by Dave Roberts » Sun Feb 06, 2011 3:48 pm
Reading through this thread, there are some observations that I feel are important. I've mentioned all of them in other threads in various contexts, but I don't know that I've ever brought them together.
First, churches need to be diligent in checking the references of any person they consider calling to any ministry position. I'm not just talking about the people listed on the resume'. Reference checking needs to go 2 or 3 levels beyond that. I had one church check with a member of every congregation I had ever served. That was not offensive to me.
Second, criminal background checks and sex offender record checks are in order not only for clergy but also for volunteers who work in sensitive areas with children and youth. Those provide a way of getting facts of any legal accusations and the disposition of those. It costs $25 to do that in VA, but it is money well spent.
Third, use common sense in checking schools that persons say they may have attended. I have known of churches who discovered that the individual who presented himself or herself as a graduate of certain schools had not spent a day on those campuses. Dare to check to at least see if they received the degrees claimed.
Fourth, churches need to take responsibility for not allowing leadership to be in one-on-one situations that might allow things to happen. So many churches put leaders in those situations without being concerned to enlist anyone else to share leadership roles in youth and children.
Fifth, when there are legally prosecutable violations that occur involving ministers in churches, see that law enforcement is involved. To me, it is the least loving thing that can be done to allow or encourage strongly that the person involved simply move somewhere else to avoid embarassment for the church. Legal reporting of sexual or physical abuse should be the standard for all churches.