It’s hard to believe that 2021 is almost over, but 2022 will be here before you know it! If your church is one of the many that has an insurance renewal early in the new year, now is a great time to review your coverage. Why should you review your insurance now? Avoid last minute stress If your insurance is due to renew on January 1st, consider how busy the fast-approaching holiday season can be. To allow enough time to get a thorough coverage review and search for the best possible pricing available, it is a good idea to begin the process now rather than waiting until the last minute. You may need to adjust your insurance or discuss your coverage with other church leaders, so consider your schedule and ministry’s timeline. You could save money now rather than later While you can shop your coverage at any point during the year, why wait to see if you could start saving? By reviewing your coverage now, you could see how much money you could be saving your church today. Appropriate protection for your ministry Sometimes, the insurance your church has isn’t appropriate to help protect your people and property. For example, you may benefit from additional products or changing limits. With a coverage review, you can examine your current policy and identify potential areas where your insurance may be lacking. You could also see if you can secure the outstanding coverage solutions you need at better rates. Is your church in a multi-year, ‘guaranteed premium’ policy? You can still switch! Multi-year policies may promise your price won’t increase for a certain number of years, and while this is typically true, it can also mean that your price won’t go down to reflect industry trends. Luckily, it is still possible to switch your coverage even though you are in a multi-year policy. The end of the year is fast approaching. See if your church is saving as much as it can on its insurance today! When you are covered by UMIP, we will be there when you need us. Churches have unique needs. As a part of the denomination, we understand the unique needs of United Methodist churches and their operations, which is reflected in our coverage options. Your ministry deserves outstanding insurance and UMIP works for you each day to help protect your church’s people, property, and finances. Let's talk! Contact us at 484-654-3380 or at UMI@sovinsurance.com . Or, click here to request a quote online . This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

How has the claims process changed due to COVID-19? As COVID-19 continues to impact the country, new questions arise daily regarding the operations of businesses and religious organizations, amongst other issues.  One insurance-related concern for churches is the claims-handling process for incidents related to the pandemic.  The process is typically different for every carrier and this rule still applies today.  However, there are some points that may be helpful for your church to consider. Claims are adjusted by your carrier based on your policy’s language and the facts surrounding the loss. If you feel you have a claim, it remains important to contact your carrier as soon as possible to discuss your circumstances and potential next steps. If you have questions regarding your coverage, contact your agent or carrier. Many carriers post information regarding insurance and COVID-19 on their websites and send details out through email.  Take some time to review this information and confirm that you have the correct contact information to report a claim during this time. Remember that while your insurance agent is available to answer insurance-related questions that arise, they usually play a limited role in the claims process.  The claims process is handled by the carrier. The COVID-19 pandemic will continue to evolve, but ensuring you are well-informed with regards to the claims process for your church can offer you some peace of mind as you strive to protect your people, property, and ministry.    Additional questions? If you have questions regarding your church’s claims process, contact your carrier, as mentioned above.  If you have general questions regarding insurance or to learn more about if your coverage is appropriate for your church now and in the future, the United Methodist Insurance Program (powered by our agency partner, Sovereign Insurance Group), is happy to answer your inquiries.  Contact UMIP powered by Sovereign at umi@sovinsurance.com or 800.222.4478. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

The relationships and connections we build through our church community can be some of the most impactful in our lives. Clergy provide guidance, teaching, and counseling to laypeople while laypeople support the vision, ministry, and missions of clergy. Trust is a foundational piece for these interactions and a level of intimacy can be developed with the growth of our relationships. To ensure the safety of everyone involved The United Methodist Church makes clear the standard for acceptable interactions.  ​ The Book of Discipline  (¶161J ) defines sexual harassment and misconduct as “any unwanted sexual comment, advance, or demand, either verbal or physical, that is reasonably perceived by the recipient as demeaning, intimidating, or coercive.” Prevention of sexual harassment is imperative for Christian organizations to display the love of Christ to the world. One way to help keep harassment from occurring is to maintain boundaries and ensure everybody feels safe.  