Is My Church Engaged in High-Risk Ministry?
Pastor Bob wondered why he needed to focus on legal and administrative matters. After all, he’s called to preach the gospel and love people, not run a corporation. What kind of high-risk ministry could Pastor Bob possibly be involved with?
The Reality of High-Risk Ministries
In today's world, churches face lawsuits more frequently than ever. If Pastor Bob's church has a ministry to children, takes seniors on trips, or engages in community outreach, it is involved in high-risk ministry.
High-risk ministries are those that expose the church to an increased danger of litigation or liability. Here are some common high-risk ministries that many churches engage in:
Ministry to children, including preschools, daycares, and children’s programs
Ministry to youth, such as overnight trips and sports activities
Transportation ministries for children, youth, or adults
Counseling services
Missions trips, both domestic and international
Employment practices, including hiring, firing, and disciplining staff
Responding to High-Risk Ministries
Most churches participate in more than one ministry that can be considered high-risk. So, how should a church respond?
Avoiding a Retreat Mindset
One option is to reduce the church's activities or limit whom the church serves. However, this retreat mindset does little to advance the church’s mission.
Developing a Protection Strategy
A better approach is to develop a strategy to reduce exposure and protect the church. Here are some key steps:
Adopt specific policies for high-risk ministries.
Train leaders and volunteers involved in these ministries.
Require waiver and release forms for participation in high-risk activities.
Ensuring Proper Insurance Coverage
To protect the church in case of litigation, it's crucial to have appropriate insurance. Consider the following policies:
Multi-Peril Policy: Covers property, general liability, professional liability, crime, inland marine, and hired/non-owned automobile liability.
Commercial Automobile Policy: For church-owned vehicles.
Worker’s Compensation Policy: For employees injured on the job.
Umbrella Liability Policy: Provides higher limits of insurance for specific areas of ministry.
