David C Cook Proudly Recommends Group’s Shepherd’s Watch® Background Checks!
At Ministry Spark and David C Cook, we’re passionate about helping churches create safe and nurturing environments for children, youth, and vulnerable adults. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Shepherd’s Watch Background Checks, now part of the resources available through Group Publishing. With this service, churches can access affordable, comprehensive background checks to ensure the safety and trustworthiness of staff and volunteers.
Group has been providing background checks to churches since 2004. With both Group’s and Cook’s commitment to serve churches and understand your needs, we’re dedicated to getting you access to some of the highest quality background checks at church-friendly prices.
Even if you’re already set up with a background check company, we encourage you to learn more about Group’s Shepherd’s Watch. Because they’re partnered with the largest background check screening company in the nation (First Advantage), you’ll be able to rest easy knowing you’re running your background checks through one of the most comprehensive databases in the U.S.
With Group’s lifetime membership to Shepherd’s Watch, you’ll get…
- Access to BEST-IN-CLASS background check packages starting at just $9
- A company that cares about your church, the people you want to protect, and providing you with value and quality
- Monthly Safety e-Newsletter filled with tips to keep your church safe
- Plus forms, best practices, training videos, and more to help you save time and stay compliant
Shepherd’s Watch gives you unmatched pricing on best-in-class screening packages.
Why Choose Shepherd’s Watch?
- One of the Most Comprehensive Databases:
Powered by First Advantage, the nation’s largest background screening company.
- Exclusive Discounts:
Enjoy negotiated rates tailored for churches.
- Support You Can Trust:
Access training resources, best practices, and safety tips through Shepherd’s Watch membership.s
Why Background Checks Matter
Protecting the people in your care is more than a responsibility—it’s a commitment to fostering trust and security within your church. Background checks reduce risks and provide peace of mind, showing your dedication to safeguarding every individual in your ministry.
Shepherd’s Watch is here to help your church implement best-in-class background checks. Click below to learn more and access the Shepherd’s Watch page on Group, where you’ll find all the details to begin safeguarding your ministry.
Why Background Checks Are
Essential for Children’s Ministry
Protecting children, youth, and vulnerable individuals is a paramount responsibility for any church. Background checks are a critical part of this mission, offering a layer of security that fosters trust within your congregation. By screening staff and volunteers, churches can mitigate risks and ensure they are placing trustworthy individuals in positions of influence and care. Safety in ministry is more than a precaution—it’s a testament to a church’s dedication to nurturing faith in a secure setting.
What Shepherd’s Watch Offers
Quality and affordable background checks starting at just $9 from the leading background check company in the world. First Advantage is FCRA compliant and accredited with the PBSA.
Expertise from specialists at First Advantage who know background checks the best.
Easy- to-use electronic and mobile consent forms for your new-hire candidates and volunteers to easily enter their own personal information, saving you valuable time and resources.
Fast access and turnaround times. Register your account and start running background checks in 24 to 48 hours, with fast results. 93% of all U.S. Criminal Screens are completed in 1 day.
Peace of mind knowing you’re running your background checks through one of the most comprehensive databases in the world.
Easy- to-use electronic and mobile consent forms for your new-hire candidates and volunteers to easily enter their own personal information, saving you valuable time and resources.
Important Facts to Know
About Background Check Companies:
- There’s no single data source that all background check companies use, making it virtually impossible to compare apples-to-apples across various providers.
- Each background check company compiles their own proprietary database. City, county, and state courts all file records differently. Some are online, and some are still paper based. This means that some of the records can only be compiled by a physical person visiting the courts to retrieve copies of court records.
- As a result of the above, the quality of the background check database is dependent upon the capabilities of the screening company to compile that data.
- Because First Advantage is so large, they can add 6,000 to 8,000 records to their proprietary database daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
The staff member/volunteer is sent an email, and they are directed to a secure online form (called Profile Advantage) to complete their personal information.
There is an area in your First Advantage portal you can click on to print/get a receipt.
No, the volunteer or staff member will enter their own SSN when they fill out their profile.
By them completing the form when you email it, that’s all the permission you need.
If they want to come sit with you and provide the information for you to fill out, yes.
You will see the results on your portal. You will get an email once it is complete. The staff member or volunteer will have the option to receive a copy of their report when they complete their online form. It will be emailed to them if they choose yes.
The training videos are from 1-4 minutes depending on what section you are viewing. There are 5 training videos on the topics below.
- Children’s Ministry Safety 101
- Youth Ministry Safety 101
- Money & Your Ministry
- Driver Safety
- Why do I need a background check?
Only the Shepherd’s Watch Membership can be invoiced to the church account. However, background checks are paid by credit card payment.
Shepherd’s Watch:
Safe and Secure Church Kit
Your church doesn’t need to seem like an armed fortress to be safe. This comprehensive, ministry-focused kit helps you recruit, train, and equip a safety and security team that both protects and serves your congregation. Be ready for anything—from a medical problem to a catastrophic active-shooter situation.