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Ministry Volunteer Info Pack
We are grateful for your interest in getting involved in ForestView’s programming for
children and youth. Volunteers are the hands and feet of the church. This package should
give you a better idea of what we’re looking for in volunteers, and of what you may be
getting yourself into.
These forms will help us to find the best fit for your service, and help us continue to
provide a safe, healthy, and responsible environment to minister to our children, youth,
and families.
What is all this stuff?
-this cover letter
-an application form for serving in the children’s and youth ministries to be completed
and returned to the Ministry Coordinator.
-a copy of the ForestView Statement of Faith
-copies of our ministry safety policies for children and youth
-descriptions of our programming and volunteer roles
Police Checks:
It is necessary that all of our volunteers submit an official police record check when
serving with our children and youth. This is a fairly simple process that should require
only a few minutes of your time and a few dollars (which can be reimbursed if it creates a
problem for you).
-you must receive the record check from the police service in the community where you
live (i.e. Hamilton, Halton, etc.)
-the police check you submit to ForestView must be current (i.e. not one from past years)
-it is necessary that we see the original form that you receive from the police service, this
can be returned to you if you prefer, or want to use it in another organisation. A copy will
be kept in a locked file at the ForestView office.
If you have any questions about the police record check process please the Ministry
Coordinator.
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Ministry Volunteer Application
Please complete this form and submit it to the Ministry Coordinator of the area in which
you are interested. You will be contacted to arrange a placement conversation.
Name: _______________________________________________________________
Ministry Interest: ___________________________ Date: _____________________
Contact Information
Address:
_________________________________
_________________________________ Phone: (h)__________________________
_________________________________ (w)__________________________
_________________________________ other ________________________
_________________________________ Email: _____________________________
Ministry Experience (list most recent first)
Church/Camp/Campus/Other Dates Areas of service Contact /Phone
1.
2.
3.
What aspects of previous ministries did you enjoy most?
What are your interests and hobbies outside of church?
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Do you regularly attend our weekend services? q Yes q No If yes, since when?
Do you regularly attend a small group? q Yes q No If yes, since when?
In what church ministries are you presently attending?
In what areas of church ministry are you currently serving?
Have you personally accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and are you committed to having the character
of Jesus live through you? Yes No
Tell us about your spiritual journey to date
Tell us why you have chosen to work with youth at our church.
References
List 3 adults you’ve known for at least one year, who are not related to you and have a definite knowledge of your
character and ability to work with adolescents.
1. A pastor, leadership team member, small group or ministry leader from our church/previous church
Name Nature of association
Occupation Length of time known
Address City Province Postal Code
Home phone Work phone
2. Employer or fellow employee
Name Nature of association
Occupation Length of time known
Address City Province Postal Code
Home phone Work phone
3. Friend or neighbor
Name Nature of association
Occupation Length of time known
Address City Province Postal Code
Home phone Work phone
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Waiver / Release
I, the undersigned, give my authorization to Forestview Bible Church
representativeshereafter referred to as The Church—to verify the information on this
form. The Church may contact my references and appropriate government agencies as
deemed necessary in order to verify my suitability as a church ministry worker. I am
willing to request and submit to The Church background reports on myself from the local
police service.
The information contained in this application is correct to the best of my knowledge. I
authorize any references or churches listed in this application to give you any information
(including opinions) that they may have regarding my character and fitness for ministry. In
consideration of the receipt and evaluation of this application by The Church, I hereby release
any individual, church, organization, charity, employer, reference, or any other person or
organization, including record custodians, both collectively and individually, from any and all
liability for damages of whatever kind or nature that may at any time result to me, my heirs, or
family, because of compliance or any attempts to comply, with this authorization. I waive any
right that I may have to inspect any information provided about me by any person or organization
identified by me in this application.
Should my application be accepted, I agree to be bound by the statement of faith and policies of
The Church, and to refrain from conduct unbecoming to Christ in the performance of my services
on behalf of The Church. If I violate these guidelines, I understand that my volunteer status may
be terminated. By signing this application, I state that all of the information given about myself is
true.
I further state that I HAVE CAREFULLY READ THE FOREGOING RELEASE AND KNOW THE
CONTENTS THEREOF, AND I SIGN THIS RELEASE AS MY OWN ACT. This is a legally
binding agreement, which I have read and understand.
Print name
___________________________________________________
Signature
__________________________________
Witness Date
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Ministry Protection Plan
Why are we doing this?
Traditionally churches have been communities of trust where parents felt safe
leaving their children to be cared for and trained in faith by staff and volunteers. Recent
history has disturbingly shown the risks inherent in blind trust.
