Who to Screen

Churches and related ministries should invest in comprehensive background screening services for paid employees, those in leadership positions, and all volunteers.

While background screening is a good way to prevent incidents of child sexual abuse, it’s also useful in selecting the right people to assist with ministry finances and other valuable resources. As your ministry develops and implements a background screening program, keep in mind:

Employees and volunteers who have frequent contact with children, the elderly, or people with disabilities should be held to a higher standard.
Pastors, treasurers, and other people in leadership positions should undergo a thorough review.
Drivers of ministry vehicles should have impeccable driving records.

Background Screening

Comprehensive background checks should be part of your ministry’s programs. Choosing the right provider and services can be tricky, because when it comes to background screening, the saying "you get what you pay for" is often true. Less expensive, database-only searches may fit nicely into a ministry’s budget, but they don’t provide the same depth of information that a more comprehensive check will uncover.

Even if state law does not require your ministry to conduct background checks, creating and implementing a comprehensive program is in your ministry’s best interest. Think about the costs—both monetary and emotional—associated with an employee or volunteer within your ministry committing a crime or acting inappropriately.

Carefully screening people before allowing them to be involved in your programs is an essential investment in your ministry’s future. Comprehensive background screening programs:

Protect your church or ministry from incidents of child sexual abuse.
Prevent you from appointing staff or volunteers who may skim money from church accounts.
Enable you to select drivers for church vehicles who have safe driving records.
Allow you to select appropriate leaders for your ministry.
Help you attract new members and recruit volunteers who want to be involved in a safe ministry.
Reduce your ministry’s liability in court if something goes wrong, because it demonstrates that your ministry takes reasonable care to safeguard its members.