Pastoral Background

stevenson · Postby **stevenson** » April 28th, 2008, 5:55 am

As I was reading thru Penny's post on background checks for camping staff I was wondering about Pastors. Do you think that part of the process to obtain your ministerial credentials should incude a background check and a credit report?

I personally wouldn't mind. When I was in the COG it was part of the process that you had to do before you even entered the MIP.

INLOVE · Postby **INLOVE** » April 28th, 2008, 5:57 am

Yes, why would they be different?

Postby **Shellie** » April 28th, 2008, 6:03 am

It has already started in Florida. You must have a background check for criminal behavior as a first step in getting a minister's license. It is an awesome thing and I support it 100%.

Paully_44 · Postby **Paully_44** » April 28th, 2008, 6:06 am

Shellie wrote: It is an awesome thing and I support it 100%.

my wife just got her ministers license. I dont remember if she had to submit to a background check but I would support it 100%.
I know that to work in camps here backgrounds checks are required and have been for close to 5 years now.

Each year I have to get one just to help out on my sons baseball team. I think it is a good idea.

Billy n NC · Postby **Billy n NC** » April 28th, 2008, 6:13 am

Thanks Stevenson, for breaking this subject out of Pennys camp staff thread.

I am not a minister but do not see any reason why not. As foster parents we have to have a criminal check, health check, finger prints and other reports.

Now I am going to get me some popcorn and sit back and watch the

INVASION OF PRIVACY GROUP

step forward..

free · Postby **free** » April 28th, 2008, 6:20 am

My staff and I had background checks a couple of years ago when we begin to require that our nursery/kids/teen workers have them. Also, CoGoP in VA required them for all pastor's this year.

I don't think you can ever be too safe!

Postby **Shellie** » April 28th, 2008, 6:28 am

Believe it or not, we actually had a couple of pastors and a few members FIGHT against background checks for licensing ministers. Go figure.

pastorsa1 · Postby **pastorsa1** » April 28th, 2008, 6:39 am

I had to have a criminal background and was fingered printed to become a foster parent, volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister and to be a Police Chaplain. Why should it be any different for me to serve as a pastor?

one love · Postby **one love** » April 28th, 2008, 6:52 am

I dont mind that but if one has a criminal history then what happens??

INLOVE · Postby **INLOVE** » April 28th, 2008, 7:13 am

one love wrote:I dont mind that but if one has a criminal history then what happens??

Or better yet, what if a pastor that has pastored like 25yrs, and something turns up from his past. What do you do? Does he get "grandfathered" in?

Postby **Shellie** » April 28th, 2008, 7:14 am

one love wrote:

I dont mind that but if one has a criminal history then what happens??

Depends on the crime.

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » April 28th, 2008, 7:21 am

I agree that it should be done.

With that said, I do also know that some people are actually "saved" from a previous life that isn't outside the law ramifications. and I think the concern is that there is no case by case review/discretion.

Based on a previous comment by my pastor that his definition of discretion equates to "no" ordination; my past life (in regards to the law) would also equate to being denied a license (ordination).

I would like to feel like discretion actually means: case by case review, as necessary, and not just automatic denial.

Because I went to jail because I had unpaid parking tickets is a much different issue to consider in that discretion/evaluation - than a person, as an extreme example; that is now on the sex offender's list.

So, though I have a "past" with the legal system, I am fully in support of the background check for a pastor/minister/licensing. (and that includes a credit check)

rough_rider · Postby **rough_rider** » April 28th, 2008, 7:57 am

pastorsa1 wrote:I had to have a criminal background and was fingered printed to become a foster parent, volunteer with Big Brother/Big Sister and to be a Police Chaplain. Why should it be any different for me to serve as a pastor?

When we got custody of our grandson, we had to have a criminal background check and was fingerprinted also. I see no big deal in church leadership having a criminal background check done.

Dr. Ron · Postby **Dr. Ron** » April 28th, 2008, 8:09 am

I started that in my camps when I was overseer of 3 different states.

I have that now in my local church. I even require more than that.

I can't imagine in today's environment, NOT doing that.

Anyone who has a problem with that.....I don't need them.

We don't even change diapers in the nursery without written permission from the parents protecting us from liability.

one love · Postby **one love** » April 28th, 2008, 8:09 am

what about drug trafficking? should they be not eligble to minister and is there any scripture reference that would hinder anyone from ministering that is bornagain? Paul certailnly would have failed. IM just curious here. Or we giving the message that can save you change you and use you unless you have done such and such...he forgives but does not trust you?
This is not a personal thing with me so dont worry about hurting my feelings it is more of what message does this send? Sounds like hopelessness to me for those who have had serious criminal past

Jude 2