Why Every Church Must Screen Volunteers — And How to Do It Right

The Hidden Risk in “We’re All Family Here”

If you’ve been around church life for a while, you’ve probably heard it — or maybe even said it yourself:

“Oh, we know her. She’s been here for years.”
“We don’t need to check him out — he’s part of the family.”

It’s such a normal church thing to say. And honestly? I get it. One of the beautiful things about church is the sense of belonging. The trust. The “we’ve got each other’s backs” kind of love.

But here’s the part that keeps me up at night — predators count on that mindset.

They look for churches that run on handshakes and assumptions. Places where being “nice” is enough to get you a ministry role. And I’ve seen the heartbreak that follows when something goes wrong in a place that never thought it could happen.

Screening volunteers isn’t about being suspicious of everyone. It’s about making sure the people you put in positions of trust are safe, equipped, and accountable. It’s not just a legal safeguard — it’s part of shepherding well.

Why Volunteer Screening Is Non-Negotiable

Let’s be straight: if your ministry works with kids, teenagers, vulnerable adults — or even just provides one-on-one care — screening is not an optional extra. It’s essential.

Legally, most states expect churches to take “reasonable measures” to protect the people they serve. If something happens and you skipped those steps, you’re opening your church up to lawsuits, insurance headaches, and in extreme cases, even criminal charges for leaders who “should have known better.”

Spiritually, I see it this way: screening is just another way we protect the flock God has entrusted to us. You wouldn’t let someone teach from your pulpit without knowing their doctrine. Why would you let someone serve in the nursery without knowing their history?

The Layers of a Good Screening Process

Think of volunteer screening like building a fence around a playground. One flimsy latch isn’t going to cut it. You need multiple layers, all working together, to truly protect what matters most.

Here’s what a strong process looks like:

1. A Real Application Form
   Not just “name, number, and favorite Bible verse.” This is where you learn their ministry story, work history, and any past involvement with kids or vulnerable people.
2. Reference Checks That Actually Happen
   Not a box to tick. Pick up the phone and ask the tough but necessary questions, like “Would you trust this person with your own child?”
3. An Honest Face-to-Face Conversation
   Sit across from them. Present real scenarios — “What would you do if…” — and listen carefully to their responses.
4. Background Checks
   Both national and state-level. And here’s the part churches forget: repeat them every few years, not just once.
5. Training and Policy Review
   Screening is about the future too. Every volunteer should understand your child protection policy and agree to follow it — in writing.

What Happens If You Skip Steps

I once worked with a church that had nailed most of their screening steps. The one they skipped? The interview.

That gap was all it took for someone with troubling patterns — patterns that would’ve come out in a conversation — to slip through. The harm they caused led to a lawsuit that almost closed the church.

Here’s the thing: predators know how to look great on paper. That’s why you need those extra layers. It’s not paranoia — it’s wisdom.

The Church Law Strategy Approach

At Church Law Strategy, we’ve walked with churches through both the proactive side and the heartbreaking “aftermath” side of volunteer screening. And trust me — you want to be on the proactive side.

Our approach is thorough, legally sound, and built to hold up both in ministry practice and, if needed, in a court of law.

• Tier 1: Startup Plan – For smaller congregations, we build you a straightforward, effective screening process and give you the legal tools to back it.
• Tier 2: Foundation Plus Plan – Adds a Church Legal Audit so we can find any holes in your system and close them before they cause damage.
• Tier 3: Pastor Support Plan – Gives you quarterly reviews and training refreshers so your screening stays sharp as your church grows.

This isn’t just paperwork. It’s protection — for your people, your mission, and your calling.

Making Screening Part of the Culture

The healthiest churches I know don’t treat screening like an annoying hoop to jump through. They treat it as part of their DNA.

New volunteers don’t grumble about it — they respect it. Parents feel confident leaving their kids in your care. Your team feels proud to serve in a place that takes safety seriously.

Yes, it can feel awkward to say “no” to someone who wants to serve but doesn’t meet the requirements. But that “no” could be the very thing that protects your ministry from tragedy.

Our Links

• Volunteer screening and onboarding process for churches
• Child protection policy drafting and implementation
• Church HR compliance for staff and volunteers

Other Resources to Check Out!

• U.S. Department of Justice: Screening Volunteers
• Christianity Today: Volunteer Safety in Churches
• ECFA: Volunteer Standards and Ethics

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Church Law Strategy or its representatives. For specific legal advice tailored to your church or organization, please consult a licensed attorney.