Check Belay

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This is done at the start of the climb, when the climber is already attached to the rope and ready to ascend, and the belayer has already secured the other end to the belay device. The belayer should ask the climber if they are “on belay”, and the climber will reply back, “belay on.” The climber should also check on the belayer if they have attached the rope to the belay device correctly.

As a church, we are a loving family, a caring community. We check on each other constantly, the way that God taught us, and Jesus showed us. We do this not to tick off a box, nor to satisfy societally expected norms of how “Christians” should behave. Rather, it is the result of hearts that overflow with love, and respond with the right reactions.

This secured rope system ensures a safe climb for both parties during top rope or lead climbing. This rope and belay device combo is the lifeline that makes this sport as safe as possible. It should be second nature to all climbers that all points of contact are knotted properly, and securely positioned all throughout the climb.

If the Word of God is as entrenched in our hearts as we say it is in our songs and our prayers, our leading and serving, then this sincere care and concern is the natural result. However keeping watch over one another should be practiced intentionally. It can be very easy to fall into routine and assumptions, thinking that no more checks or follow ups are necessary because things have already been so established.

In climbing, that’s the fastest way to get into an accident. In churches, that’s the easiest way to destroy relationships.

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