In the sacred walls of our places of worship, the safety of our congregants is critical. Background checks are a simple step all churches can take to protect our congregation.

But what are these checks, and why are they vital? I'll explore the significance of church background checks, the best policy, who they apply to, and the reasons behind their growing importance.

The Background Check Policy for Your Church

The best church background check policy needs to be comprehensive and focused on ensuring the safety and security of everyone involved in the church.

The policy should be tailored to your church's unique needs and local legal requirements. Seek professional counsel about the legality and effectiveness of your policy. The safety and well-being of the church community, especially vulnerable individuals, is top priority.

While every church's needs are different, some key elements should be included in an effective church background screening policy:

Clear Purpose and Scope

Clearly state the purpose of the background checks and specify which roles or positions within the church are subject to screening. Like anything else, this policy has to be aligned with your church's mission and vision. Clearly articulate this in your policy.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Your policy must comply with all local, state, and federal laws regarding background checks.

Consistency

Apply the policy consistently to everyone seeking positions that require background checks. NO exceptions or preferential treatment.

Consent

Require all individuals subject to background checks to provide written consent. Create a consent form that everyone has to sign to initiate the background check process. This step is required before you can verify the applicant or church volunteer is safe.

This consent form should clearly explain the rights of the applicant. If your church software already has a background check integration, it may handle this for you by default.

Types of Checks

Specify the types of background checks you will conduct. This might include criminal history checks, sex offender registry checks, and even reference checks.

Frequency of Checks

Some churches require staff and volunteers to notify them if they're criminally charged with anything after their initial background check.

Define how often background checks should be conducted. Some churches require periodic rechecks (e.g., every two years) for ongoing volunteers or staff members.

Confidentiality

Clearly state that all information obtained through background checks will be kept confidential and only shared with individuals with a legitimate need to know.

Disqualifying Criteria

Specify what criteria would disqualify an individual from working in children's ministry or other vulnerable positions. For example, a conviction for child abuse or certain violent crimes might disqualify someone.

Adding this information is especially helpful because this alone will deter many possible sex offenders from bothering to apply.

Training

Ensure that all volunteers and staff members working with children receive appropriate training on the church's child protection policies, including recognizing and reporting signs of abuse.

Record-Keeping

Maintain accurate records of background checks, consent forms, and any disqualifications. These records should be stored securely and retained for a specified period.

Appeals Process

Establish a clear process for individuals who believe they were wrongly disqualified to appeal the decision.

Regular Review and Update

Periodically review and update the policy to stay current with legal requirements and best practices. Consider consulting with a professional at least once a year to make sure you comply with federal and state laws.

Communication

Communicate the policy to all members, employees and volunteers to ensure they are aware of its requirements.

Pro Tip: Share the policy with your whole church! Even members who are not serving and do not need a background check will benefit from knowing that your church takes their safety seriously.

Support and Resources

Provide support and resources to individuals who have disqualifying backgrounds. Offer guidance on how they can address their past and potentially work toward a path of rehabilitation and redemption.

7 Reasons Why Your Church Needs Background Checks

Church volunteer background checks for children's ministry are essential for maintaining a safe and secure environment for both children and the church community. Here are seven crucial reasons why church leaders should conduct background checks for anyone working in children's ministry:

1. Child Safety: Checks can help prevent individuals with a history of child abuse or other criminal activities from gaining access to vulnerable children
2. Legal and Liability Protection: The church must take reasonable steps to protect children which can help shield the church from legal liability in case of any incidents
3. Trust and Credibility: Parents and guardians are more likely to entrust their children to a church that demonstrates a commitment to safety
4. Regulatory Compliance: Some regions have laws and regulations that require background checks for individuals working with children
5. Preventing Reputational Damage: An incident involving a volunteer or staff member in a children's ministry can lead to significant reputational damage for the church
6. Deterrence: Knowing that background checks are a standard practice can discourage individuals with ill intentions from attempting to become involved in children's ministry
7. Protecting Volunteers: Background checks also help protect the volunteers themselves by creating a safe environment for them to serve

Church leaders need to establish a comprehensive screening process that includes criminal background checks, reference checks, and interviews to thoroughly assess the suitability of individuals working in children's ministry.

In addition to the above ministerial reasons for performing background checks, there are important legal and regulatory reasons as well...

Legal and Regulatory Reasons to Conduct Background Checks

Conducting background checks in churches is not just a good idea; it's often a legal and regulatory requirement, particularly regarding volunteers and staff working with children and vulnerable populations.

Child Protection and Duty of Care laws

Child Protection laws and Duty of Care laws mean you have a legal obligation to run background checks on anyone working with children in any capacity at your church. Neglecting to implement reasonable safety measures can expose your members to harm and the church to severe legal consequences.

Insurance

Many insurance providers demand churches adopt specific safety measures or risk losing insurance coverage. Volunteer screening helps protect the church from liability by proving you did your due diligence.

Negligent Hiring claims

Implementing background checks can help prevent "negligent hiring" claims. If a church hires an individual without proper screening, and that person harms someone, the church may be held liable for negligent hiring.

Mandatory reporting

Certain jurisdictions have mandatory reporting laws that obligate churches to report known or suspected child abuse. Background checks can uncover past abuse convictions, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements.

Safe environment

Churches have a legal and moral duty to create and maintain a secure environment. Background checks enable them to fulfill their responsibility to protect members, especially vulnerable populations they serve. Plus, this gives everyone peace of mind.

Some laws prohibit individuals with specific sex offenses from working with children. Conducting these checks helps churches avoid legal violations and risks associated with sex offenders.

Nonprofit regulations

In certain jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, including churches, are subject to regulations for volunteer and employee screening.

Church leaders must know and adhere to regional legal and regulatory requirements. Non-compliance can lead to severe legal and financial consequences for the church and place vulnerable congregants at risk.

Types of Background Checks to Safeguard Your Ministry

Here are several different types of background checks you can do on new volunteers and staff:

• Criminal Records Check in all 50 states
• Sex Offender Registry Check
• National Security Watchlist Check
• Social Security Number Match
• County Residence Search
• State Records Search

The best approach is to find a service that does all of these checks as part of their package. That way, your church gets all of the background information you need to keep your members safe.

A Ministry Screening Policy is Vital

Personal background checks are vital for creating a safe environment for kids to learn the Gospel and for parents to trust your church.

Our partnership with MinistrySafe combines the best background check site with your all-in-one church management software so that you can better protect your church.

Matt Church Engagement