We never expect the unexpected. But an unforeseen crisis or lawsuit can be disastrous for your ministry’s financial and emotional well-being. One way you can proactively protect your ministry is to prepare a Ministry Protection Plan before the unexpected occurs.
Every ministry has unique risks depending on your location, the programs and activities you provide and the people you serve. Your ministry’s leadership can discuss the following questions to determine the right answers for your needs.
- Who will be responsible for oversight of the Ministry Protection Plan? The board of deacons, an administrator or the senior pastor? Will he/they have sole responsibility or will he/they only manage the plan under the leadership of a committee?
- How receptive are you to risk? Are you: willing to take risks in order to achieve ambitious ministry vision and goals; protective of the physical and emotional well-being of your participants, volunteers and staff; strategic and proactive in identifying and addressing risks before they occur.
- What are the broad categories of risk for your ministry? For example, staff, volunteers, facilities, emergency planning and financial issues.
- Within each broad category, what are your ministry’s specific areas of risk?
- What procedures and safeguards can you implement to reduce risk?
- How often will you review and update your Ministry Protection Plan?