St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church
Safe Church Policy for Ministry

Creating safe spaces in our church is a ministry that we all share. Safe church policy and training is grounded in our call to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. Our shared efforts to be aware, educate others, and respond effectively provides opportunities to increase and enhance our ability to live out our Baptismal Covenant within our communities of faith and in the world beyond. One needs to look no further than the current newsfeed to understand the prevalence of sexual misconduct and the need to educate and respond to incidents.

The Diocese of Southern Virginia policy for the protection of children, youth and vulnerable adult applies to the parish, including its expectations and guidlines. Our insurance provider also has requirements related to Safe Church and background screening.

At the recommendation of the Compliance Coordinators & Interim Rector the Vestry of St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church enacts the following policies for Safe Church & background screenings for ministers at St. Matthias’

Our first and most important requirement for protecting our community is that no person shall begin serving in a ministry requiring Safe Church and background screening until they have completed all requirements. This requirement applies to both members and non-members of St. Matthias’ Church.

  • All people needing Safe Church certifications and/or background checks must contact the parish administrator directly. Only the Parish Administrator or the Compliance Coordinator, is permitted to initiate the background screening process.
  • Any person working in a ministry position that is paid, e.g. nursery attendant, must meet directly with the Rector and Parish Administrator and complete all paperwork and screening prior to starting their position.

Ministry Heads

It is the responsibility of ministry heads to ensure that information on new ministers is communicated to the Compliance Coordinators. If the person is not a member of the parish, a screening authorization form must be completed by the ministry candidate and submitted to the Parish Administrator. Ministry heads are also responsible for informing ministry candidates of the screening process required prior to a commitment to serve in a ministry.

Specialized Safe Church Training & Background Screening:

  • Food Pantry Director & Pantry Leadership
  • Front Line Pantry Greeters
  • Food Pantry Team Leader
  • Staff
  • Sunday School Teachers
  • Nursery Attendants (Paid & Volunteer)
  • Childs Summer Church Ministers
  • Youth Ministers
  • Wardens & Vestry
  • Stephen Ministers
  • Pastoral Care Ministers
  • Lay Eucharistic Visitors (LEV)
  • Finance Officer
  • Discernment Committee Chair and Committee Members

Universal Safe Church Training & Background Screening

  • Key Holders
  • All Pantry Ministers Not Required to Take Specialized Training
  • Teenagers Participating in Ministry
  • Acolyte Coordinator
  • Lay Eucharistic Minister Coordinator
  • Usher Coordinator
  • Greeter Coordinator
  • Pantry Drivers
  • Shelter Feeding Drivers
  • Contractors (those having access to the building off hours)

Below are ministry positions that require additional screening procedures:

DMV Check

  • Food Pantry Drivers
  • Shelter Feeding Drivers
  • Anyone driving for a church sponsored event.

Credit Check

  • Parish Administrator
  • Tellers
  • Accountant
  • Check Signers

Racial Reconciliation Workshop

  • Wardens & Vestry
  • Discernment Committee Chair and Committee Members
  • Staff

Approved by vote of the Vestry of St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church June 16, 2025.

Policies effective July 1, 2025