Tools, resources, and guidelines for CNBC churches

Neglect “occurs when a child's parents or other caregivers are not providing essential requisites to a child's emotional, psychological and physical development.”

These guidelines are for CNBC churches and church plants pursuing charitable status in Canada (becoming a registered charity). They provide general information, best-practice recommendations and step-by-step instructions for the process. CNBC does its best to ensure accurate and up-to-date information. The guidelines should not be interpreted as legal advice but treated as a reference.

Step 1 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”

Minor: a child or adolescent under the legal age of 18.

Worker: Any person who serves or works on behalf of the CNBC, a CNBC region, or a CNBC church, including leaders, board members, paid staff, interns, and unpaid volunteers.

Step 2 “But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”

Vetting of workers involves a combination of screening methods, starting with a Vulnerable Sector Check from local police services for both staff and volunteers.

When a church has grown, it is encouraged to establish a team that will serve as the first point of contact when abuse is suspected. The team should consist of at least one male and one female. Pastors or elders cannot be on this team. The team's responsibilities may include overseeing worker files, answering questions, training staff and volunteers, and serving as a safe contact.

Perpetrator: a person who carries out a harmful, immoral or illegal act.

For paid staff, an additional staff vetting questionnaire is recommended after the initial interview along with the request for several personal and ministry references. Best practices for hiring include following up on references. It is recommended that employers ask the references questions about the candidate's previous work with vulnerable people in order to identify potential risks for abuse. References are also recommended for volunteers.

A registered charity refers to an organization, like a church, that has charitable status with the Canada Revenue Agency. It must be established and resident in Canada, operate for charitable purposes (Advancement of Religion) and devote its resources (funds, personnel, and property) to charitable activities.

Step 3 “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

Vulnerable person: individuals who cannot protect or care for themselves due to physical, mental or age disabilities.

Assault (sexual or physical): a situation where someone uses force or the threat of force on someone else without that person’s consent. Consent that is forced or given out of fear is not true consent.