Join us for a monthly, one-hour webinar designed to help ministry leaders take meaningful steps toward stronger child protection. Through practical teaching from MinistrySafe experts, you’ll learn what it means to move toward a safer ministry. • Understand risk • Identify vulnerabilities • Implement safeguards • Build a culture of protection for children and volunteers 2026 SCHEDULE All webinars begin at 10:00 am CT. 02.26.26 Recognizing the Risk: Understanding the Grooming Process 03.24.26 Building the System: Creating an Effective Child Safety Framework 04.21.26 Protecting Kids from Kids: Understanding and Preventing Peer Sexual Abuse 05.21.26 Policies That Protect: Writing and Implementing Effective Policies & Procedures 08.27.26 Reporting Abuse: Understanding Reporting Requirements and Overcoming Obstacles 09.29.26 Screening That Protects: Identifying High-Risk Applicants Before They Serve 10.27.26 Creating Background Check Strategy - Part 1 11.17.26 Creating Background Check Strategy - Part 2 Support@MinistrySafe.com 833-737-SAFE (7223)

When  The Wizard of Oz  blew into theaters in 1939, one major character was absent from certain news reports. Before 1948, mentioning "tornado" during a weather broadcast could end the career of the meteorologist. Because of their seeming unpredictability and the likelihood of public panic, the term was  effectively banned by the Weather Bureau . But thanks to advances in technology and the work of two Air Force meteorologists, the tornado forecast celebrated its 75th anniversary in March 2023.   While science has improved the ability to forecast these destructive storms, they are still incredibly erratic, wreaking havoc on one side of a street while leaving the other unscathed. That is why organizations should know what to do before, during, and after a tornado. Darkening Skies: Prepare Now for the Threat of a Tornado Tornado season generally stretches from March through June; however, storms with the potential for tornadoes can happen any time of year. And while many believe these happen mainly in the Central Plains states, known as Tornado Alley, major tornados have been documented all over the country.   No matter where they are located or what time of year it is, organizations need to be prepared by implementing and continually updating their Emergency Action Plan (EAP). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides an  online eTool  that allows organizations to build their own plan that covers a variety of emergencies, including tornadoes. Key Pieces of a Tornado Preparedness Plan Identify a safe area in your buildings or a shelter.  OSHA suggests the following when determining a safe place: Seek a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible Stay away from doors, windows, and outside walls Stay in the center of the room, and avoid corners because they attract debris Seek rooms constructed with reinforced concrete, brick, or block with no windows and a heavy concrete floor or roof system overhead Avoid auditoriums, cafeterias, and gymnasiums that have flat, wide-span roofs Have a   disaster preparedness kit . Among other items, these kits could include a hatchet or cutting tool to help clear debris, shoes, water, weather radio, and fresh batteries. Also, consider  emergency kits for the vehicles in your fleet  in the event your drivers are caught in a storm. Know your local warning system . You should be able to recognize the siren of your community warning system. Sign up for  emergency alerts  from the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) system, the Emergency Alert System (EAS), and the NOAA Weather Radio (NWR). Watch vs Warning  - A watch means the conditions are favorable for a tornado to form. A warning means rotation has been verified or a funnel cloud has been identified and you should seek shelter immediately.   Train employees and complete tornado drills regularly.  Training for employees should include the warning system, what to do, and where to go. Drivers should also be trained on what to do if they are caught in a tornado while operating a vehicle.   When the Skies Fall: Staying Safe During a Tornado There are several signs of an oncoming tornado, including a greenish sky, large hail, and even a roaring noise like an oncoming train. The most recognizable element is the churning clouds that suddenly drop to the ground, spinning up debris. These funnel clouds can be thin columns or miles wide. Be ready to take action if you are caught in an oncoming tornado.   Get to your safe room or shelter immediately .  Be sure to grab your disaster kit if it is not already in the room. Stay away from windows, auditoriums, and upper floors. If possible, stay up to date with reports from EAS, NOAA Weather Radio, or local alerting systems.   Make sure a battery-operated weather radio is available or use smartphone apps if phones are charged.   If you're in a vehicle, do not try to outrun a tornado.   Drivers should find shelter immediately if possible. If the driver can't get to a shelter, find a safe area to park, leave the engine running and seatbelt buckled. Put your head down below the windows and cover your head with your hands and a blanket or jacket if possible. If outside, get to a shelter or sturdy building . If unable to get to a building, find a low-lying area such as a ditch and lie flat, covering your head and neck with your arms and a blanket or jacket. Stay away from bridges or overpasses.   As the Skies Clear: Staying Safe After a Tornado The hours after a tornado can be equally as dangerous so it's important to stay alert and remember to keep yourself and others safe while checking on employees and surveying damages. Contact emergency services if anyone is injured or in need of assistance. Continue to monitor weather reports and follow instructions from local authorities.   Activate your Business Continuity and Emergency Response Plans.   Having these plans ready to go will help guide your organization in responding and recovering from disasters.  Online tools are available  to help with this important planning.   When safe to do so, begin documenting damages to buildings and other property.   Take pictures and make notes of what is damaged or missing. Attempt to mitigate further damages by using tarps or other mitigating measures.   Be safe during clean-up and while using equipment such as generators. Wear appropriate clothing such as thick-soled shoes, long pants, and work gloves. Be mindful of fuel-powered generators as they can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide.   While these powerful forces of nature can be erratic and terrifying, creating a plan, employing that plan, and responding to the aftermath, can help your organization survive the storm.   This article was originally published by  Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY)  and is shared with permission. PHLY is a trusted insurance provided of the  United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP)  and  Sovereign Insurance 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.

