Did We Legally Hire Our Volunteers?

Many church ministries rely on volunteers to help with mission work, outreach projects, and everyday tasks. But onboarding volunteers isn't just about making them feel welcome; it also involves critical legal steps to protect the church and the volunteers themselves.

If you're asking yourself, "Did we legally onboard our volunteers?" this in-depth guide will explain what churches need to do to stay within the law when onboarding volunteers, point out common mistakes that churches make when trying to comply, and show how Church Law and Strategy's subscription plans can help churches do this important job well.

Why It's Necessary to Hire Volunteers Who Know the Law

Protecting the Church

Proper onboarding decreases the chances of being responsible for what volunteers do or don't do. It makes sure that managing volunteers for nonprofits follows all the rules set by the federal, state, and local governments.

Making Sure Volunteers Are Safe

Clear communication of what is expected of volunteers and what their duties are keeps them from getting confused. Volunteers can execute their work well and with confidence if they know the safety and legal standards.

Improving the Ministry's Effectiveness

A legal and thorough onboarding process makes volunteers feel like they are part of the team and keeps them from leaving. It's easier for volunteers to help with church ministries when they are well-prepared.

Important Legal Steps to Take When Hiring Volunteers

Look Into the Past

Required for volunteers who help with kids, weak adults, or money management. You must observe the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and state laws.

Waivers and Written Contracts

Volunteer agreements make it clear what each person's job is, what they expect, and what the law says. Liability waivers are good for the church, but they aren't foolproof.

Rules for Protecting Minors and Stopping Abuse

Training and certification on how to report child abuse and the laws that keep kids safe. It's crucial that everyone knows what their reporting duties are.

Things to Keep in Mind When It Comes to the Law About Jobs

Make sure you know the difference between volunteers and workers so you don't break wage and hour laws. Follow the rules that say you can't harass, discriminate, or be unsafe at work.

The Best Strategies to Get Legal Volunteers Started

A Manner to Apply That Is Organized

Get authorization to do background checks, personal information, and references. To be fair and follow the law, always utilize the same screening procedures.

Complete Training and Orientation

Talk about the church's goals, rules, safety rules, and responsibilities under the law. Give those who work in specialized areas, like children's ministry or finance, special training.

Clear Records

Keep signed contracts from volunteers, reports from background checks, and training materials. Keep your records safe and secret.

Always Checking In and Judging

Regular meetings to talk about rules and fix issues. Keep track of how well things are going and any issues.

Common Errors When Following the Rules for Bringing on Volunteers

• Not conducting the required background checks or using reports in the improper way.
• Making transactions using words instead of writing them down.
• Not enough training on legal and safety responsibilities.
• Putting volunteers in the wrong group as employees by mistake.
• Policies that are different in different ministries or places.

How Church Law and Strategy Help New Volunteers Follow the Rules

Church Law and Strategy's Foundation Plus Plan (Tier 2) includes legal audits, custom volunteer agreements, policy creation, and measures to decrease risk for congregations with 900 to 2,500 members.

The PASTOR SUPPORT PLAN (Tier 3) gives churches with 2,500 to 10,000 members better legal guidance, talks about executive strategy, and support that comes first. It focuses on keeping track of volunteers and making sure they obey the regulations.

Questions People Have About Bringing on Volunteers

• When do the police need to undertake background checks?
• Can people who wish to help out say no to background checks?
• What should a volunteer agreement say?
• How can we keep records of volunteers private?

A List of Things to Do for New Legal Volunteers

1. Make it a habit to apply and filter folks on a regular basis.
2. Do the background checks that are needed by law.
3. Give each role a complete orientation and training.
4. Make sure you have written agreements and keep your papers safe.
5. Set up regular checks to make sure you are following the law and keeping an eye on things.

The End

It's not just a formality to properly and legally onboard volunteers; it's a must-do to keep your church, your volunteers, and your ministry effective. By following the law and best practices, your church can create a successful volunteer program that helps you fulfill your goals safely and securely.

Church Law and Strategy is ready to help churches deal with the challenges that come up when they hire people to help out. With our Tier 2 and Tier 3 membership levels, you can get aid from lawyers that have been around for a while.

Inside Links

• Learn more about church liability waivers and how to manage risk.
• Find out how to follow the law and hire people for your church.
• Learn about the church's policy on keeping kids safe while doing ministry.

Other Sites

• Volunteer Protection Act Overview: https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/volunteer-protection-act.html
• Nonprofit Risk Management Center: https://nonprofitrisk.org/resources/
• Guide to Volunteer Liability: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources/volunteer-risk-management

This blog is not legal advice; it is just for informational purposes. A licensed lawyer can give you personalized legal advice.