Background check provider offers discount to AZMN churches

In our current cultural climate, churches and ministries must work hard to protect the most vulnerable among them. The Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists understands this need to safeguard people. On their website, Executive Director David Johnson says, “Caring well is about protecting those who are most vulnerable from harm whether they are children, youth, persons with special needs, or people who are in crisis.”

However, the details involved in checking volunteer and staff backgrounds can be overwhelming for a church. Recently, an organization called Protect My Ministry presented a proposal to partner with AZMN to provide their services to churches at a discounted rate. Protect My Ministry offers a safeguard at the beginning of any volunteer’s experience that may help deter those with unsafe motives. It also provides some peace of mind for parents who want to make sure their children will be safe.

For several years, the Arizona Mission Network has used Protect My Ministry to do background checks on anyone who works with or volunteers for the AZMN. This includes volunteers who serve at Zona Camp every June as well as others who might serve in different capacities throughout the year. Protect My Ministry also partners with other organizations, including the International Mission Board, and integrates with church management systems, including Church Community Builder and Planning Center.

Protect My Ministry offers two different levels of background checks. The first is called the Plus Package, and it offers services such as a national criminal database check, a nationwide sex offender check, and a county or statewide search. The second level of service is the 7 Year Auto Package, which provides the same information as the plus package, but this package automatically performs a repeat check every seven years on volunteers who continue to serve.

For pricing on either level, fill out the simple form to contact the organization. The price quoted will reflect a discount for any church affiliated with the Arizona Mission Network of Southern Baptists.

The AZMN website also provides a list of other organizations that offer similar services. Ministry Safe offers similar services to Protect My Ministry, and organizations such as Grace and Darkness to Light meet other needs in the area of abuse prevention and training.

Regardless of which organization a church may choose to use, maintaining a safe atmosphere for both volunteers and vulnerable people is imperative for every church and ministry in Arizona.

Learn more about Protect My Ministry and the discount for AZMN churches here. protectmyministry.com/integrated-partners/partner-arizona-mission-network/ Download a flyer provided by Protect My Ministry here.

Find more resources related to sexual abuse prevention and response on the AZMN website. azmn.org/sexual-abuse-prevention/

Chelsea Bush, a freelance writer living in Phoenix, is a member of Foothills Baptist Church, Phoenix.