 LOUISVILLE – In an effort to help its churches strengthen their safety and security practices, the Kentucky Baptist Convention is offering discounted rates on background screenings for church ministers, staff and volunteers.
The discounted screenings are available through the KBC’s partnership with Protect My Ministry, an employment and volunteer background screening company.
According to Karl Babb, KBC’s Leadership Development Team leader, KBC churches are eligible for a 20 percent discount on service packages.
“The integrity of both the local church ministry and the individual’s ministry is such a fragile thing in today’s culture that churches must do everything they can to protect that integrity,” said Babb. “Background checks are an essential piece in the process.”
In addition to discounted screening services, the KBC is working to expand its church security resources as part of its Safe Church Initiative.
Babb said the Safe Church Initiative was developed in response to a resolution to safeguard children passed by KBC messengers at the 2007 KBC Annual Meeting in Elizabethtown.
The resolution called for pastors and church leaders to lead in teaching and example in integrity, and to implement appropriate measures to enhance the safety and security of children, teenagers, and other vulnerable persons.
The resolution also proposed a no tolerance policy for any mistreatment of abuse and called for a thorough investigation and punishment for abusers through both biblical church discipline and through civil authorities.
The resolution included a request for KBC mission board staff to provide materials, resources and training opportunities to aid churches in establishing and implementing safety and security practices for all KBC churches.
“Realities of life necessitate wisdom on the part of church leadership, and part of that wisdom is to take every step we can to protect people, as well as the church and its ministry,” said Babb.
“These precautions are not limited to church – we’ve already become accustomed to our school systems exercising increased security measures,” he said. “Church size, location and history do not provide immunization from potential predators.”
Resources for churches seeking pastors and staff are available at www.kybaptist.org/leadership, or by calling the KBC’s Leadership Development Team at 502-489-3580 or 866-489-3580 (toll free in KY).
For more information about discounted background screening services, contact Ryan Carter of Protect My Ministry at 800-319-5581, extension 228, or rcarter@protectmyministry.com.
Additional resources related to the Safe Church Initiative are available at www.kybaptist.org/safechurch.
Based in Lutz, Fla., Protect My Ministry is an employment and volunteer background screening company established to assist faith-based organizations in implementing and maintaining a thorough background screening process.
The Kentucky Baptist Convention is a cooperative missions and ministry organization made up of more than 2,400 autonomous Baptist churches in Kentucky. A variety of state and worldwide ministries are coordinated through its administrative headquarters in Louisville, Ky. including: missions work, disaster relief, ministry training and support, church development, evangelism and more.
Release prepared by Kristie Randolph, KBC Communications |