protecting the church, part one

Protecting the Church: Liability Issues and Insurance for the Church “Reasons for Protecting the Church”:

Protecting the Church: Liability Issues and Insurance for the Church “Reasons for Protecting the Church” Church Leadership Class Group One: Brian Chilton, Alexander Long, and Michael Oliver Presentation One by: Brian Chilton

What do we mean by “protecting the church?”:

Having insurance that covers any potential problems “Potential problems” could include Injuries at the church Fire Theft Storm Damage, etc. Having policies that avoid liability issues These cover any lawsuits Claims against the church, etc. What do we mean by “protecting the church?”

Objections to Church Protection:

It is not showing faith in God’s protection Church should not be entangled with the worldly systems It takes too much time, effort, and paperwork It may be expensive Objections to Church Protection

Answering the Objectors:

It is not showing faith in God’s protection God expects us to be good stewards with our resources A good shepherd protects the flock Church should not be entangled with the worldly systems Policies and insurance would keep the church out of the courtroom Otherwise, the church would be forced into the court by the state It takes too much time, effort, and paperwork There may be a little more paperwork, but not much more than normal The amount of time and effort would double if caught in a lawsuit It may be expensive It would be much more expensive if the church had to pay out a lawsuit claim Answering the Objectors

6 Reasons to Protect the Church:

I. Reason of Financial Protection II. Reason of Legal Protection III. Reason of Reputation Protection IV. Reason of Member Protection V. Reason of Theological Protection VI. Reason of Discipleship Protection 6 Reasons to Protect the Church

I. Financial Protection:

I. Financial Protection As church leaders, we are interested primarily in the spiritual welfare of individuals. However, if our congregation is not financially protected from fires, storms, and other things, then our ministry may be over as soon as it begins. “ Perhaps not surprisingly, many vicars and church trustees are not particularly savvy when it comes to insurance matters. They may not think to check whether…the group has insurance in place—but there is no doubt that they are taking a risk if they do not” ( n.d. "PLACES OF WORSHIP; A LITIGIOUS EXPERIENCE." Post MagazineLexisNexis Academic )

II. Legal Protection:

Example of Wal-Mart Woman Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 Offered protection for Non-profit Protects volunteers of many liabilities However, this does not eliminate all liabilities Mr. Bailey of Watson Wyatt Worldwide of Bethesda, Md is quoted as saying, “He (Bailey) said personal liability for nonprofits can be devastating. " The claim doesn't have to be very big to have an impact on a non-profit," Mr. Bailey said. "In many cases, $20,000-to-$50,000 can be a real big hit” (ATTRINO , TONY. 1998. "Non-Profits Don't Escape Liability." National Underwriter / Property & Casualty Risk & Benefits Management) II. Legal Protection

II. Legal Protection (cont’d):

Incorporation is one way of protecting the church legally Placing warning signs is another protective measure Working with Insurance companies is the best II. Legal Protection (cont’d)

III. Reputation Protection:

Reputation of Dr. Billy Graham vs. Jimmy Swaggert 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 We have a responsibility to protect our reputations individually We have the same responsibility to protect the reputation of the local church Rev. Bridges and his statement about the United Methodist Church ruling To protect our reputation sometimes calls for preventative measures III. Reputation Protection

IV. Member Protection:

Illustration of the Good Shepherd in John 10:1-18 Take measures to protect Children Teens Adults Seniors IV. Member Protection

V. Theological Protection:

Churches do not view subjects the same way as the world does Theological Stances of Controversy (ex. Homosexual Marriages) Needs to be in writing Needs to show theological belief Needs to be done soon Example of a Church-split over this issue V. Theological Protection

VI. Discipleship Protection:

Protecting our very own ministry and personal relationship with God Ephesians 3:1-3 “ For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles—if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you;” (NASB). We all are stewards of the ministry that Christ has given us We, out of duty to God, should protect that ministry VI. Discipleship Protection

Upcoming Presentations:

Alexander Long: Liability Issues in the Church Michael Oliver: Insurance Issues in the Church Upcoming Presentations

References Used in this Presentation:

ATTRINO, TONY. 1998. "Non-Profits Don't Escape Liability." National Underwriter / Property & Casualty Risk & Benefits Management 102, no. 40: 35. MasterFILE Premier , EBSCO host (accessed April 5, 2011 ). New American Standard Bible, 1995 Update, The Lockman Foundation: La Habra, CA. n.d. "PLACES OF WORSHIP; A LITIGIOUS EXPERIENCE." Post MagazineLexisNexis Academic , EBSCO host (accessed April 5, 2011 ). References Used in this Presentation

Next Presentation: “Preliminary Actions to Avoid Legal Liability” by Alex Long:

Next Presentation: “Preliminary Actions to Avoid Legal Liability” by Alex Long