Process For Approval Of Paid/Unpaid Associates

Manual 159.1All local paid or unpaid associates who provide specialized ministry within the context of the local church and enter into a relationship of vocational ministry within the church, including directors of childcare/schools (birth through secondary), shall be elected by the church board, having been nominated by the pastor.  All nominations must have prior approval in writing by the district superintendent, who shall respond within 15 days after receipt of the request.

On March 7, 2017 our District Advisory Board approved the following action in regards to background checks:

SWID will cover the costs on background checks for the following:

  • New Lead Pastors being placed in a local church on the district.

  • Candidates that are seeking a first-time district license.

  • Candidates that are seeking ordination

Local Churches on SWID are required to pay for mandatory background checks on the following:

  • Pastors seeking to hire church associates (paid or unpaid), including ministerial

  • Individuals seeking a first-time local license

Background Checks

Please click here to request and pay for a background check. Once received, the individual will receive an email from the National Screening Bureau with information on completing the request. To avoid an additional charge, please have them check their junk/spam/promotional folders, as the email is time-sensitive and needs to be filled out promptly.

The cost for the background check is $30.00

Process for Paid/Unpaid Associate

Click For Associate Employment Form