FCA Abuse Prevention Requirements
The Fellowship of Christian Assemblies (FCA) is committed to fostering a safe and secure environment for all members, ministries and communities we serve. As part of this commitment, we have implemented an Abuse Prevention Policy* requiring all individual members to submit a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) to maintain active membership.
Many FCA members may already have a valid VSC on file with their serving church or employer, as numerous churches and organizations require these checks and periodic updates.
Click the link and complete the Abuse Prevention Requirement Guide. This page will guide you through a series of questions to determine if the Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) you have on file meets the criteria, or if you need to obtain a new VSC or an Enhanced Criminal Record Check (ECRC).
Abuse Prevention Requirement Guide: https://www.canada.fcaministers.com/ap-guide/
If you already have the required document(s), you will be instructed to upload digital copies.
Please do not email your police check to the office. Use the AP Requirement Guide to upload your files.
If you don’t have the required document(s), you will be given instruction on which check you are required to obtain. If you have been instructed to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check, coordinate with your serving church or ministry to have them write a letter to submit with your application. Provide them with the following template: Vulnerable Sector Check Letter Template.
All FCA members must complete either a VSC or an Enhanced Criminal Record Check, as applicable, to maintain membership. Failure to provide the appropriate check with your 2026 Membership Renewal will result in membership being terminated. If you live abroad and do not have a VSC on file with your missions organization, please contact the office to determine the next steps.
If it is determined that there is reason to maintain membership in spite of the inability to provide the appropriate check, membership will be suspended, and you will be notified that you are restricted from continued service as an FCA member until the issue is resolved.
If your Vulnerable Sector Check or Enhanced Criminal Record Check reveals a past criminal conviction, there will be an automatic review prior to ongoing ministry as an FCA minister. Not all offences carry the same implications, but all must be reviewed. A past criminal conviction does not automatically mean disqualification from FCA membership nor from ministry. However, any record involving a sexual offense against a minor or vulnerable person will result in an inability to obtain FCA membership. Any decision regarding past criminal convictions may be appealed.
Any requirements for updated checks or related refresher courses will be determined and managed by your serving church. The FCA will not require members to provide proof of updates.
New Member Applications
All new applicants must complete the Abuse Prevention Requirement Guide to determine which check is required.
The appropriate check must be submitted using the guide as part your application. All checks must be verified by church leadership and include the following:
- A statement “I verify this is an original and unaltered [name of check].”
- Date
- Leader’s Signature
- Leader’s Printed name
Membership applications without a verified check will not be processed.
* Some aspects of the Abuse Prevention Policy and supporting procedures are still in development. Any changes and additions will be reflected on this page as they come available. The official policy will be included in the next update of the Handbook.
Abuse Prevention Requirements Guide
https://www.canada.fcaministers.com/ap-guide/
Vulnerable Sector Letter Template:
Obtaining a Police Check in Your Province:
https://www.canada.fcaministers.com/checks-by-province/
Abuse Prevention for Churches
We strongly recommend that all churches, whether member or affiliated, implement an Abuse Prevention Policy if you don’t already have one. If you are looking for information to implement or improve your Abuse Prevention Policies, please read the following document provided by Robertson Hall.
Abuse Prevention Made Easy(er) Newsletter – 2024
Plan to Protect is an organization dedicated to helping not-for-profit organizations develop and implement their abuse prevention policies. Their website contains many resources for churches, as well as training courses.
Checks for Church Employees: If your church or ministry is interested in a resource to obtain Enhanced Criminal Record Checks (ECRC) for all your employees, here are the recommendations from Robertson Hall.
Plan to Protect: 1-877-455-3555 | Website
Can Pro Technologies: 1-800-308-4663 | Website
Sterling Talent Solutions: 1-877-455-6730 | Website