Does the church really need the following?
background checks – screening, check-in and out, incident reports, lockdown plans, evacuation plans, transportation safety policies, financial safeguards, classroom policies, emergency preparedness, first aid procedures, rest room policies, liability insurance, etc.
Don’t all these safety precautions display a lack of trust in God’s ability to protect?
Rationale for Safety Measures in the Church
Commonsense tells us that if we take precautions in our homes, workplaces, and vehicles that we should also secure the house of worship. It doesn’t make sense to park our brain at the door when we enter the church building.
But, let’s not rely on commonsense. Let’s look to God’s Word. Isn’t it possible, and even biblical, to trust God and take precautions? Before you make a judgment, consider verses like Proverbs 3:5-6.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
“ALL your ways” would include seeking after Him in both proactive and reactive measures to safety. Taking safety precautions does not have to mean we are leaving God out of the issue.
Issues Regarding Church Safety
Here are some questions to take into consideration:
- What does it mean to be a steward of that which is entrusted to you?
We have an accountability to God to not only faithfully use what God has given us to His glory but also in how we treat one another. (1 Pet. 5:1-4; Titus 1:7)
- In what areas of life does God expect and encourage us to exercise wisdom and discernment?
When Jesus sent His disciples out into ministry He said, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd (wise) as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matt. 10:16). Naivety and Christianity are not synonymous.
- What would Jesus do or say about this?
Matthew 4 records Satan suggesting that it was okay for Jesus to put Himself in physical jeopardy because God would protect Him. Jesus replies, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'”
- What are church leadership’s responsibilities in shepherding the flock?
One of the responsibilities of a shepherd is to protect or guard the flock. (Acts 20:28-30; 2 Tim. 1:14)
- How high of a standard should the church hold to?
1 Thessalonians 5:22 commands us to “avoid every kind of evil.”
- How do we show people that we truly love them?
According to 1 Corinthians 13:7, love “always protects.”
- How far should we take the protection?
In the church we must not only look out for physical safety but also spiritual safety “for our struggle is not against flesh and blood” (Eph. 6:12-13). If we were to look at all the body life and one another passages of Scripture, as well as verses pertaining to how we are made in the image of God, we would also have to conclude that safety must extend to the emotional, mental, and social realms as well as spiritual and physical safety.
The Classroom Safety Issues Worksheet helps teachers take a holistic approach to safety.
Yes, trust in the Lord to protect but also do all of the above. We must follow the whole of Scripture.
Also Read: Tips about Classroom Safety
This is being discussed in my current church: background checks for all Bible Study teachers. I wonder what information they expect to glean from this. I understand checking for child molestation and the like, but my SS #, Driver’s License #, a check for criminal and death records (?!) how does this relate to leading an adult Bible Study? I have a feeling there is an enforcement of specific theological doctrines afoot. This concerns me greatly.
Kathie, there is no absolute answer for your concerns. This response therefore may not resolve the issue for you but hopefully can add some thoughts for you to pray on.
I don’t believe this is a doctrinal issue. Scripture does not specifically teach about what to do in matters related to church safety especially in today’s world. When faced with anything not directly referenced in the Word, we must look to principles, like seven points in this post. Just because something isn’t in the Bible doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wrong. We drive cars today and there are a number of precautions we take like how old someone must be to get a license, speed limits, etc. Nowhere in the Bible does it say anything about driving cars, albeit what regulations should be enforced.
Background checks feel intrusive. The information requested, however, is what the companies doing the check require to do a thorough investigation. Not everybody is who they say they are so checking against different records brings more to light. We would like to think the Church is an exception. There can be, however, wolves in sheep’s clothing (Matt. 7:15).
Churches can be held legally liable when it comes to children and youth. More and more churches, however, are requiring background checks on all paid staff and volunteers, not just those working with children and youth. One reason is more of a pragmatic issue. Once someone begins teaching adults, or volunteering in any position, and then wants to get involved in any way with the younger generation or any vulnerable segment, it can be harder. The person might be more offended thinking that they’ve faithfully served up to now so they should be trusted. But, it isn’t necessarily a trust issue, just something required for working with children and youth. When background checks are required across the board, one individual doesn’t have to feel like they’re being singled out.
If background checks for all isn’t something a church has done up to this point, it certainly is an awkward situation for those already serving. Churches need to prayerfully consider what to do about all of this. Love always protects (1 Cor. 13:7) but how to do that isn’t laid out in Scripture in regard to some of the options in today’s world. What we do know is that at no time should we violate any principle or precept in Scripture.
Thank you. My concern about doctrine is that there may a specific doctrinal ideology that will be required, like Dispensational or Covenant, or something else. I have taught inductive study for years and could not continue to teach in this church if I am forced to approach all studies from one specific ideology. And no, they have not required background checks and are only just seeking to revise the constitution to include them for all teachers, volunteers, even those who greet or serve cookies and coffee! So, I guess it remains to be seen. I fear it is going to cause division. Thanks again.
So, Kathie, from what you wrote, there are two different, unrelated issues going on … one about doing background checks and the other about enforcing a doctrinal standard. Many churches do hold to specific doctrines, which is why we have different denominations. People often choose what church to go to often based on what best fits their beliefs. When those distinctions aren’t clearly made known or held to and then become enforced, it puts people who have been attending in a very tough situation and sadly does have the potential of leading to divisions. On one hand we are to submit to our leaders (Heb. 13:17) and on the other hand, we must remain true to the Lord and His Word. At what point does church leadership violate that? That’s the question you’ll need to grapple with.
Let me encourage you that “if it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Rom. 12:18). You can’t control how others respond but can do your part to handle this in a peaceful manner. Please note that this does not mean you have to agree. It’s about how we handle the disagreement that matters. The starting point is to bathe the situation in prayer. I will take time right now to pray for you and your church.
Thank you very much. I have long been a non-denominational type, and that is my current church also. So I pray that prevails peacefully.
You are welcome, Kathie. Even non-denominational churches often have an underlying doctrinal slant that isn’t always spoken or adhered to until a situation comes up. I pray the leaders in your church are on page with God and that whatever is stirring things up does indeed get resolved peacefully for His name’s sake!