You are in charge of selecting staff and volunteers who will not intentionally harm anyone at your church. This is a moral and legal imperative. If you do not do your job with precision and there is criminal activity, it can dramatically impact the life of the child, the church, and its leaders. Consider the following:

1. The trauma to victims
2. The emotional and spiritual impact on the congregation
3. The negative response of the community
4. The stress of litigation and the investigative process
5. The personal impact on church leaders

Here are six initial steps to help keep your ministry safe:

1. Do you have current position descriptions, in writing, that frame the role of volunteer, staff, or mentor?

For many, volunteering at their church is a rewarding, and often, a new experience. Most do what they think is right in the majority of situations, but there are many gray areas where the volunteer makes the wrong decision putting both themselves and the church at risk. Volunteers need to know what is expected ...