Application for Volunteer Service to work with Children or Youth at the First Evangelical Free Church
Office: 3022 W. Fontanero - Colorado Springs, CO 80904 - 719-634-3144 - Fax: 719-634-7933
Please turn completed form into church office or email to work with CHILDREN: felicity@1freechurch.org To work with YOUTH: andy@1freechurch.org
If you have questions about the children's ministry, contact Felicity Seth (felicity@1freechurch.org) or call 634-3144.
If you have questions about the youth ministry, contact Andy Hartfield (andy@1freechurch.org) or call his cell: 761-1046
Please Print Clearly
Date of Application: _________________
Volunteer Position(s) Being Applied
for:______________________________________________
Full
Name:___________________________________________________________________
Please provide, in full, any other names
you have used:_________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________
Street City State Zip
Telephone: Home: ____________________ Work: ____________________
Social Security Number: ______/____/________ Birthday: ____________
Are you under 18 years of age? ________ If so, please state your age: ________
On what date are you available? ________________
If employed, please provide us with the name, address and phone number of your employer:
_______________________________________________________________________________
Disciplinary and Legal Background
1. Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offense (felony or misdemeanor, except for minor traffic violations)? You will need to answer “yes” if you have entered into a plea agreement, including a deferred sentence or deferred judgment arrangement, in connection with a criminal charge. ( ) Yes ( ) No
If you have been convicted of such and offense, please attach a statement or explanation, including nature of the offense, date, court where conviction was entered, and any other relevant information. You do not need to disclose information contained in sealed or expunged records.
2. Have you ever been charged with a sexual offense, offense relating to children, or crime of violence? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If you have been charged with such and offense, please attach a statement or explanation, including nature of the offense charged, date, law enforcement agency making the charge, and any other relevant information. You do not need to disclose information contained in sealed or expunged records.
3. Have you ever been reported to a social services agency, law enforcement authority, child abuse registry, or similar organization regarding abuse or misconduct involving children?( ) Yes ( ) No
4. Have you ever been subjected to
expulsion, reprimand, or other discipline by a church, denomination or other
religious organization? (
) Yes (
) No
5. Have you ever been the subject of a
civil lawsuit involving sexual misconduct, sexual harassment, or other immoral
behavior or conduct, involving adults or children?
( ) Yes
( ) No
6. Have you ever been the subject of a
complaint or disciplinary proceeding against a professional license or other
license held by you, including but not limited to a license to provide childcare
or similar services? (
) Yes (
) No
7. Have you ever been the subject of any
disciplinary action, transfer, or dismissal, or been named as a defendant in a
civil or criminal lawsuit, as a result of an accident or mishap involving
children? ( ) Yes
( ) No
8. Have you ever been subject to any disciplinary action (including discharge) or investigation by a church, religious or other organization, or by an employer? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Please briefly share what significance Jesus Christ has had in your life: ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you agree with, accept and believe
the principles set forth in the Doctrinal Statement attached to this
application? ( ) Yes
( ) No
Are you currently a member of our church? ( ) Yes ( ) No
If so, please provide the date you became a member: __________
If not, are you interested in becoming a
member? ( )
Yes (
) No
Please provide a history of your church membership and attendance, including names, addresses, and telephone numbers of all churches and religious organizations with which you have been affiliated, and dates of affiliation. _____________________________________________________
Please include any other information that would be helpful to us in considering you for the position(s) for which you have applied, such as other volunteer or charitable work, relevant work experience, special skills, activities, etc. _____________________________________
(Not employers or relatives—List at least 3)
____________________________________________________________________________
Name
Address
Telephone
Relationship
_____________________________________________________________________________
Name
Address
Telephone
Relationship
______________________________________________________________________________
Name
Address
Telephone
Relationship
I affirm that all the answers and information I have provided on this application form are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. ( ) Yes ( ) No
I understand and agree that, if I obtain a volunteer position with First Evangelical Free Church, and if I have provided inaccurate information on this application form, or at any other step in the application process, this may result in discharge from service, even if I did not know of the inaccuracy, and regardless of when the inaccuracy is discovered. ( ) Yes ( ) No
I understand and agree that my position with First Evangelical Free Church is at will. This means that First Evangelical Free Church is free to terminate my service at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any reason, and that I am free to resign from service at any time, with or without advance notice, and for any reason. ( ) Yes ( ) No
I authorize First Evangelical Free
Church to conduct an investigation concerning my background, record and
suitability for service with First Evangelical Free Church.
I specifically authorize First Evangelical Free Church, as it deems
appropriate, to contact all references, educational institutions, past
employers, churches, organization and person identified by me.
I also authorize First Evangelical Free Church to conduct a criminal
background investigation concerning me, again, as First Evangelical Free Church
deems appropriate. I hereby waive
and release First Evangelical Free Church and its directors, employees, agents
and representatives, from any and all claims that might arise from reviewing and
processing my application and conducting the above-referenced background
investigations. ( ) Yes
( ) No
______________________ ___________ ______________________
Signature of Applicant Date Print Name
First
Evangelical Free Church of Colorado Springs Statement of Faith
We
believe:
The Scriptures, both
Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the
original writings, the complete revelation of His Will for the salvation of
men, and the Divine and final authority for all Christian faith and life.
