Online Background Check Procedures Other Fellowship (OF) and Other Methodist (OE)
In order to be eligible to serve in Holston Annual Conference Other Fellowship (OF) and Other Methodist (OE) applicants must complete the Safe Gatherings certification process that provides background checks and credit checks. Please follow the instructions below to complete this process. 1. Please go to www.safegatherings.com and choose “Get Started” from the menu bar. 2. On the register page, the candidate will: a. Choose Your Type of Organization: from the drop down “Church or Faith Based Organization.” b. This brings up the option: “To what denomination does your church or congregation belong?” Choose from the drop down menu: “Methodist” c. Select the state/province for your organization: Choose “Tennessee” d. Type: “Candidates for Ministry” the city should autofill to “Alcoa” e. Continue to complete the page, and then click next. 3. On the next Registration page, complete appropriate fields. a. On Applicant Type choose: “Candidates” from the drop down menu. b. Since we require a DMV check, you should also check the box: “My ministry role will include driving, so I need a DMV check included in my background check.” c. Enter your Driver’s License info in the appropriate fields. d. Click Next Revised 12/04/2019 4. On the next Registration page, complete all appropriate fields and then click NEXT. 5. On the next Registration page, complete all appropriate fields and then click NEXT a. In the field: “Primary Area of Ministry” type Candidate b. In the field: “Number of years attending” enter the number of years you have been a United Methodist. c. It is important to indicate whether or not you have lived outside your current state within the last 7 years. i. If you select YES you will be prompted to enter other out of state addresses. Enter ALL addresses from out of state by continuing to click: “Add another address” ii. Once all other addresses have been entered, then click NEXT 6. On the next Registration page, answer all questions and then press NEXT 7. On the next Registration page, enter the names of two references and check the three boxes at the bottom of the page. Click on NEXT 8. You are now at the background check disclosure and authorization pages. Please review the Disclosure Regarding Background Investigation, and click next to provide your authorization to conduct the background checks. In the Authorization page you will be required read, check the appropriate boxes, and type your name on the Applicant Signature line. 9. The final page of the registration process will be the confirmation that your application cost has been paid for by the Conference. Click “Continue” where you will be taken to your applications status page. At the bottom of the status box is a blue button “Click here for training course”. Please also complete the Safe Gatherings Abuse Prevention training course.” Once you have completed the course, you should print out the Safe Gatherings Certification certificate. A copy should be sent with your other paperwork to the Director of Clergy Concerns.