Because we care for children and desire to protect them, Pathway requires all volunteers and staff members to complete our KIDSMIN APPROVAL PROCESS before employment or volunteer work begins. We developed a process to screen everyone who serves within Pathway Kids and EPIC. This document outlines the process, the reasoning of each step, and additional helpful information. All of this is managed within our online database, Planning Center.
We understand how important it is for parents to feel confident about their children's safety. That’s why we encourage you to meet your child’s teachers and get to know the caring volunteers who will be guiding them in their faith journey. We are dedicated to creating a safe and loving environment for every child.
STEP 1 – Apply
The first step in the KidsMin Approval process is to submit an application online. Your application will ask for your current contact information, three unrelated character references, the length of time that the applicant attended Pathway, areas of interest, the applicant’s faith beliefs, agreement to Pathway’s Statement of Faith, disclosure of criminal history and drug use, and consent for a background check.
Your listed character references will be contacted prior to your start of service, and any necessary notes will be added to the applicant’s People profile on Planning Center.
STEP 2 – Interview
The next step is to complete an interview with the Kids Ministry Associate, member of the Pathway Staff, or other member of leadership to ensure we find the best area for you to serve. When the interview is completed, the staff member will make any necessary notes in the applicant’s People profile on Planning Center.
STEP 3 - Background Check
The background check is a helpful resource in vetting candidates. This allows us to verify any criminal history of the applicant. Pathway Church utilizes a reputable company, Protect My Ministry, to screen all applicants and provide Child Protection Safety Training.
STEP 4 – Child Protection Safety Training
Children and teenagers are valued in our church. All who serve with kids and teens are required to complete an online Child Safety Training module before final approval. A link to this training will be sent to you via Protect My Ministry and takes approximately 45 minutes to complete. Your progress will be recorded and if successfully completed, a certificate will be available for your records.
STEP 5 - Final Approval
The ministry leader will record the final approval in Planning Center, and the applicant’s People profile will be updated to reflect the completion of this process. Upon final approval, volunteers are required to review the “Best Practices” manual and agree to the manual by signing that they understand and will comply with the requirements.
Thank you for your willingness to serve and for taking the time to walk through this process.
