The church’s Safe Gatherings Policy requires volunteers who have regular, direct contact with any “protected person” at a church sponsored event (on-site or off campus) to complete the Safe Gatherings certification process. Protected people are children under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults who may be unable to care for or protect themselves from significant harm or exploitation due to mental or other disability, age, or illness.

Safe Gatherings is a program adopted by the Arkansas Conference of the United Methodist Church to screen and train staff and volunteers. Requirements include an online application, electronic reference checks, four levels of background checks (including county of residence), completion of online video training, and regular re-certification. There is no cost to volunteers for background checks and Safe Gatherings certification.
 
Please note that if you have been certified within the past three years, you do not need to be re-certified.  Simply renew your certification when it expires. For any questions on Safe Gatherings, contact the ministry head for more information.