LEADING THE WAY , TOGETHER To this end , comprehensive sexual abuse prevention training is among the most effective things a church can do that might not be required by law . Fortunately , PHLY has made this training and related resources readily available , thanks to a decades-long partnership with MinistrySafe , a Complete Child Safety System designed to reduce the risk of child sexual abuse . “ As a significant carrier for churches in this country , it ’ s something that has been very positive ,” Shockey says . “ Ours is a very mutually beneficial relationship ; year after year , more and more PHLY church clients have received the MinistrySafe training .” Moreover , both PHLY and MinistrySafe are forward-looking and proactive in their efforts to protect children , each committed to remaining current with state-by-state legislation . “ No matter who ’ s aware of it first , we just start working : What is the legislation ? What ’ s its intention ? Who is potentially included ?” Shockey explains . “ Over the years , we ’ re working together to first understand new legislation as best as we can and , second , to communicate it .” This takes the form of in-person and virtual seminars , including a webinar in the state of California , where new legislation specific to sexual abuse prevention was recently passed . “ Again , we ’ re just trying to help churches know what ’ s actually law before they find out the hard way ,” Shockey says . “ I can ’ t think of a state that ’ s really ‘ stuck ’ — they all seem to have a forward motion to their legislative environment on this topic , for all the right reasons . Protecting innocent children is typically a bipartisan issue , thank goodness .” Moving forward , Shockey says he sees the potential for even greater collaboration to benefit houses of worship , especially as it relates to MinistrySafe as a source of background check information . “ They ’ ve grown , too , holistically ,” Shockey says . “ Serving as a source of background check information flows right into the additional prevention resources that MinistrySafe has offered for years .”
DON ’ T GET COMPLACENT For Shockey , the most significant piece of guidance he hopes church leaders will take away is this : it ’ s just a background check . “ Even if it ’ s ‘ clear ,’ let ’ s not take comfort in that ,” he urges . “ Take advantage of the other reasonable resources available — including outstanding training pertaining to the hiring environment and specific to background checks . “ The church is desperate for volunteers , no matter where they are and what denomination ,” Shockey adds . “ I would just ask that skillful screening training from MinistrySafe is part of the process , even if a position is an immediate need . It ’ s very good content that can be absorbed — and hopefully , implemented — by the Church .”
10 CHURCH EXECUTIVE | FEBRUARY 2025