Safeguard Solutions™
A two-volume primer on risk management created specifically for churches

By the Guide One Center for Risk Management

Times are changing. The world we are called to minister to is an increasingly hostile setting. Churches are more and more becoming targets of crime, misconduct, lawsuits, and allegations. Though we see a growing number of examples of churches and church people being severely impacted by crimes, losses, and lawsuits, there are some church leaders who continue denying that such things could happen in their church setting. By doing so, they are taking a serious gamble with the people and resources entrusted to their care.

Peoples' lives are being adversely impacted and ministries shut down, sometimes by the negligence of church leaders. In the past, resources were not available to church leaders to help them safeguard their church's ministries. Great resources are now available that allow churches to become involved in risk management and yet keep their ministry vital.

According to James Cobble of Christian Ministry Resources, a survey of more than 1,100 churches revealed that only one in five churches has a risk management program in place. And in that same group, one in 50 reported they had been sued and an unbelievable 40% had filed an insurance claim during the same period!

Prior to 1980, very few lawsuits were brought against houses of worship. However, during the past 20 years, there has been a steady rise in the number of claims and lawsuits being brought against churches and religious leaders. Further, the monetary judgments rendered against churches and leaders continue to rise substantially beyond the means of most church budgets.

In addition, having a risk management program that is followed can help your defense in a court of law if you are ever brought into court.

Although the number of incidents involving violence in and around churches in increasing, these may still be seen more as anomalies.

Regardless, for those who expect the church to be a safe place, we owe it to them, whenever and however possible, to do what we can to protect them. Reported incidents are more than statistics; they involve real human beings.

Consider these stories as examples:

• In Florida, an unknown assailant raped a 13-year-old girl as she entered the church for a Sunday evening choir practice.
• In Iowa, a church was burned to the ground by an arsonist.
• In Louisiana, a gunman killed his wife and child at their church.
• In Wisconsin, a pastor was arrested as he tried to arrange an encounter with a juvenile he met over the Internet.

On the other hand:

• In Ohio, a man's life was saved by a church member who had been part of the church's CPR training.
• In California, a gunman admitted he passed by and did not bother three houses of worship that had security stickers on their windows.
• A church in the Midwest initiated audits on their finances and detected a case of embezzlement.
• Many churches across the country that have performed background checks on prospective employees have prevented convicted felons and pedophiles from being hired.

Of those who have established a risk management program, most have used a piecemeal approach. However, a comprehensive and planned risk management program can make a difference in safeguarding the ministries and people of a church.

Key components

As a risk management team seeks to prioritize their work, they should first look at those issues that have the greatest potential to cause harm and loss to people and ministries. It is important to put well-designed policies and procedures in place. A balance should be found that keeps vital ministries going and yet keeps people and property safe and secure. Policies should be established in these primary areas:

Transportation safeguards

Example: On the way back from a church mission trip, the driver of a church van apparently fell asleep at the wheel. The church van crashed, leaving several members dead, and others severely injured. It was reported that none of the van's occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Each year, we read about accidents involving church vehicles or groups involved in accidents in private vehicles while engaged in ministry. Tragically, people are killed and permanently injured in these accidents. Such accidents can severely impact or even shut down vital ministries of the church. The pain, guilt and trauma to a church can be immense. No amount of money can replace what is taken in such incidents.

A study of insurance claims indicates that many of these accidents are preventable. They often involve adequate and unsafe equipment, poor training, improper supervision, or negligence.

A church transportation policy that is properly followed can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of many accidents. This policy should be in place in every church, regardless if the church owns its own vehicles.

Youth ministry safeguards

Example: A large church with a growing children's ministry was in need of more volunteers from the church to help care for children. Two teenage male volunteers were put in charge of caring for children while the adults were in worship. According to police, over a three-year period, the two teenagers were responsible for sexually abusing at least 50 children. The ensuing civil suit asked for $76 million, claiming the church was negligent in its screening and hiring practices.

More and more, public institutions are doing a better job in the selection and screening of people who work with children and youth. Background checks and lengthy procedures are in place for most schools, YMCAs, scouting and community programs. However, most churches have not kept up with their public counterparts.

Those who have a tendency to prey on children and youth will take the path of least resistance. Unfortunately, they find that churches are often very lax in their screening and selection process. Most churches welcome volunteers and don't screen them, and as a result, horrible things can happen. Subsequently, many churches have had a youth pastor or worker accused or charged for inappropriate physical contact with a member of the youth group.

A clear policy and attention to closely following it are important. However, the ministry should not adopt rules that cannot possibly be followed--disregarding a written policy can be worse than not having a policy at all. The policy should be clear enough to read and be understood by members, volunteers and employees, and require actions and behaviors that the readers can follow. Policies based on guiding principles are especially useful when a situation arises that is not covered by the policy--the principles will assist in the exercise of sound judgment to address a situation.

Property safety and security

Example: A multi-million dollar fire destroyed a growing church's building. Within 20 minutes, the fire went from visible smoke to completely engulfing the building. The investigation revealed the cause of loss was cardboard boxes stored against the furnace.

The number and severity of property loss and liability claims involving incidents taking place on church property is growing. These claims stem from a variety of concerns that range from relatively minor to those that could take a life. Many of them are preventable.

Responding to emergencies and crises

Example: When a young man trying to steal equipment was found dangling on a power cord from a church's roof, having died from exposure, the police, media and curious onlookers came to the scene. Public comments from the church came from their Communications Director. Having pre-designated a person to fill this role, the church was seen as concerned and professional in the eyes of the public.

Example: A church that sensed a need to have members trained in CPR was pleased when shortly after the training, a member who was having a heart attack was given CPR. His life was saved as a result.

Example: One church was shocked and didn't know how to respond when sexual allegations were made against two high school-age boys who volunteered to work with the children's program.

Even when churches prepare for the worst, sometimes unexpected, terrible things still happen. It is important to have a clearly defined response plan in place. By doing so, you may minimize injury, reduce loss of life, property, exposure, and liability. Without a plan, the response may be the wrong one.

Safeguard Solutions is available at www.guideonecenter.com.

Safeguarding Solutions At-A-Glance

Volume I: Organizing and Maintaining a Church Risk Management Program

• Organizing and Maintaining a Church Risk Management Program
• Reasons All Churches Need a Risk Management Team
• The Role of a Church Risk Management Team
• Establishing a Church Risk Management Team
• Key Components of Church Risk Management
• Keeping the Risk Management Team Functional

Volume II: Forms, Surveys, Reports, Checklists, Procedures, Policies and Other Vital Information Needed to Safeguard Your Church and Ministry

• Introduction and Definition of Terms
• Transportation Safeguards
• Youth and Children's Ministry
• Property Safety and Security
• Financial Safeguards
• Responding to Emergencies and Crises
• Workers' Compensation