Church background checks? Screening the volunteers in the pews

The recent landmark lawsuits against the Catholic Church have made American churches more aware of their need to conduct background checks on all volunteers and church officials.  Trustees and Deacons are re-evaluating their hiring and volunteer programs to minimize harm to their church members, especially children. 

The Baptist press recently quoted a church member:

“I recommend that any church conduct checks on everyone, paid staff and volunteers, who works with children, infant through high school,” Self said. “Run background on everyone, new people or old people. Include Granny and her children.”

While screening children might be taking it too far, it’s important for churches to develop a screening standard for various positions.  A simple registered sex offender screening may protect a church for many negligent lawsuits.  A more thorough criminal records search can be purchased for $15-$30 and can come in the form of a nationwide criminal records database search or a hand pulled county criminal search.  

 background checks   volunteer background checks