Louisville—In an effort to help its churches strengthen safety and security practices, the Kentucky Baptist Convention is offering discounted rates on background screenings for church ministers, staff and volunteers.

The discounted screenings are available through the KBC’s partnership with Florida-based Protect My Ministry, an employment and volunteer background screening company.

According to Karl Babb, KBC’s leadership development team leader, KBC churches are eligible for a 20-percent discount on service packages.

“The integrity of both the local church ministry and the individual’s ministry is such a fragile thing in today’s culture that churches must do everything they can to protect that integrity,” Babb noted. “Background checks are an essential piece in the process.”

In addition to discounted screening services, the KBC is working to expand its church security resources as part of its Safe Church Initiative.

Babb said the initiative was developed in response to a resolution to safeguard children passed by messengers to the 2007 KBC annual meeting.

The resolution called for pastors and church leaders to lead in teaching and example in integrity, as well as to implement appropriate measures to enhance the safety and security of children, teenagers and other vulnerable individuals.

The resolution proposed a no-tolerance policy for any mistreatment of abuse and called for a thorough investigation and punishment for abusers through both biblical church discipline and through civil authorities. It also included a request for KBC Mission Board staff to provide materials, resources and training opportunities to aid churches in establishing and implementing safety and security practices.

“Realities of life necessitate wisdom on the part of church leadership, and part of that wisdom is to take every step we can to protect people, as well as the church and its ministry,” Babb said.

“These precautions are not limited to church—we’ve already become accustomed to our school systems exercising increased security measures,” he added. “Church size, location and history do not provide immunization from potential predators.”

Resources for congregations seeking pastors and staff are available at www.KyBaptist.org/Leadership, or by calling the KBC’s leadership development team office at (502) 489-3580, or toll free in Kentucky at (866) 489-3580.