The Ministry Worker Screening Policy (POL-SCREENING) establishes standards and procedures for screening, approving, and reviewing individuals serving in the ministries of 1st Free Will Baptist Church of Park Hills.

The church welcomes faithful service while recognizing its responsibility to exercise wisdom, care, and accountability when selecting individuals for positions of ministry, leadership, and trust.

This policy applies to pastors, employees, church officers, ministry leaders, volunteers, teachers, helpers, drivers, chaperones, and others serving in approved ministry roles.

The policy addresses ministry worker applications, criminal background checks, references and interviews, screening qualifications, disqualifying or concerning factors, confidentiality, ongoing responsibilities, and the authority to approve, restrict, suspend, or remove individuals from ministry service.

Policy Code: POL-SCREENING

General Board Approved: May 31, 2026

Document Status: Official Church Policy

Important Information #

Ministry service is a position of trust granted by the church and is subject to appropriate screening and approval.

Individuals seeking to serve in ministries involving children, youth, or vulnerable adults must complete the applicable screening requirements before beginning service. These include a ministry worker application, authorization for a criminal background check, agreement to follow church policies, and appropriate ministry leadership or General Board approval.

The policy requires criminal background checks for all church employees, pastors, volunteers with access to children, youth, or vulnerable adults, and approved church drivers. Additional individuals may be screened as determined by the General Board.

Background checks are renewed periodically as determined by the General Board. The policy recommends a three-year review period for individuals serving with children, youth, vulnerable adults, or transportation.

Applicants may be asked to provide references, participate in interviews, or disclose circumstances relevant to their suitability for ministry service.

Approval for ministry service is not necessarily permanent. The church may review, restrict, suspend, or remove an individual from service when concerns arise or when continued service is determined to be unsafe or unwise.

Ministry workers are expected to report promptly any arrest, criminal charge, conviction, abuse allegation, license suspension, or other matter that may affect their suitability for service.

Confidentiality: Applications, background check results, references, and related screening records must be handled confidentially and shared only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know.

This policy is part of the church’s Policies & Best Practices Manual and is subject to the church’s Constitution and Bylaws.