Clergy in Court Day 2025: A First Step Toward Change

On January 30th, Ted and Angie had the privilege of leading the inaugural Clergy in Court Day, an initiative designed to give pastors an up-close look at the world of dependency court. This first-of-its-kind event in Putnam County aimed to expose faith leaders to the challenges facing broken families and hurting children when government intervention becomes necessary. The hope is to make this an annual event, opening the eyes of more clergy to the realities within our courtrooms.  

A Morning of Learning and Insight  

The day began with our group of pastors arriving at the courthouse, many stepping into its halls for the very first time. They passed through security and were escorted into the courtroom, where the heart of the day’s experience awaited. Before the proceedings began, we provided a briefing to ensure they understood what dependency court is, the various roles of the professionals working on a child’s case, and what they would witness during the morning session.  

For many, this was their first exposure to the judicial system from this perspective. The pastors saw the weight of decisions made in dependency court and how these proceedings impact children and families in crisis. It was an eye-opening experience, sparking thoughtful questions and deep reflection on the part of the participants.  

The Human Cost of Brokenness  

What struck the pastors most was the raw reality of broken families and the struggles of children caught in the foster care system. Dependency court reveals a side of life that many faith leaders may never encounter in their typical ministry settings. For some, it was a sobering reminder of the need for churches to be a place of hope and restoration for families in crisis.  

Connecting the Dots Between Church and Community  

After court, we took a brief tour of the courthouse before gathering for a debrief session and lunch at Historic First Baptist Church in Palatka. This time of reflection allowed the pastors to share their thoughts and consider actionable steps they could take within their congregations and communities.  

We emphasized simple but impactful first steps, such as:  

• Using the pulpit to raise awareness about the needs of vulnerable children and families.  
• Identifying caregivers within their congregations who may need additional support.  
• Exploring local resources to help stabilize children in foster care.  

I want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the pastors who participated, as well as to Matt Reynolds, Clerk of Court & Comptroller, and Shawn Dale Goddard, Legislative & Public Relations Coordinator, for their hospitality and professionalism throughout the event. Your partnership was key to the success of this initiative.  

A Vision for the Future  

We envision a future where every pastor in Putnam County, Florida, has the opportunity to participate in Clergy in Court Day. As more faith leaders experience the realities of dependency court, we hope it will inspire them to take an active role in addressing the needs of vulnerable children and families in our community.  

This event was only the beginning, but it’s a significant step forward in fostering collaboration between the church and the court system. Together, we can create a community where every child and family has the support they need to heal and thrive.  

Let’s continue to move forward with purpose, prayer, and partnership.