As a community of believers who aspire to represent Jesus who said “Let the little
children come to me and do not hinder them”, we understand our responsibility to
provide a safe and healthy setting for all the vulnerable people involved in our ministries.
We are also deeply appreciative of (and dependent on) volunteer workers in our
ministries. Providing clear guidelines for these people will assist them in serving within
our community, and provide them with some confidence in their service.
While we recognize that some elements of this policy may seem restrictive or
inconvenient, ForestView has always made efforts to ensure the safety and well being of
our children, youth, and adults; and it is in keeping with our philosophy and beliefs to
enact this policy at this time.
Goal:
- A safe and loving environment for children and youth to be ministered to by
caring volunteers and staff, growing into full potential spiritually, socially, physically,
mentally, and emotionally
-To protect children and adults from incidents or allegations of misconduct
-To develop policies and procedures that are as simple as possible and as rigid as
needed
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1. Recruitment and training of volunteers & staff
a. Application: All volunteers and staff who will be involved in ministries
with children and/or youth will complete an application form as provided
by the Ministry Coordinator and approved by the Leadership Team. This
will include agreement with the ForestView Statement of Faith. The
applications will be kept in a locked file after processing.
b. Interview: All volunteers and staff will be interviewed prior to beginning
service by the Ministry Coordinator or designated alternate. Clarification
of expectations and policies, as well as opportunity for questions from
both sides will be part of this interview.
c. Education on abuse and policies: At the beginning of service each year, all
volunteers and staff will be trained in recognition and prevention of abuse.
Reporting policies and programming policies will be included.
d. Police and reference checks: As part of the application process. All new
applicants will submit a current police check and list of references. These
will be kept with the application in a locked file. ForestView is prepared to
reimburse the cost of the police check for those requested to become
involved in our ministries who find the cost prohibitive.
e. Supervision and Review: Ministry Coordinators will be responsible for
managing the supervision and volunteers. The Leadership Team and Lead
Pastor are responsible for managing staff.
f. Visitors and Observers (non-qualified volunteers): From time to time
adults who have not completed the application and orientation process will
be present at youth and children’s ministry programs and events for
purpose of observation, additional supervision, or participation as a visitor.
Visitors and Observers will not be in positions of responsible supervision
or private conversation with minors.
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2. Policies for ForestView Programs and Events
a. Children’s programs: See attached policies.
b. Youth programs: See attached policies.
c. Transportation: See attached policies.
d. Volunteer Application Form: See attached application form.
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3. Response to Alleged Misconduct
a. Reporting: All persons are legally required to report any suspected
incidents of abuse to the authorities. In the event that any staff or volunteer
involved in ForestView ministries suspects that a child or youth has been a
victim of abuse they are expected to immediately report their concerns to
the Ministry Coordinator. The Ministry Coordinator will then contact
Children’s Aid and notify the ForestView Leadership Team. Volunteers
and staff are not expected to interview the child or youth, or to investigate
their concerns. This is the responsibility of Children’s Aid. Ministry
Coordinators and volunteers are encouraged to make anonymous calls to
Children’s Aid if they are unsure if a situation should be reported. It is
always best to err on the side of reporting possible incidents of abuse
b. Care of “Victim”: In the event that an incident of abuse is suspected,
every effort will be made to support the “victim” without causing any
undue stress. We will seek the guidance of Children’s Aid in caring for the
child and their family.
c. Media Relations: In the event of any inquiries by media regarding
allegations of abuse involving ForestView, the Leadership Team will
designate a spokesperson. All media inquiries should be referred to the
designated spokesperson.
d. Care of “Accused”: We are committed to providing support and care to
any person accused of abuse just as we are to providing for “victims”.
However, any person accused of abuse will be removed from participation
in children’s and youth ministries until the situation has been resolved.
e. Confidentiality: For the sake of both “victim” and “accused”, any
allegations of abuse or misconduct will be kept in strict confidence as
much as is possible. Volunteers and staff are expected to refrain from
discussing allegations with people other than the Ministry Coordinator and
Leadership Team or staff representatives.
f. Church Discipline: ForestView believes that the local church is
responsible before God to maintain high standards of conduct. The
Leadership Team and staff may need to limit the role of persons who are
violating Biblical instruction.
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ForestView's Children’s Ministry
Safety Policies
The following policies are to protect our precious children and our valued volunteers.
VOLUNTEERS: All volunteers that serve in our children’s ministry from nursery to
grade 6, in all of childrens’ programs will have...
• completed an application form
• provided references when requested
• gone through a personal interview
• been orientated to the program in which they will serve
• completed a police check
*Occasional volunteers -new volunteers or those coming into KidsView for a special
event, will serve only with two other registered volunteers from ForestView.