Keep lines clear  Establishing and reinforcing boundaries for healthy interactions between clergy, laity, supervisors, and employees continues to build the foundation of trust and help protect the ministry against sexual misconduct incidents.  Leaders must maintain these lines to ensure any interactions with the people they serve are appropriate. The  UM Sexual Ethics  website states that it’s essential that relationship lines aren’t blurred because people in leadership must “protect and act in the best interest of others with whom [they] are in [leadership over].” It is also important for individuals being served, whether a church member, community member, or employee, to maintain these lines with leadership.   ​ If an incident occurs where boundaries are crossed, it is important to remind the individual that is committing the offense of their responsibility to the organization. Documenting the behavior will help to ensure an appropriate resolution to the issue is developed.   ​ For assistance with developing policies for your church and developing policies for sexual misconduct incidents visit  umsexualethics.org/policy/ .  ​ Confirm Your Sexual Misconduct Insurance Coverage is Appropriate ​ For the reasons outlined above, ensuring that a church secures and maintains appropriate sexual misconduct coverage is extremely important.  If a church is unsure if its sexual misconduct insurance is adequate or has questions regarding what the coverage entails, contact an insurance agent as soon as possible.  They will be able to review a church’s coverage and provide guidance and recommendations on solutions.  Opportunity to learn about boundaries and more  The General Commission on the Status and Role of Women of the United Methodist Church (GCSRW) has developed several free resources to help your ministry understand the complexity of sexual misconduct and implement procedures that are designed to both prevent and respond to sexual misconduct.  One of the resources is a curriculum entitled  Sexual Misconduct in the Church- Understanding the Role of Power . This curriculum explores the trust and power dynamics between clergy and laypeople and outlines common myths about sexual misconduct.  Follow this link  to view this other curricula around this issue.  ​ Sharing resources like these with your ministry and community will help to ensure a safe environment for anyone who encounters your ministry. When everyone works to keep boundaries clear, everyone can feel comfortable as they travel on their spiritual journey.  ​ This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Houses of worship should be sanctuaries. While that is true in the hearts and minds of the clergy and parish members who attend, support, and guide the church, churches have also recently been the target of active shooters.   ​ Many church leaders feel overwhelmed by the additional responsibilities of preparing for and securing the church against an active shooter situation. But church leaders also recognize that they have a moral duty to lead and protect their church members. That is why we have gathered these recommendations.  Here are a few beginning steps to prepare for an unfortunate violent event.   BUILD A RESPONSE TEAM   Ushers can serve as the first line of defense against violence during services if they are properly trained. If someone unfamiliar – or someone who is known to be troubled – approaches the church, and his or her body language or appearance seems odd, ushers may deny them entry to the church and even potentially alert local police.  ​ Those well-trained ushers can be one part of your response team. People who have served in the military, medical professionals, and law enforcement officers all are good candidates to serve on this team. You may consider hiring a professional crisis management consultant to train response team members, so they know what to look for, and how to react.  CONSULT WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT   Find out how law enforcement will respond if there is a shooter in your building. Pre-planning on both sides – your church and law enforcement – means that both of you will be prepared should a shooting occur.  ​ Provide police with information about your property and buildings. This information will allow them to act quickly and decisively should the situation dictate that their intervention is needed. You may provide police with photos of and keys to the facilities and information about how and where to shut off utilities.   ​ And, if your church has received any threats or perceives a threat from an individual’s activities, let the police know right away.   INFORM CHURCH MEMBERS   Inform church members that you are planning for the possibility of an active shooter attempting to gain entry to the church. Review your plan with your church members and staff regularly to ensure that everyone knows their role and how to properly respond in hostile or violent moments. Every church member can contribute to vigilance, and if they know who to approach if they see a reason for concern, your ministry’s security will be strengthened.  This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Your youth minister has planned a trip to a nearby attraction for all the church’s children. Donations need to be transported to a facility. Meals need to be distributed to elderly parish members who can’t leave their homes. You don’t have enough — or any — church vehicles for these projects. What do you do?   