Episode #13: Why Background Checks Aren't Optional—They’re Essential

Background checks are not an optional part of ministry, they're actually essential!

Because protecting kids isn't just a policy—it's a calling.

There are a lot of things you can delegate in ministry. But background checks? That’s not one of them.

In this post, I want to lovingly challenge a mindset I’ve seen in far too many kids ministries: the idea that “we know our people.” Trust me, I get it. Many churches are close-knit. You’ve got volunteers who have been there longer than you. You recognize families. You trust your gut.

But when it comes to protecting kids, discernment alone is not enough. And I’ve lived that reality.

Intuition Isn’t a Safety System

Let me tell you a story. There was a couple in one of my ministries with young children of their own. They were active, friendly, seemed like a perfect fit to serve. I considered asking them to step into leadership roles—but something just delayed me from making that ask.

Later, I found out the dad had a history of sexual abuse involving minors.

Here’s what wrecked me: I never got a bad feeling. My gut didn’t wave any red flags. And I usually have a pretty strong internal warning system—but not this time.

In that moment, it really clicked for me: my intuition alone isn’t foolproof. And it was never meant to be.

Why Background Checks Matter

Background checks are more than red tape—they are a safeguard. They’re a practical, legal, and spiritual responsibility. And they protect more than you think:

1. They protect the children.

This is the most obvious, and most important, reason. Children—especially the youngest in our care—can’t always speak for themselves. In early childhood rooms, we’re often the first line of defense for their safety. Background checks help ensure that no adult with a harmful past ends up in a room with a child who can’t even speak yet.

2. They protect your ministry.

Ethically and legally, your church has a responsibility to vet those who work with minors. If something ever happened—and someone wasn't properly screened—the fallout isn’t just emotional or relational. It’s legal. It’s financial. It can shatter trust in your community.

3. They protect your volunteers.

This might surprise you—but background checks protect the very people we’re screening. If someone has a past that could raise concerns (even if they’ve changed), placing them in a children’s ministry room could risk false accusations or damage their testimony. Redemption is real, but protection is still wise.

Pushback Is Common—but It’s Not a Reason

Let’s address a few common objections I hear from churches:

“We’re a small church—we know everybody.”

Small doesn’t mean safe. Familiarity isn’t the same as transparency. Even in close-knit communities, we still don’t know everything about someone’s past.

“Background checks are expensive.”

The cost of a background check pales in comparison to the cost of a lawsuit, a broken family, or a shattered ministry reputation. This is an investment in your ministry’s safety and sustainability.

“They’re a really nice person.”

Good character doesn't equal a clean background. Nice people can have harmful histories—and we don’t want to risk it.

What Should Background Checks Look Like?

• Every adult working with minors (paid or volunteer) should have a background check—no exceptions.
  

• For student leaders under 18, run reference checks since legal background checks aren’t allowed. Ask for teacher, coach, or babysitting references.
  

• Use a legitimate background check service—ask around to other churches or ministries for reputable vendors.
  

• Ensure volunteers sign a disclosure form and have a secure, private way to submit their information.

This Isn’t About Fear—It’s About Faithfulness

My heart in this isn’t to scare you. It’s to serve you.

I want your ministry to be a place where families feel safe, kids are protected, and volunteers are empowered with clear expectations. While sometimes background checks can feel like a hassle—they’re a form of stewardship.

They’re how we care for the vulnerable.
How we protect the testimony of our team.
How we lead with wisdom.

If you're not sure where to start, or if you need help creating a system for your church, I’d love to help.

Let’s talk strategy—so your procedures reflect your purpose.

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