New England Conference policy requires that pastors serving in all categories of conference relationship — including Certified Lay Ministers and Lay Supply Pastors — successfully complete a national criminal background check. Failure to complete the background check will jeopardize an appointment.
As part of our Conference's commitment to the safety and wellbeing of everyone we serve, we are providing information on Safe Gatherings as a resource for pastors.
Safe Gatherings is an online abuse-prevention program that screens and educates pastors, staff, and volunteers to help prevent abuse of children, youth, and vulnerable adults in group settings. When individuals are screened and trained, they are able to identify potential abusers, recognize the signs of abuse, and know how to handle reporting. They are also better equipped to prevent abuse.
Upon successful completion of the Safe Gatherings application, background and reference checks, and online training program, each applicant will receive documentation of Safe Gatherings approval for 3 years.
New England Conference policy requires an updated criminal background check every 7 years. Your Safe Gatherings approval expires after 3 years. At that time, you will receive an email reminder with the option to maintain the continuity of your Safe Gatherings approval or wait until the 7-year anniversary of your background check. In that reminder, there will be a link for you to access the online process.
The price per applicant is $47* for clergy; $39* for laity
The cost includes:
When you follow the link to get started, you will need to select the following.
*NOTE: Other than the language preference, you should complete the information exactly as shown here — regardless of your denomination or where you serve.
See an example of how to complete this portion
You can login to your account at any time to check the status of your application.
Click here to login to your Safe Gatherings application (after you have completed your registration)
