7 Ways to Protect Your Church Staff from Scandal

Written by J.W. “Bill” Phillips

Pastors and staff members are public people. While in the public eye, they can easily become the targets of slander or criticism. In the area of sexual matters, the church staff can be protected from scandal and accusations of sexual misconduct by careful planning. These steps not only protect your staff but they may protect church members from innapropriate and harmful actions.

Faithful and True – Sexual Integrity Study

Adequate planning helps avoid some obvious traps, blunders, and difficult or dangerous situations. Use the following steps to help your church avoid embarrassment, harm, and even litigation.

1. Perform background checks on potential staff members.
Staff should be required to provide the church with current résumés and permission to do background checks. The church must perform these background checks, maintain careful records about how the screening was performed, and document results or information obtained. This will help protect the staff and the church from criticism.

2. Provide the staff with a “safe” environment in the workplace.
This may include installing a window in the staff member’s office door. It could include having another person serve as a secretary to screen calls and offer a degree of accountability.

3. Develop and implement counseling policies
(See "Staff Counseling Policy" article below)
Churches must clearly state that their counseling is of a spiritual, rather than mental nature. The law is clear about mental counseling. Staff should clearly state the limitations on counseling to avoid setting the stage for serious litigation.

4. Staff should offer counseling in a church office only when another staff member or secretary is in the building.
If a secretary is not available, staff should enlist a volunteer to come and monitor the phone in the office during the counseling appointment.

5. Staff can maintain personal integrity by scheduling all counseling sessions in writing and telling a secretary where they are at all times.
If a secretary is not available, staff should keep a detailed, written appointment record in a calendar or PDA as a reference. Keep confidential matters confidential!

6. Develop an accountability system between staff and members.
(Ezekiel 33:6; Daniel 6:2)

7. Staff should take another person with them when making home visits.
This person can be a mate, another staff person, or a church member of the same sex.  Many senior adults consider it an honor to accompany a staff member on a visit. Stress the importance of confidentiality.

In all things, live with integrity. Make sure you and your staff maintain spiritual integrity and moral purity throughout your church ministries.

Visit these Web sites for more information:

• http://www.firstgov.gov  (Search: sexual harassment)
• http://www.eeoc.gov  (Search: sexual harassment)

Bill Phillips is the Association Mission Strategist for the Willamette Valley Baptist Association in Eugene, Ore. He has served as a pastor in Montana, Wyoming, Washington, and Oregon.

Important Note: This article is provided as information only and is not intended nor should it be construed as legal advice. Always check with an attorney on these important matters as laws vary from state to state.