You have two choices: Volunteers may use their own vehicles, or you may rent vehicles. Hired or non-owned automobile coverage differs depending on which option you select.   When a volunteer uses a personal vehicle for church business   If a volunteer uses his or her vehicle for church business, the volunteer’s own auto insurance is primary. Insurance follows the vehicle. The church’s non-owned vehicle coverage acts as excess.   If an accident were to occur while a volunteer is driving his/her own vehicle on an errand for the church, he/she would report the accident to his/her own insurance company, and the church would report the accident to its insurance company. The volunteer’s insurance company would cover the accident according to his/her policy, and the church’s insurance company would cover the excess, as long as the church has non-owned auto insurance.   Non-owned auto insurance is meant to be a back-up to the primary policy providing both excess liability limits for the vicarious liability of the church and to help fund a physical damage loss where there is inadequate coverage on the primary policy or a large deductible.   When a church rents a vehicle   It is a good idea to purchase the coverage the rental agency offers. That’s because, once again, the church’s hired and non-owned automobile insurance pays only for excess, almost like an umbrella insurance policy.   And any volunteer who rents a car on the church’s behalf opens him/herself up to risk. Very few churches have a credit card that they can use to rent a car, and if there’s a loss, you don’t want it to appear on the volunteer’s record.   Purchasing the rental agency’s insurance also protects renters from paying for “loss of use” if an accident occurs. “Loss of use” means that you would be responsible to pay for the days during which the vehicle couldn’t be rented because it’s in the shop being repaired.   Using personal or rented vehicles on church business is common, but it’s important to keep the risks in mind and protect volunteers as much as possible. Hired and non-owned automobile insurance provides extra protection.   *This article is for educational and informational purposes only.  Always check with your carrier regarding the specifications surrounding your coverage.  This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

The weather outside may start looking a little frightful. Luckily, the United Methodist Insurance Program has developed a checklist to help you prepare for winter weather. Check the following areas of your property to make sure you are prepared for the winter season:  ​ Heating System Check  You may remember the last time your church’s furnace was turned on. But what about the last time it was serviced? It is important that your heating system functions properly and efficiently. If systems are not maintained, the risk of fire and release of carbon monoxide and other gases increases. Contact a local HVAC professional and have them inspect your system for repairs and maintenance needs.  ​ Pipes, Gutters and Drainage  Don’t let a busted pipe disrupt the flow of service or cause excess damage. Examine and take the necessary action to prevent frozen or burst pipes. Verify that all drains flow and inspect drains for debris that could clog the pipes during the cold months. It may be necessary to get professional help to remove dangerous accumulations or repair damaged or blocked drainage systems. Also, gutters should be clear of debris and free-flowing to avoid backup of water and the creation of ice dams which can direct melting water into the building.   Roofing   Snow white rooftops are beautiful and could be gorgeous on your social media. However, too much snow on your property’s roof could become a problem. Accumulation of snow or ice on the roof can stress the structure and cause damage to shingles, gutters, downspouts, and flashing. Also, melting snow or ice coming from the roof could become dangerous for your ministry visitors. Periodically examine the roof and the amount of snow on the roof. If necessary, call a local expert to remove snow to relieve pressure and reduce risk.  Walkways  Make sure every visitor can enter the church with joy and love in their heart and not pain from a slip or fall. Inspect all walkways, entrances, exits, and parking areas for ice or snow accumulations. Make sure handrails and guardrails for ramps are free from ice. Minimize the risk of your visitors becoming injured on the way to your ministry’s event. Be sure to shovel snow away and use salt for any potentially icy walkways.   Windows and Doors   Keep the heat in and save your ministry money on your utility bill. Inspect the windows and doors of your facility. Weatherizing your windows and doors will help your church regulate temperatures, extend the life and health of your HVAC system, and continue your ministry's efforts to be good stewards of the resources you have been blessed with by God.  This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property. ​

Advent is almost here. Make sure those Christmas services aren’t interrupted by Mother Nature by weatherizing your church today. HVAC Inspections Corrosion, pressure, and faulty parts are frequent culprits in fires and explosions during the winter months. Schedule a certified inspection and enter the winter season with confidence in your HVAC system. Talk with your inspector about potential areas of concern and developing a maintenance schedule for your system. Keep your boiler room clear and clean. The boiler room should not be used for any type of storage, especially not for flammable goods. This includes boxes, cleaning supplies, or seasonal ornaments, and decorations. Space Heaters Space heaters are often used as a secondary source of heat for small areas like offices or smaller meeting rooms. While not dangerous in nature there are potentially hazardous situations that you can avoid. Older models may lack some of the newer functions like auto shut off or a grille to protect the heating elements. These factors create a higher risk for fires and other types of damage. Upgrading these units or repairing malfunctioning or faulty parts will help resolve these potential issues. Make sure all space heaters are plugged into a wall socket. These appliances should never be plugged into extension cords or surge protectors. Space heaters require high voltage to operate effectively and this high voltage could cause an extension cord or surge protector to overheat or spark a fire. While space heaters can be used to keep smaller rooms at comfortable temperatures, care must be taken to avoid potential dangers. Frozen Pipes Exposed pipes are more susceptible to freezing and bursting in the winter months. Insulating exposed pipes and maintaining appropriate temperatures within the building will help to prevent freezing inside your pipes. Also, for extended dormant times, leaving faucets on a slow drip will keep water flowing and not freezing through your pipes. In the event of a burst pipe, shut off water to the entire building and call a certified plumber and water removal agency to repair or replace the pipe and deal with any water damage. Snow and Ice Removal Assemble a winter weather team to care for your property when snow or ice arrive. The responsibilities should include things like salting or clearing sidewalks, drying interior floors, and prepping parking lots and walkways for adverse weather. As your team works, monitor their health and provide “warm-up” breaks; this will help you ensure your volunteers aren’t overworking themselves in the cold. ​ Establish a good working relationship and understanding with a snowplow contractor to have snow plowed or removed prior to church events. Many contractors do not clear sidewalks and steps, but your winter weather team can cover these areas. Identify where snow and ice could accumulate and possibly refreeze. Give attention to areas that receive minimal sun, such as gutters and drainpipes, sidewalk corners, and doorways. Weather-Related Closure Your church should develop and publicize your weather-related closure policy for the church. This policy should include the process for making the decision to close the church and assigning the responsibility of communicating the closure to your community. As you go through your weather-related closure policy, consider your membership and their situations. The age, mobility, and distance from your membership and community will help in the decision-making process. Establish multiple channels to communicate closures and inform your community as soon as possible.. By taking a proactive approach to winterizing your church, you will be able to enjoy those magical winter moments while knowing God’s house is resting peacefully as well. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

The holiday season is filled with celebrations, activities, and events. For many churches, this is one of the busiest times of the year. As you prepare for all the festivities, here are a few tips to make sure all your attendees and support staff enjoy the function: 1. Christmas Trees Nothing can replace the natural smell of a fresh evergreen tree. But those smells also come with potential hazards like fires. Artificial trees are less risky but still present challenges. If you display a live Christmas tree, make sure it’s fresh. Color may not be a good indicator of freshness because some trees are touched up with paint. The trunk should be recut two inches above the original cut just before it is placed in the stand with a large water reservoir. The water reservoir should be kept full and checked daily. Christmas trees or other large displays should not be placed in doorways, walkways, or in congested areas. Also, decorations should not be placed near combustible or ignition materials. 2. Christmas Lights Christmas lights bring holiday nights to life. As you purchase or dig through storage for your lights, make sure you are using Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL) approved lights. Also, make sure the lights are being used in an appropriate manner. For example, outdoor lights should not be used to light a Christmas tree indoors. Check all the wires and sockets on the string of lights to ensure none of the elements have been compromised. Also, check for bulbs that need to be replaced. Carefully unpacking, decorating, and repacking will reduce the chance of damage to lights or wires. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions and suggestions. Connect your lights to timers or designate a volunteer or support staff person to turn the lights off. Also, secure all loose cords or cables to reduce tripping risks for participants. Finally, check-in with a licensed electrician to make sure all your sockets are in good working order and can handle the voltage required for your light display. 3. Other Decorations Consider the following suggestions when decorating for events: Keep hallways and exit areas free of combustible decorations Select child-friendly decorations Set candles firmly in sturdy holders Use dripless candles Place candles away from draperies and other combustible materials Do not leave candles unattended Extinguish them at the end of every function You can ensure your community enjoys all the holiday season fun and experience the love of Christ through your events. Take these steps to provide the peace of mind you need to enjoy the season as well. Also, if you haven’t checked out our fall church checklist click here to get more information about preparing your church for the winter months. Stay up to date with our latest support resources by subscribing to the Collaborator and joining our Facebook Group: UMC Support Group. ​ This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Although it is is months away, churches have already begun planning for Advent and Christmas, including finding volunteers for many activities. Volunteer recruitment and vetting can be challenging for event coordinators, but can make or break an event. United Methodist Insurance has partnered with PeopleFacts, a leader in background screening, to bring you best practices to consider as you begin working with new volunteers. 1. Start Recruiting Early As you develop your plan for holiday programming, begin to consider the amount of help you will need and where people will serve. Develop a list of volunteer positions and the types of volunteers who will fit those positions. Being specific in your ask will help you recruit volunteers for your events. 2. Follow the Rules Due to recent changes in background check policies and procedures, it is important for your church to ensure that your practices are legal. Discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin of a candidate is illegal and a focus of both the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both organizations have created documents that can provide guidance for your church. ​ Several organizations have been sued recently because they failed to provide candidates the correct disclosure and authorization language or procedure errors. Here are a few tips to keep in mind: A candidate should always sign a compliant authorization form prior to your organization conducting a background check. You should retain those signed forms in case anyone ever questions the legitimacy of the authorization. Federal law requires the disclosure and authorization forms to have no “extraneous” information. Do not add additional language on these forms or ask any questions on these forms other than what is required by applicable state and federal law. The background screening/volunteering disclosure and authorization documents should never be merged with or be attached to any other document. 3. Work with an Accredited Firm There are hundreds of screening firms you could use to help ensure the safety of your church and community.  Be sure to use an accredited firm. Through our partnership with PeopleFacts™ background screening, you have an all-in-one online system that can answer the question of how you will manage, screen, and train your volunteers and staff members. Should you choose to use a different organization, be sure they are accredited by the National Association of Professional Background Screeners (NAPBS). This is one of the few recognized accreditation firms in the industry. 4. Be Open and Honest Honesty is the best policy. If at any point in the background screening process you find information that influences your church not to allow someone to volunteer, that candidate has a right to dispute the reported information. This is called the Adverse Action Process and is required by federal law. Discuss with legal counsel how to avoid a violation of this process. Your conference chancellor could be a great resource. 5. Show Volunteers Gratitude Whether individuals clear a background check or not, be sure to thank them and show appreciation for their willingness to volunteer. Not only does this produce good will with current volunteers, but potential volunteers could be swayed by such a gesture. Vetting your volunteers properly gives you, the participants, and other church leaders the peace of mind to fully enjoy your programs. Start early, take your time, and show volunteers your appreciation. For more information or help with conducting background checks for your volunteers, visit our webpage www.uminsure.org/peoplefacts or contact Nicole Berryman at nberryman@universalbackground.com or at 916-459-7554 for a free rate quote today! This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

Learn how travel protection can help you travel with confidence. The professionals at Travel Insured International provided this infographic to help your ministry protect its travel investments. This infographic was provided by Travel Insured This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

As you consider future travel plans and prepare for travel restrictions to ease, Travel Insured International would like to dispel some common myths about travel insurance protection. Learn why your credit card insurance may not provide adequate coverage for your travel expenses. CLICK HERE to subscribe to the Church Protection Connection and receive more great articles like this in your inbox every month. T his content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.

