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10 Reasons Why Church Leaders Should Take
Screening Seriously
1. One of the greatest risks facing
churches today is the problem of child sexual abuse. Thoroughly screening
workers helps to ward off potential molesters.
2. If sexual abuse does occur in a church
program, churches that have screened the alleged perpetrator will be in a
better position to reduce their liability risk by showing they acted with
reasonable care in the selection of the worker. A charge of negligent
selection can be devastating both to a church and its leaders.
3. Another risk facing churches is the
negligent selection of drivers. Conducting a Motor Vehicle Check is
important, both for the safety of the passengers, as well as to reduce
potential liability risk to the church.
4. Conducting a Credit File Check helps to
protect the financial assets of the church. It makes sense to screen
individuals who have responsibilities for the oversight and management of
the church's finances.
5. Screening can identify individuals with
criminal backgrounds. One recent study indicated that 5% of church
applicants had a criminal background. Today, church leaders need to be
informed of such information, and take it into account in the selection and
assignment of employees.
6. Screening helps validate information
provided in an employment application. A significant number of people
provide inaccurate information on employment applications. Knowing that an
applicant is honest and trustworthy is important.
7. Screening can identify omissions of
information on an application. That provides church leaders with the
opportunity to probe more deeply to determine if the omissions are simple
oversights, or an attempt to hide information that may be relevant and
important to the selection process.
8. Screening can validate an application's
professional qualifications, and is in good standing with a professional
association or denominational agency.
9. Screening can collect information on an
applicant's previous work history, job performance, and reason for changing
jobs. Such information can play an important role in assessing the
applicant's qualifications and suitability for a church position.
10. Screening can provide information on an
applicant's character, reliability, knowledge, skills, and overall
suitability for a specific position. In the long run, it reduces the
enormous costs associated with hiring the wrong person due to poor or
missing information.
This information was provided by Mike
Simmons, West Florida District Commander, and a Pensacola police officer.
Mike also runs Simmons Security Solutions -
www.simmonssecuritysolutions.com |