In one God, Creator
of all tings, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons:
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
That Jesus Christ is
true God and true man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of
the Virgin Mary. He died on the
Cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into heaven,
where, at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He now is our High Priest
and advocate.
That the ministry of
the Holy Spirit it so glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age, to
convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct, and
empower the believer for godly living and service.
That man was created
in the image of God, but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only
through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be
obtained.
That the shed blood
of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground for
justification and salvation for all who believe, and only such as receive
Jesus Christ are born of the Holy Spirit, and thus become Children of God.
That water baptism
and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during
the present age. They are,
however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
That the true Church
is composed of all such persons, who, through saving faith in Jesus, have
been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of
Christ of which He is the head.
That only those who
re thus members of the true Church shall be eligible for membership of the
local church.
That Jesus Christ is
the Lord and Head of the church, and that every local church has the right
under Christ to decide and govern its own affairs.
In the personal,
premillennial and imminent coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and that this
“Blessed Hope” has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of
the believer.
In the bodily resurrection of the dead; of the believer to everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord, of the unbeliever to judgment and everlasting conscious punishment.
A. Introduction
The
youth/children’s ministry of First Evangelical Free Church presents tremendous
opportunities for the Church. Employees
and volunteers who work with our young people have great potential for providing
a positive, Christian example for youth facing the challenge of growing up in an
increasingly complicated world. We
deeply appreciate those adults who find time and are committed to teaching,
leading and providing support in our Sunday School, nursery and other
youth/children’s programs.
One of
the goals of our youth/children’s ministry is to provide an environment for
our young people that promotes the development of strong Christian values and
morals. Accordingly, we expect all
persons involved in our youth/children’s programs to adhere to the highest
standards of morality and conduct. Moreover,
we expect and trust that all youth/children’s ministry workers will conduct
themselves, when working with young people, in an appropriate, safe and caring
manner.
Because
we are committed to fostering the healthy growth and development of our young
people, and are mindful that there are individuals who might become involved in
our youth/children’s ministry programs to have access to and engage in
inappropriate activities with our young people, we have instituted a program for
promoting a safe environment for our youth/children’s ministries.
This program consists of three components:
Policy
and Procedures for Working with Young People;
Screening
Process for Employees and Volunteers; and
Training
Program
We
realize that carrying out these three components may involve some additional
burden for adults involved in our youth/children’s ministry.
We know and trust, however, that those involved in our programs
appreciate that the sole motivation for this program is to protect and provide
for the healthy development of our young people.
We believe that our youth/children’s ministry workers will find the
burden slight when compared to the benefit it provides our Church and young
people.
Please
note: Our Youth/Children’s Ministry Safety Program is not intended to be
interpreted as a contract for any purpose, including an employment contract.
B. Policies and Procedures for Working with Young People
Employees
and volunteers involved in our youth/children’s ministry programs are expected
to display the highest Christian values and morals in all formal and informal
activities with young people. Employees
and volunteers are expected to provide a good example and not engage in any
behavior or conversation that could lead young people into inappropriate conduct
themselves.
In no
circumstances shall employees or volunteers engage in any sexual or dating
relationships or activities with young people involved in the ministry.
Employees and volunteers are expected to use language and speech that is
free of comments or jokes that may have a sexual meaning, that are suggestive,
off-color or lewd or that are otherwise inappropriate in the presence of young
people. Employees and volunteers
are expected to avoid using literature or videos in youth/children’s ministry
programs or activities that have lewd or sexual content.
Employees and volunteers are expected to avoid any physical touching or
activity that might produce and appearance of impropriety.
The following procedures will be followed in youth/children’s ministry activities:
Two-deep adult leadership in outings and other off-campus (away from church facilities) activities with young people; one-on-one off-campus activities are not authorized (this includes counseling sessions). Minors may help lead activities, but only under the supervision of an adult. Further, minors should not be counted toward meeting the two-adult rule.
Where off-campus outings or activities are co-ed, have co-ed staff leadership, at least one male and one female.
When young people are involved in overnight activities, at least two adults should participate and supervise the activity. If the group is co-ed, the staff leadership should be co-ed. Males and females should have separate sleeping facilities as well as separate bathroom facilities.
When a young person requests counseling, this should be done with two adults. One-on-one counseling is not authorized. Avoid counseling in a secluded place. Counseling should ordinarily be short-term. Young people requiring extended counseling (especially if this involves special needs outside the young person’s spiritual development) should be referred to the pastoral staff, who will evaluate whether a referral to a professional is needed, and/or whether parents should be contacted.
Secret activities, clubs and organizations are not authorized.