Across the country, churches and ministries are seeing a troubling rise in identity spoofing scams —particularly those that impersonate pastors or other trusted church leaders. These scams often arrive as emails or text messages that appear to come directly from a pastor and urgently request gift cards, financial assistance, or sensitive information. In many cases, congregants and staff come dangerously close to falling victim before realizing the message is fraudulent. ¹ This is not an isolated issue affecting only a few congregations. Reports from faith-based publications, church accountability organizations, and news outlets show that pastor impersonation and phishing scams are a common challenge facing churches, ministries, and faith-based organizations nationwide . Cybersecurity experts note that churches are frequently targeted because of their culture of trust, publicly available contact information, and limited technical safeguards. ²   ³ How These Scams Work Cybercriminals often: Spoof a pastor’s name or email address Use urgent or emotional language (“I need your help right now”) Request gift cards, wire transfers, or confidential information Target staff and trusted congregants who want to respond quickly and helpfully Because these messages appear to come from familiar leaders, they can be especially convincing. Practical Steps Churches Can Take Right Now Church leaders can significantly reduce risk by putting a few clear safeguards in place: Use Official Church Email Accounts Only Pastors and staff should communicate using official church email addresses (for example, pastor@yourchurch.org ), rather than personal Gmail or other consumer accounts. Set Clear Communication Expectations Educate staff and congregants on how pastors and leaders will—and will not—communicate. Make it clear that pastors will never  request gift cards, money transfers, or sensitive information via email or text. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) All church email accounts, especially those of pastors and administrators, should use multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorized access. Strengthen Email Security Advanced email filtering tools can help block spoofed and malicious messages before they ever reach inboxes. Encourage Cyber Awareness Remind staff and members to: Scrutinize unexpected emails or texts Avoid clicking suspicious links or attachments Use strong, unique passwords Disable unused Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections on mobile devices Mobile Devices Matter, Too Guidance from Church Mutual , a valued partner of the United Methodist Insurance Program , highlights how unsecured mobile devices can enable email compromise and impersonation—making mobile security a critical part of church cybersecurity efforts. ⁴ Training and Support for Churches Churches do not have to navigate these challenges alone. GCFA/UMC Support provides resources as part of ongoing efforts to support local ministries: Security Awareness Training : A recent webinar, Digital Stewardship: Protecting Your Church Online , offers practical guidance tailored specifically for churches. Managed IT Services : Through the General Council on Finance and Administration , local churches can access technology managed services designed for ministry settings. Technology Value Pack : The UMC Support   Tech Value Pack  provides three levels of cybersecurity protection—affordable, scalable, and built with churches in mind. Learn more at gcfa.org/tech-value-pack . Faithful Stewardship in a Digital World Protecting your church’s digital identity is not just a technical issue—it is a matter of trust, stewardship, and care for your congregation. By setting clear communication practices, strengthening security tools, and using trusted partners and resources, churches can reduce risk and respond confidently to a growing threat. Footnotes / References Christianity Today  reporting on the rise of pastor text and email impersonation scams, including fraudulent gift card requests sent to congregants and church staff across multiple denominations and regions. MinistryWatch  analysis documenting an increase in phishing and impersonation attacks targeting churches and faith-based nonprofits, noting that clergy impersonation is a common tactic due to trust-based church environments. Regional and national news coverage  documenting clergy impersonation and gift card scams affecting churches in multiple U.S. states, demonstrating that these incidents are not isolated or localized. Church Mutual , Are Your Mobile Devices Secure Enough to Protect Client Health Information?  Guidance outlining how unsecured mobile devices can expose churches and ministries to cyber risks, including unauthorized email access, spoofing, and data compromise. 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 camp insurance market has shifted drastically over the past five years, with especially sharp changes in the last 1-2 years. This has led to camps across the country, being faced with premiums multiplying and coverage pullbacks. There are a few reasons for this: Lack of Competition.  