STAFFING OF PROGRAMS; will always have a minimum of two adults in a space
where children are participating in our programs. (The ratio of volunteers to children will
be determined by the Ministry Coordinator in consideration of age of the children in that
area and also the special needs of children in that area.)
At no time will an adult be in a room with a closed door or in any isolated situation with
only one child.
All class areas will have a viewing window in the door or wall or the door will be left
opened to that area,
All children will be adequately supervised when going to the washroom or other areas in
the building out side of their class area.
REGISTRATION and SIGNING IN;
Children who become a part of ForestView’s children ministry will have a registration
form completed by a parent or guardian,
Registration forms will be given to the volunteer(s) serving in the child’s area.
Information on these forms will not be given out unless the parents or guardians have
given permission for this. (Other than to registered volunteers from ForestView serving
in that child’s area) Note; (please see attached registration form)
A parent or guardian or an adult caregiver will sign in all children from NURSERY to
SK. At this time this person will be given a number. (This will aid us in getting the
caregiver or parent from the service if the child has a need for them.)
When the parent or caregiver comes to pick up the child from the child’s area they need
to sign the child out and present the number. After doing this the child will be given to
them by the volunter of this area.
(Your child will not be given to anyone unless they have followed the above procedure)
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Children from GRADE 1. to GRADE 6 will sign themselves in at the appropriate sign in
table. This will give us an attendance record in case of fire or other emergency.
Once children are signed in, ForestView will take responsibility to care for these
children. At no time after signing in can children leave their areas without informing their
teacher.
Parents of children in grades 1, and grades 2 are asked to pick their children up in their
classroom area.
A ForestView children’s ministry volunteer will escort children in grades 3, 4, 5, and 6 to
the sanctuary where they can meet the caregiver who brought them.
Once children are dismissed they then become the sole responsibility of their parents,
guardian or the caregiver that brought them.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES:
If there is a need to evacuate the building due to fire or other emergency…
Children from Nursery to grade 6 will be escorted out of the closest exit by a ForestView
children’s ministry volunteer from your child’s program area. (Volunteers will take with
them the signing in record from the program of this time)
All children from nursery age through to grade 6 will be taken to the lawn area directly in
front of the ForestView building where parents or guardians or care givers can come and
meet with them.
NOTE: Please do not go to the child’s area to get them.
FAMILY EVENTS or BEFORE AND AFTER signing in or out or dismissal from FV
children’s programs are the responsibility of parents or guardians or care givers that
brought them.
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Children’s Registration Form
To help us serve you and your child better
Personal Data
Child’s Name (first)___________________________ (last)_______________________
Birth Date __________________________ Grade in School_______________________
Names and Ages of Siblings _________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Family Information
Parent(s)/Legal Guardian(s) _________________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________________________
Home Phone ________________________Emergency Phone_______________________
Alternative Contact_____________________ Phone Number_______________________
Health Information
Health Card Number ______________________________________________________
Family Physician _______________________ Phone Number_______________________
Allergies or Physical Limitations (special instructions)
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Security Measures *
Names of persons who may pick up this child
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Names of Persons who may NOT have access to this child
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
* Parent(s)/ legal guardian(s) will notify the church or KidsView program leader
(preferably in writing) if and when these security measures change.
Is there any other information that you would like to share with us that may help us
serve your child better?
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Please return this form to the Ministry Coordinator or the ForestView Volunteer
in your child’s area.
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KIDSVIEW
Volunteer Expectations
KidsView’s mission is to reach kids with the good news of Jesus, to disciple
them in a loving, safe, age appropriate, creative and Bible based environment.
Our Vision is to see children become confident, excited believers and
followers of Jesus. We hope they enjoy coming to KidsView each Sunday. We
want to see them naturally share the good news of Jesus with others.
We hope parents will feel confident that their children are well cared for in
KidsView and can then enjoy the service. We hope our interaction with
parents will be reassuring of our above goals. As KidsView volunteers we
continually seek God’s guidance in teaching children about Jesus.
What we expect from out volunteers:
• Arrive early enough to be sure your physical space to do ministry in is
set up and prepared
• Be so very welcoming to children and parents and to answer questions
they may have
• To provide regular communication with parents so they know what is
happening in KidsView with their children
• Assist parents with signing in and registration of children
• Follow the safety policies put in place by ForestView for children
• Come prepared to teach from curriculum or information given by your
leader in your area
• Be supportive, encouraging, compassionate, to children at all times and
may they see us exemplify this in our relationships with the rest of
the team in KidsView
• May we exemplify a serving and giving heart to children by our words
and actions
Who could serve in KidsView:
• Someone who loves Jesus as their Saviour
• Someone who loves kids
• Someone who is patient and kind
• Someone who has a heart to see kids become all they can be in Jesus
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TREEHOUSE MISSION STATEMENT
Our vision for TREEHOUSE is to create a friendly and safe environment
where children have the opportunity to:
• Invite their non-churched friends, who may have no other exposure to
God
• Develop important relationships with other Christian friends through
various activities.
