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Keep Your Ministry Safe with MinistryPlatform and Verified First

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How many people does it take to ensure your ministry runs smoothly each week? Think about the number of staff members working day in and day out to take care of your members, new guests, facilities, and more. Consider all the volunteers greeting new guests at the welcome desk, working in the children and youth ministries, and setting up the worship space ahead of each service. 

42% of adults in Protestant churches volunteer regularly1

Now what would happen if just one of those people did something terrible to a child, youth, or vulnerable person in your ministry? Or what if only one person stole from your ministry? Even though so many are doing right, it only takes one doing wrong for people to question the safety of their loved ones and their personal data when left in your ministry’s hands.

Sexual abuse of a minor was the number one reason churches ended up in court in 20222

Nearly 1 out of 3 serve in a church that has suffered some form of financial misconduct3

You can safeguard your ministry from those potential threats by screening all staff and volunteers seeking positions of trust within your ministry. This is why MinistryPlatform is excited to partner with one of the top background screening providers, Verified First, allowing you to process comprehensive screens in one, convenient place. 

How does the Verified First integration benefit me?

In addition to keeping your ministry protected, there are a number of benefits to using Verified First’s integration with MinistryPlatform. 

  • There are no start-up, monthly, annual, or integration fees; you are simply charged for each background check you run. 
  • The tool is fully integrated with MinistryPlatform, meaning you never have to leave the Platform to run a background check or check the status of your applications. 
  • You’ll work with Verified First to customize packages specifically for roles within your ministry, while also having the option to order a la carte based on your needs.
  • You’ll have access to a responsive client support team through email, phone, or chat throughout the week.

How does ordering a background check work?

Navigating to a contact in MinistryPlatform, you can launch the Background Check Request Tool and select the custom package you’ll be ordering from the Background Check Type dropdown menu. You can choose to add a requesting ministry or note, and then you simply submit the order. In the background, MinistryPlatform sends your order to Verified First and an email is created and sent to the contact you’ve requested the background check on. You can customize the emails with text or a church logo if you’d like.

MinistryPlatform and Verified First

What does the process look like for our staff or volunteers?

Once your contact receives their request form link through email letting them know the background check is requested, they’ll simply click the link and walk through the application. All known information will be pre-filled already, saving your applicant time when completing the request. They’ll fill in the additional required information. Review consent information and legal disclosures, digitally sign the form, and then click Submit. 

MinistryPlatform and Verified First

What is tracked in MinistryPlatform?

MinistryPlatform will show the date a background check was started. A reference number and report URL, the type of background check ordered, and the status. The Background Check Submitted and Background Check Returned dates will also show once they are updated daily through a nightly routine in the Platform.

MinistryPlatform and Verified First

If the background check returns with no issues, the All Clear field in MinistryPlatform will say Yes. However, if there is something that needs to be viewed. And possibly addressed. The All Clear will show as Undefined. Then you would use the report URL to view more details about the background check order in the Verified First portal. Here, you can choose to approve the background check or take Pre-Adverse Action.

MinistryPlatform and Verified First

How do I get started?

First, you’ll need to contact Verified First to set up an account. You’ll create customized screening packages that fit the many roles in your ministry. Then, you can work with Support or set up your packages in the Platform yourself by following these instructions

About Verified First

Verified First is known for raising the bar on streamlined background screening solutions. Plus, it’s backed by the best client support and for developing the easiest, fastest HR system connections. Compatible with Ministry Platform, Verified First’s seamless integration provides clients a turn-key experience. And it enables them to process comprehensive screens in one convenient place.

Sources:

1 Lifeway Research: Research Reveals Importance of Small Groups, Evangelism, Assimilation for Church Growth

2 Church Law and Tax: The Top 5 Reasons Church and Religious Organizations End Up in Court

3 Church Law and Tax: Every Church Is at Risk for Fraud


Leigh Ann joined the ACST team in 2019 as a Product Marketing Manager. She oversees the launch and overall communication of key solutions to support the church’s needs.  Prior to joining ACST, she spent several years in communications and graphic design roles. And most notably, as a Communications Director for a large church in Florence, SC. Leigh Ann leveraged Realm to help solve key ministry challenges.

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