Protecting children and other vulnerable populations in our church is one of the most important responsibilities we have. While there are many elements that contribute to safe ministries, having the right people serving in your ministry is a good place to start.<br /> <br /> Checking the references of your staff and volunteers can often identify issues that may not show up in a formal background check. We need to be aware of these red flags before inviting someone to serve in a ministry role. This is our responsibility as ministry leaders.<br /> &nbsp;