How far does redemption really go?

I read a really interesting article (http://www.christianpost.com/article/20091011/sex-offenders-fight-for-right-to-attend-church/index.html) about sex offenders in Georgia and North Carolina who are challenging some of their state laws that pertain to church involvement for sex offenders. From what I gather, their state laws are written in such a way that convicted sex offenders are not allowed to volunteer in church, even in adult activities such as singing in the adult choir or cooking meals in the church kitchen.

This poses some really interesting questions.

I've thought about this a lot. All the data shows that sex offenders do not get better; the whole once a sex offender always a sex offender thing. Yet I know that scripture teaches that if any person is in Christ, he is a new person and that God can change anyone's life. However, we've got to be wise and never put our children in harms way. (By any chance can you tell that I'm conflicted on this topic?!)

I'm somewhat sarcastic in my title question because although redemption is total, how we deal with people here on earth is another issue entirely.

I'm certain that we don't want sex offenders volunteering in any kind of children's ministries - that much seems sure. Every church I've attended completes a background check on you if you want to volunteer with children or youth and I think this is wise. We have a responsibility to protect children.

OK, so let's say volunteering with children or youth isn't an option; then what is? What if a sex offender is volunteering in a non children ministry such as the choir or cooking for a church luncheon or something, and has indirect contact with children, is this OK? We've all most likely heard enough stories about people in church leadership, respected positions, molesting, or worse, children that our hearts already despair. If we already know, via past convictions, that a person has deep problems in this area, are we just paving the way for abuse to happen if we let this person volunteer in church?

I'm thinking that, although God's forgiveness is complete, there are consequences to our actions. So someone who has past convictions would need to serve in behind the scenes ways that only involve other, adult volunteers and where there is someone in charge who knows about their past who can monitor. My thought process being that I don't want to set them up in a position where they will be looked up to and parents make assumptions about their natural safety due to what they do (although why in this day and age someone would do that, with all we know, is beyond me). Perhaps volunteer activities such as prison ministry, cleaning at the church building when it's closed, stuffing church bulletins, etc.

Mostly, I think that someone who has a background of being a perpetrator would need to have a mentor in the church who works with him/her to be involved in those things that are appropriate to the situation. The mentor could also provide some accountability and encouragement. The mentor would need to have some knowledge on the dynamics involved with sexual abuse.

It is such a heavy issue. I'd really be interested to hear your thoughts.

What do you think? Do you think sex offenders should be allowed to volunteer in church activities?