Jesus’ instruction to His disciples to let the children come to Him (Matthew 19:4) reminds us of our biblical and moral duty to care for children and the most vulnerable.
With a new year on the horizon, nominating committees are beginning to consider who amongst us will lead ministries and bring fresh perspectives, deeper spiritual development and increased unity.
Yet, few committee members are stopping to consider how they will know if the leaders they have chosen will not just bring new ministry energy but importantly safeguard and support their church community.
“Currently, less than 2 per cent of local churches utilise Adsafe’s safe engagement and screening service to assure the appointment of leaders and their teams will foster an environment where everyone feels welcome and safe,” said Adsafe general manager Pastor Michael Worker.
Safe engagement and screening builds trust and reduces risks, assuring parents and members that all leaders and volunteers are carefully selected and vetted.
Key steps for safe engagement and screening
To ensure that safe engagement and screening are integral to the process of selecting local church board members, leaders and volunteers—whether they are current, new or transferring—follow these four steps:
- All board members and anyone in roles involving children must have a current Working With Children Check (WWCC) or an equivalent check.
- Completion or updating of Awareness Training through Adsafe is required every three years. This training ensures everyone understands the responsibilities and standards expected in their church roles.
- Each leader or volunteer must read and sign the Code of Conduct issued by Adsafe. This final step demonstrates a personal commitment to upholding the values and safety standards of our church family.
- Additionally, a quick check with the church clerk can confirm that leaders or volunteers have observed the required waiting period before stepping into their roles—six months for those newly baptised or transferring, and 12 months for non-member volunteers, as outlined in the Church Manual. This waiting period further strengthens our church community’s safety.
Screening before nominating church leaders
Thorough screening is essential when nominating individuals for leadership roles, particularly those working with children or vulnerable adults. This includes elders, Sabbath school leaders and teachers, youth leaders, board members and volunteers.
Beyond government checks such as the WWCC, Adsafe uses confidential church records to identify members previously flagged as a safeguarding concern. These records are managed in line with privacy legislation and the Adsafe privacy policy.
Simple, easy screening
Local church pastors or their Adsafe compliance assistants can access the screening service by emailing Adsafe at sc@adsafe.org.au a list of members being considered for church roles. Adsafe typically responds within 1–2 business days, providing verification to support informed decision-making. You can find more information about the service and safeguarding policies, including how to inform church members about the screening process, via this link.
Luke Waylor, risk management and investigations team leader at Adsafe, encourages participation: “Our screening is speedy and confidential, and helps prevent a confirmed person of concern—who may have quietly moved between churches—from leading a role where harm could happen.”
Reflecting Christ’s love through safe practices
By taking responsibility to protect one another, we show Christ’s love in action. No matter your position, every person plays a part in creating “a thriving church where abuse has no place and healing begins” (Micah 6:8)
“I would like to urge Australian and New Zealand church pastors and committees to adopt this practice before starting their annual nominating committee process. Upholding this standard also reflects your church’s ongoing commitment to the Australian National Principles for Safe Organisations. Together we can foster thriving and safe churches,” Pastor Worker concluded
For additional resources and information to support safe recruitment, visit www.adsafe.org.au/safeguarding/policies or email training@adsafe.org.au
