Why It’s Essential to Screen VBS Volunteers (and How to Do It Well)
“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28, NLT)
Vacation Bible School (VBS) is one of the most impactful outreach events a church can host—sharing the love of Jesus with children and families in the community. But with that incredible opportunity comes a serious responsibility: ensuring the safety of every child in your care.
Screening your VBS volunteers isn’t optional—it’s an essential act of stewardship, trust, and obedience to God’s call to protect His people.
1. Why Screening Matters
A. Protecting the Vulnerable
Children are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. Scripture reminds us of Jesus’ heart for them:
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me.” (Matthew 18:5, NLT)
By screening volunteers, you create an environment where children can experience God’s love without fear.
B. Protecting Your Church’s Witness
One preventable incident can permanently damage a church’s reputation and witness in the community. Proactive screening shows that your church values safety as part of your mission.
C. Protecting Volunteers
Screening isn’t about suspicion—it’s about clarity and accountability. It ensures that volunteers are placed in roles that suit their gifts and that everyone understands expectations.
2. What Screening Should Include
A comprehensive volunteer screening process involves more than just a handshake and a smile:
- Background Checks: National, state, and county criminal history; sex offender registry search.
- Reference Checks: Contact personal or pastoral references.
- Application & Interview: Gather information and meet each potential volunteer personally.
- Training & Policies: Ensure every volunteer understands child protection policies, like the Two-Adult Rule.
3. Trusted Places to Get a Background Check for Your VBS Volunteers
Here are some highly regarded, church-focused providers you can confidently recommend:
- Protect My Ministry – Specializes in churches, integrates with many church management systems.
- MinistrySafe – Combines legal expertise, training, and screening into one comprehensive system.
- Shepherd’s Watch by Group Publishing – Affordable, ministry-specific background checks.
4. How to Start Today
- Establish a Written Policy: Define who must be screened, how often, and what disqualifies a candidate.
- Communicate with Grace: Let volunteers know this is about protecting kids, not mistrusting them.
- Partner with a Trusted Provider: Use one of the organizations above to ensure legal and thorough checks.
- Train, Review, Repeat: Screening is ongoing, not one-and-done. Update your processes annually.
To help you launch or improve your screening process, download our free Background Check Consent & Authorization Form:
Download Free Background Check Form (DOCX)
This form gives you a ready-to-use template for obtaining written consent from volunteers—a vital step for legal compliance and transparency.
Final Encouragement
Screening VBS volunteers is not just about legal protection—it’s a biblical mandate to care for those God has entrusted to you. By taking these steps, you honor Christ, build trust with families, and ensure your VBS reflects the love and safety of Jesus Himself.