A new narrative is emerging from Tates Creek because of how it has handled the allegations — one of transparency, humility, and vigilance to build a church culture that prevents abuse from happening again.

What might it look like, then, if Christian rules for sexual restraint were grounded in deference? What if, in their professional and social interactions with women, Christian men were primarily oriented toward honoring the worth, interests, and goals of women?

“The church should be leading the charge in this area,” said Collins. “We have a biblical mandate to protect children so that they can understand the Gospel without the trauma of child sexual abuse interrupting their growth.”