Many churches believe that having safety procedures on church grounds is an adequate substitute for a background screening process to protect their children and youth from predators. And while having cameras in the classroom, state of the art check-in systems, and 2 adults in every classroom is a valuable and recommended procedure, having a criminal background check is a vital part of any child protection policy.

Take the example of Stephen Greeley, a 40-year-old volunteer at a church in St. Petersburg, FL that was recently arrested for molesting and raping a boy under the age of 12. Greeley befriended the boy and his parents over the course of a year and babysat the victim on at least two occasions in his apartment. He is charged with Sexual Battery and Lewd and Lascivious Molestation of a Child under the age of 12.
While none of these charges occurred on church property or during church-sponsored events, this is an example of the limitations of having procedures in place solely on church property.

Volunteers working with minors often have extended amounts of time with the children they supervise out from under the watchful eyes of the church. It is critical that churches take every precaution to screen those responsible for the safety and well-being of their children.

For more information on how to protect your ministry and the children in your church please click here.