Youth/children’s ministry leaders are generally not allowed to transport young people to and from youth/ children’s program activities. This is the responsibility of the young person’s parent(s)/guardian(s). Exceptions may be made for special group car-pooling arrangements approved by the Church and parents, and in emergencies or special circumstances, where parents are informed and approve in advance, and/or the employee or volunteer notifies another youth/children’s ministry leader in advance.
Where children’s ministry leaders must provide transportation as part of an activity, follow the two-adult rule.
No hazings or initiations are allowed in any formal or informal activities of the youth/children’s program.
No corporal punishment and other forms of punishment involving physical contact are allowed, even if parents have approved or suggested them. Discipline problems should be discussed with program leaders or the pastoral staff, and with parents, if necessary.
Hugging, pats on the back and other forms of appropriate physical affection between workers and young people can often help development and are generally acceptable in our church setting. Physical contact should be appropriate to the age of the young person. For example, it is generally appropriate for a two-year-old to sit on a nursery worker’s lap and give the worker a kiss. It is not appropriate for a teenager to behave in this way. A nursery worker may need to change an infant’s diaper or help a young child with removing his/her clothes to use the restroom. It is almost never appropriate for a youth leader to touch or remove an older child’s undergarments. Hugs and other physical affection should generally be a response to a young person’s need for encouragement or comforting. Hugs should generally be side-to-side hugs (one arm around the young person’s shoulders). In games and recreational activities involving physical contact, or when giving reassurance or “job well done” pats, leaders should avoid touching the buttocks, chest or genital areas. In general, physical contact with young people should occur in the presence of other church staff. If a young person prefers not to be touched, this preference should generally be respected (although restraining a two-year old threatening to bite other children is an appropriate course of action). If inappropriate touching by a staff member is observed, this should be promptly discussed with the senior pastor.
Adults must respect the privacy of children and youth in showers, bathrooms, changing areas, during camp-outs or over-night trips, etc., and intrude only when health and safety require.
Adults should also take care to preserve their own privacy in showers, bathrooms, changing areas, during camp-outs or over-night trips, etc.
Alcoholic
beverages, drugs and pornographic
Parents should be kept informed about the specific activities planned and should be welcome to drop in or participate in any youth/ children’s activity.
Young people should not be pressured or forced to participate in any activities, especially strenuous recreational activities.
Youth/children’s leaders generally should not give personal gifts or money to youth.
All youth/children’s ministry staff, including employees and volunteers are required to complete the youth/children’s ministry application form and attend all training sessions scheduled.
Staff should be prepared for young people who disclose abuse or inappropriate conduct by other staff members, relatives or others, and should report the matter(s) immediately to a person within the Church designated to take such reports. Staff also should report immediately to the pastoral staff any instance where a young person indicates that he or she has had suicidal thoughts, seems to be suffering from deep unhappiness or depression, is pregnant, is suffering from a sexually-transmitted disease, or has disclosed any actual or planned involvement in unlawful activities or the abuse of alcohol and/or drugs.
Staff should be watchful and should report any concerns, misgivings or knowledge of possible abuse or inappropriate conduct, activities or relationships to a person within the Church designated to take such reports.
If a staff member has any questions about these procedures or any other related matter(s), these should be directed to the Senior Pastor.
Each staff member will receive a copy of our Safety Program materials. Current and new staff members will be asked to review and sign a copy of our Policy and Procedures for Working with Young People.
I have
carefully read and agree to follow and comply with the Policy and Procedures for
Working with Young People.
Date:
___________ Signature: ___________________ Print Name:
____________________
Christian
Education Team Educator Application
Applicant’s Name: ____________________ Phone Number:__________________
Address: _________________________________________________________________________
Street
City
Zip
Are you a member of First Evangelical Free Church? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Are you willing to become a member of First Evangelical Free Church? ( ) Yes ( ) No
Do you agree with First Evangelical Free
Church’s Doctrinal Statement?
( ) Yes (
) No
All people who desire to teach at First
Evangelical Free Church must be willing to agree to the following guidelines.
If you agree to follow these guidelines, please sign this form at the
bottom.
Guidelines:
The Christian education interests of
this Church shall be administered by the Christian Education Team.
The qualification criteria, recruitment and performance
accountability of the teaching staff is vested in this Team.
Individuals who consent to lay
ministry on the teaching staff of this Church shall comply, by written
consent, with the guidance, direction and counsel of this Team.
Your testimony, in lieu of
membership with this church, is a pre-requisite for
consideration/qualification for any teaching position.
If you are not a member of this church, then you need to submit
your testimony, describing how you came to a personal relationship with
Jesus Christ. This must be submitted
in written form with this application.
(Please note: a formal member relationship with this Church is
encouraged and highly desirable.)
The Christian Education Team will review your application and inform you if it has been accepted.
Signed: ________________________
Date:_________________
Please turn completed form into church office or email to: (annie@1freechurch.org)
If
you have questions about the Children or Youth Ministries, contact Peter
Mayberry (peter@1freechurch.org)
or 963-2045 (cell)
For church use only. Recommended by:
________________________ CET Approved by:
________________________ Date:
___________________________________