Age - Be at least 18 years of age. Youth between the ages of 13-17, may serve as assistants to adult workers if they have the consent of their parents or guardians, reviewed the policy manual, and have been approved by the Pastor Team. There must be at least two adults at all times.
Six Month Rule - All children and youth workers must be members or regular attendees of Open Door for at least six months before becoming involved in any children or youth ministry. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the Pastoral Team. Non-members may assist in children’s or youth ministries but may not lead in such a ministry. Non-members must be interviewed by the Pastoral Team to determine their suitability for teaching and volunteering.
Background Check - All volunteers and staff working with children or youth must complete and pass a background check before being considered. Open Door Church uses Protect My Ministry for our background checks. We will run all our current workers through Protect My Ministry even if you have had a prior background check. We ask all adults who work with children and youth to have a background check at least every 3 years. The church will pay for the background check and only church staff will have access to the results. All volunteers and staff working with children or youth will also be vetted through Casenet.
Children's & Youth Worker Ministry Application - Complete and sign the worker application.
Signed Agreement to Policies - All children and youth workers must sign the agreement at the end of these policies to affirm their commitment to follow the Open Door Kids & Youth Policies and Procedures.
Disqualifications
Workers who disobey the guidelines set forth in this policy or the individual ministry guidelines may be reassigned or removed from participating in the children’s or youth ministries at the discretion of the Pastoral Team or Ministry Team Leader.
Any person who has been convicted of, or pled guilty or nolo contendere to, a felony or misdemeanor involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a child shall be permanently banned from serving as a children’s or youth worker at Open Door. There are no exceptions to this guideline.