• Explore and expand skills and areas of interest such as; games, sports,
arts & crafts, drama, dance etc.
• Learn biblical truths about God and how that applies to their lives.
• Have a lot of fun doing the above!
Volunteer Expectations
• Enjoy being around children
• Arrive at least 5 min. before start of program and set up if needed
• Come prepared to participate in their area of the program (bible
story, craft, games etc.)
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ForestView’s Youth Ministry Safety Policy
The following policies are intended to protect our youth and as well as volunteers and
staff.
VOLUNTEERS: All adult volunteers and paid staff that serve in our youth ministry will
have...
• completed an application form
• provided references when requested
• gone through a personal interview
• been orientated to the program in which they will serve
• submitted a current police check
A written file containing this information will be kept on locked file at the
ForestView office. It will be accessible only to the youth ministry coordinator (Youth
Pastor), the children’s ministry coordinator, and (with approval) members of the
ForestView Leadership Team.
*Visitors and Observers: From time to time adults who have not completed the
application and orientation process will be present at youth ministry programs and events
for purpose of observation, additional supervision, or participation as a visitor. Visitors
and Observers will not be in positions of responsible supervision or private conversation
with youth.
STAFFING OF PROGRAMS; The number, gender, and qualifications of adult staff and
volunteers for youth programs and events will be determined by the youth ministry
coordinator.
PERSONAL CONTACT: Personal relationships and meaningful conversations are
central to our vision of youth ministry. We encourage our adult volunteers and staff to
develop honest, healthy relationships with youth. It is strongly encouraged that personal
contacts be limited to public situations and locations at all times. Volunteers and staff
should never be alone with a youth in a closed room or out of sight of others during
programs or events.
While we encourage our volunteers and staff to have contact with youth outside
of scheduled programs and events; the following guidelines are recommended:
-ensure that the youth’s parents are aware of all meetings
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-arrange to spend time together in public locations rather than private homes or
places
-be deliberately above suspicion in all interactions, particularly with physical
contact
-be particularly cautious in developing relationships or spending time with youth
of the opposite sex
-be discerning in the content of telephone, Email, messenger, and other
communication
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Ministry Transportation
Many of our ministries require parents, staff, and volunteers to assist with transporting minors either to and from, or
during events. The following guidelines are intended to facilitate this process in as reasonable a manner as possible.
To and From FV Programs: Volunteers and Staff are not expected to provide transportation for children and youth to
and from programs and events. We recognize that it is sometimes helpful and reasonable for this to happen but it is not
required. When providing transportation to and from programs we urge volunteers and staff to be discerning about
situations that could be (or appear to be) questionable, and to communicate directly with parents (or guardians) before
and after driving minors.
During FV Programs: When a ForestView ministry program or event involves transporting minors in private vehicles,
the Ministry Coordinator or person supervising the event will be responsible to ensure that all drivers are currently
licensed and insured, and that safe driving practices are followed. No minor is to be transported without a seatbelt at
any time. If suitable drivers and vehicles are not available it is the responsibility of the Ministry Coordinator or person
supervising to find alternate transportation or cancel the event.
We expect that minors will not be alone in a vehicle with an adult other than a family member during FV events or
programs except with approval from the parent(s) or guardian(s).
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Statement of Faith
Our Convictions
The Bible is God’s word and is the final authority for life.
There is one eternal God who exists in three persons… the Father, Son and Holy
Spirit.
Jesus Christ was God in the flesh, perfect in his humanity and fully divine. He
died, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven where he now reigns with the
Father.
Sin separates every human being from God, so that we are prevented from
experiencing his loving presence, and the satisfying life He offers.
God forgives our sin based on the sacrificial death of his Son. Faith in Jesus
Christ is the only means through which our relationship with God can be
restored.
The Holy Spirit lives in every follower of Christ. His presence guarantees our
eternal life, and empowers us for godly living.
God’s church exists wherever Christ’s followers live. The local church is a full
expression of the universal church in a specific location. The church is both an
organization and organism. It exists to reconcile the world to God and bring Him
glory.
Jesus Christ will eventually return in person to judge the living and the dead.
Those who have accepted Christ will receive the fullness of eternal life and dwell
with God forever.
I have read the church’s Statement of Faith, Volunteer Expectations, and Ministry Safety
Policies enclosures and agree to be bound by them. q yes q no initial here: __________
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