New Mexico District Naz Safe Policy:

We require all clergy, ordained, or licensed and local licensed ministers, as well as any adult within local churches who work directly with youth or children to be screened and trained through Ministry Safe (or approved equivalent organization). This training is to be completed within 60 days of assignment on the district or to their position of responsibility. Completion of this training must either be done in consultation with the District Ministry Coordinator or reported to him/her upon completion. This training and background check recertification must be completed every two years. Failure to comply will disqualify these individuals for ministry within the New Mexico District Church of the Nazarene.

The intention of the New Mexico Nazarene District is to provide a secure and safe environment for the children and youth who come to our district events seeking a lifechanging experience with God. Our pastors’ and volunteers’ support and involvement in this screening and application process is crucial.

The following shall be accomplished for all clergy, all local licensed ministers, all paid staff, and all District approved NYI and children’s events workers:

• Required Training: All clergy, all local licensed ministers, all paid staff, and all District approved NYI and children’s events workers are required to complete a Ministry Safe (or approved equivalent organization) training through a New Mexico District approved account. It is required that the forementioned training be retaken at least once every two years. A verification of completion shall be maintained on file by the district for each of these people.

• Background Checks: All clergy, all local licensed ministers, all paid staff, and all District approved NYI and children’s events workers are required to complete a Ministry Safe (or approved equivalent organization) background check through a New Mexico District approved account. This will be a minimum of a level four background check. It is required that a background check be completed at least once every two years. A background check completion certification shall be maintained on file by the district for each of these people.

• The New Mexico District requires “Peer to Peer Training” to be completed in addition to the basic “Sexual Abuse Awareness Training” as the minimum for our district.

The application process for district NYI and Children’s event workers is as follows:

• Step One – The volunteer must complete the Ministry Safe (or approved equivalent organization) training through an approved New Mexico district account. The volunteer must also complete a Ministry Safe (or approved equivalent organization) background check through an approved New Mexico district account. The training and background checks must be completed at least once every two years.

• Step Two - The volunteer must complete and return the signed appropriate volunteer application to the NM District Director. The address is provided at the bottom of the application. Please take note of the requirements and deadlines on the application. Each application should have a testimony and a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license (or other photo ID) with the application. Signing this application releases your local church to send your background screening information to the district. The application form must be completed for every event.

• Step Three – The pastor of the sponsoring church must complete a Pastor’s Recommendation Form, which he/she must submit to the NM District Event Director. The address is provided at the bottom of the recommendation form. (In the event that the local church needs help in finding ways to complete a criminal background check, it can contact the district office and/or district secretary). A District Superintendent recommendation is required for Senior Pastors.

• Step Four – The NM District Event Director will review the information of all applicants. The Event Director will then contact the applicants with pertinent information about their specific event.

The results of the confidential background screenings are sent to the NM District Administrator who will maintain a secure file. Volunteers will be asked to apply and receive a pastoral recommendation annually. Background screenings will be done every two years.

The following applies for district NYI and Children’s events:

Only those approved by the event leaders will be allowed access into New Mexico District NYI and children’s events. Access into these events is contingent upon receiving prior approval by the event directors, and on successful completion of the background check and training noted above. If prior approval is not obtained, access into the event will not be allowed.

Pastoral Approval

Please provide information on your Pastor (who will be asked to approve of your serving with children and/or youth).

We will email him/her, and you, a link where:
           - he/she may fill out an online approval form
           - or download a printable form which may scanned and emailed.

NOTE: It is YOUR responsibility to check with your Pastor to make sure the approval form is filled out, submitted and received.

Personal References

Please provide at least one (1) Personal Reference (other than your Pastor and someone not related to you) who know you well and can testify to your walk with Christ, your character and your willingness to serve.

We will email them, and you, a link where:
           - they may fill out an online reference form
           - or download a printable form which may be scanned and emailed.

NOTE: It is YOUR reponsibility to check with your Personal References to make sure the reference forms are filled out, submitted and received.

Verification and Release

I recognize that the NM District Church of the Nazarene is relying on the accuracy of the information I provide on the Children’s / Youth Work Application Form. Accordingly, I attest and affirm that the information I have provided is absolutely true and correct.

I authorize the organization to contact any person or entity listed on the Children’s / Youth Work Application Form, and I further authorize any such person or entity to provide the organization with information, opinions, and impressions relating to my background or qualifications.

I voluntarily release the organization and any such person or entity listed on the Children’s / Youth Work Application Form from liability involving the communication of information relating to my background or qualifications. I further authorize the organization to conduct a criminal background investigation if such a check is deemed necessary.

I have carefully read the policy and procedures of the organization, and I agree to abide by them and to protect the health and safety of the children or youth assigned to my care or supervision at all times.