5 years ago, there were two or three more insurers willing to provide adequate coverage at a competitive rate for camps across the US. Currently, there are perhaps three or four carriers total who are even considering offering quotes on camps currently. Property Issues & Claims. Camp property is traditionally frame construction and in high protection class areas (areas that are difficult for fire departments to access). Most insurance company modeling identifies this combination as extremely undesirable. This results in higher rates and worse terms/conditions on policies. Liability Exposures & Pricing . Traditionally, liability insurance costs for camps has been less than $10,000 for your average sized camp. Given the operations of camps often have ropes courses, zip lines, shooting ranges, etc. the average liability claim was four to five times the annual premium paid. With social inflation continually pushing up the average claim payout as a result of bodily injury, this number is growing much faster than insurance premiums have. In recent years, insurers in the camp space have lost millions on property and liability claims. As a result, most have either exited the market or raised premiums significantly while reducing coverage. Our experience is that there are camps all across the country that do not purchase property coverage because it is either (1) unavailable or (2) not affordable. Some camps are buying liability only policies that exclude a number of their primary exposures such as water activities, zip lines, and climbing apparatuses. Unfortunately, even though your renewal offer might have a significant premium increase and lower limits, there is a good chance it still might be your best option. 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.

Functional replacement value is often considered when a church would not rebuild or repair to the same quality of materials or size of building. You also may not wish to rebuild in the event of a total loss.   This type of valuation does present some challenges and things to consider:   You must seek the approval of your Annual Conference due to the Trust Clause. Not all carriers are eager to provide the coverage. There is no standard form so you must be even more careful to read and understand the coverage and terms provided by the policy. Make sure that the savings justify any potential downside. This is often not the case. You should have an understanding of how you would replace your building and a good idea of the cost involved in your rebuild. Understand the effect (if any) the policy will have on the reimbursement of partial loss.   Things that may favor functional replacement:   You would not rebuild to the same size or type of building. You would not rebuild after a total loss. You would not want to stay in the same location. More expensive items in your church (plaster walls, oak pews, architectural features, etc.) are not important to your ongoing ministry. You have a lot of deferred maintenance.   As always, work with your agent. It is important that you have an agent with experience in using this valuation method. If your agent does not, consider finding an agent that does. You should also consult with an appraiser, architect, or contractor to have some basic plans laid out for what you would rebuild to ensure that you have adequate limits. 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.

When your church works with contractors, vendors, or renters, you’ll often be asked to provide — or request — a Certificate of Insurance (COI). A COI is a simple one-page document that summarizes insurance coverage. It’s not the full policy, but it serves as important proof that coverage exists. Why Certificates of Insurance Matter Proof of Coverage:  A COI shows that your church (or another party) has active insurance in place — like liability, property, or workers’ compensation coverage. Protection from Unexpected Costs:  If your church hires a contractor who isn’t properly insured and someone gets hurt, your church could end up being responsible. Requesting a COI helps protect your church from being charged for someone else’s accident or damage. Documentation for the Future:  Claims can arise years later. Having a COI on file helps prove that insurance coverage existed at the time of work. Avoid Waiving Requirements:  If you forget to ask for a COI before work begins, courts might view that as waiving your right to require insurance — even if your contract says otherwise. Helpful in Disputes:  In some cases, a COI can serve as evidence if an insurance agent made an error or failed to secure the proper coverage. Common Limitations and Pitfalls COIs are useful, but they have serious limits  — and many churches mistakenly assume they offer more protection than they do. No Guarantee of Coverage:  The COI itself doesn’t provide insurance. It’s only a summary. To verify full coverage, the actual policy must be reviewed. May Not Reflect Reality:  Sometimes, a COI lists coverage that’s been canceled or never finalized. A binder (temporary proof of insurance) is a more reliable early indicator. Doesn’t List Exclusions:  A COI might show a liability policy but not the exclusions. For example, a tree removal company may provide a COI that hides 40+ exclusions — including ones that remove coverage for their actual work! Additional Insured (AI) Gaps:  Even if the COI box is checked for “Additional Insured,” that coverage might not exist or meet contract requirements. One city found that 40% of COIs claiming AI coverage didn’t actually have it. