Risk Management

Chapter 1: Primary Areas of Concern

Many issues and incidents can negatively impact ministry. The goal of any church or religious institution should be to do whatever possible to protect people, resources, facilities, and ministries. Doing so is a necessary act of faithful stewardship for every organization and leader.

While it may not be possible to protect against every situation, risk management will help not only to recognize a potential risk, but also to minimize, shift, and possibly eliminate a risk altogether.

Over the years, insurance companies have been able to track and calculate the types of losses that occur most frequently and are most severe. The goal is to minimize the frequency and the severity of such risks. To do this, the primary areas of concern must be identified.

The primary areas of concern that will be addressed further in this guide are:

  • Child/Youth Sexual Misconduct Practices and Procedures (Chapter 3)
  • Transportation Practices and Procedures (Chapter 4)
  • Facility Inspection, Maintenance, and Usage (Chapter 5)
  • Financial Protection Practices and Procedures (Chapter 6)
  • Emergency Preparation Practices and Procedures (Chapter 7)
  • Personal Safety and Security (Chapter 8)
  • Property Protection (Chapter 9)
  • Insurance Matters (Chapter 10)

Nearly all concerns churches have fall into one of the above areas.

The material in the Risk Management Guide should be used to develop a set of comprehensive, written safety, security, and risk management practices and procedures. Those practices and procedures should be your benchmark for keeping your church, people, and ministry safe and secure.

I will never be shaken.
Psalms 30:6 (NIV)