crimes against children are are reported and followed up. Do not keep this a secret. it is in your best interest spiritually to tell someone. It could also be in your best interest legally for you to turn yourself in rather than wait for someone else to discover the crime and report it.