LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC) Children’s Specialist Emily Smith is transitioning to a more dual role on the executive team, placing further focus on abuse prevention and response.
Under her new title, Abuse Prevention + Response Consultant, Smith will continue her involvement with children’s ministry and expand on her work with ABSC churches and associations to inform, educate and train in the areas of safety and security. She will also assist churches as they work to prevent abuse, respond to abuse and care for survivors.
“The tragedy of sexual abuse is real. The need for resources and response for prevention and for healing is essential,” ABSC Executive Director Dr. Rex Horne said. “I am delighted to announce that Emily Smith is taking a position on our executive team to lead this effort and ministry. Emily is experienced, passionate, and committed to be of service to our people.”
On the convention level, Smith has spent the past 11 years diligently educating churches from Texas and Arkansas on abuse awareness. She served with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention for five years before coming on board with the ABSC, where she has actively served for the last six years.
“I look forward to being able to continue working with our Arkansas churches and continue to help them protect, respond and assist as they move forward,” Smith said. “It’s part of our goal to help educate our churches to be proactive instead of reactive in these situations. We want to make sure we are adding that protection, helping them know how to respond and how to care for survivors.”
“I am thankful that the ABSC has made this commitment to continue the progress we have begun” said Christa Neal, chairperson of the ABSC Sexual Abuse Response and Resource Team (SARRT) and Title IX Coordinator for Ouachita Baptist University. “I look forward to continued collaboration to assist churches across our state. SARRT is committed to working alongside [the] ABSC to ensure Arkansas churches are safe for children and other vulnerable people and equipped to respond to abuse in a trauma-sensitive way. I consider the progress that has been made an answered prayer.”