We strive to provide you with information to protect your property and your people.  We have collected resources to help you as you prepare to re-open your church.  We strive to provide you with information to protect your property and your people. We have collected resources to help you as you prepare to re-open your church. 3 Steps to Develop a Church Reopening Sanitation Plan The time has come for us to begin planning to share a laugh before Sunday school, to join our voices and sing praise to God, and to worship in the physical community with each other. As our country, state, and local governments begin to ease guidelines for social distancing, considering the continued care for your community and church members is extremely important. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidance for you to develop, implement, and maintain a sanitation plan for your facility. Draft a Sanitation Plan Before any gathering in the facility, the church should be cleaned and sanitized. The CDC recommends areas that have been unoccupied for a full week should be cleaned as you would normally. Walk through your facility and determine which areas are high traffic or high touchpoints. Take extra care to disinfect those surfaces and make a special note in your plan to continually disinfect them. Develop a schedule for cleaning and keep a record of the areas that are cleaned and which cleaning supplies are used for each surface. Determine if your ministry will need to borrow, rent, or purchase any necessary cleaning supplies or equipment to implement your sanitization plan. As you purchase your cleaning supplies, consider purchasing through UMC GPO to receive discounts on your purchases through retailers like Staples. Implement Your Sanitation Plan Based on your church's reopening plan and sanitation plan, begin cleaning the church facilities and surfaces as scheduled. Before using any disinfectant on a surface, wipe any visibly dirty areas with basic cleaning supplies like soap and water. When disinfecting, be sure that you only use disinfectants that are EPA-approved to fight against COVID-19. A list of approved products can be viewed on the EPA website . As you purchase and use cleaning agents, follow usage instructions that are printed on the products. These instructions ensure you are safely and effectively using the cleaning agent. Maintain Your Plan As your church and extended faith community begin to increase activity at your church facilities schedule time for your leadership to review and revise your cleaning plan and procedures. High traffic areas should be cleaned and disinfected daily at the least. While cleaning, all staff or volunteers should maintain safety procedures and social distancing guidelines. Communicate all changes in procedures and policies to the appropriate audiences. Also, if you have asked local law enforcement to check on your building during its vacancy, notifying them of your scheduled activities at the building will help avoid miscommunications with law enforcement and ensure the continued security of the church's facility. Other Information and Important Links Additionally, adhere to all local and state regulations regarding gatherings of more than 10 people. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted different areas to different degrees. Local government and health officials should provide your ministry leadership with the guidance most relevant for your area. Below are more links and guidance from the CDC on reopening and sanitation: Community and Faith-Based Organizations Basic Information Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting PDF Do you have questions about insurance coverage for COVID-19 exposures or other church insurance-related matters? Email us today at info@umins.org or visit our website uminsure.org/covid19links . This information is intended to serve as a starting point for creating a plan to return to your place of gathering and worship. Please review your state and local guidelines and stay abreast of the latest information through the CDC and your state health department.  These and other measures can reduce the chance of the spread of Covid-19 but nothing can completely eliminate the risk of the transmission of this or other illnesses.  Wear your mask; wash your hands; maintain safe distances; and if you don’t feel well, have been exposed to Covid-19, or have underlying health issues then please avoid gathering with others until it’s safe to do so. This content has been prepared by United Methodist Insurance Company (UMI) for informational purposes only. No article or document may accurately contemplate all possible scenarios or church resources. As such, this information is meant to foster discussion by the individual church and its members to develop a plan tailored to its own circumstances. UMI is providing this information with no warranties or guarantees of any kind and it should not be viewed as legal, financial, or other professional advice. All liability is expressly disclaimed. Any claim examples described herein are general in nature, may or may not be based on actual claims, and are for informational purposes only. Any coverage available for a claim is determined from the facts and circumstances of the claim as well as the terms and conditions of any applicable policy, including any exclusions or deductibles. In the event of a conflict with the content herein, the terms and conditions of any issued policy will control. Individual coverage may vary and may not be available in all states. The commercial insurance coverages for United Methodist Insurance are sold and serviced directly or indirectly by Sovereign Insurance Agency (CA Lic. No. 0B01380) ("Sovereign") and underwritten by various available insurance markets. Sovereign pays United Methodist Insurance a royalty for the use of its intellectual property.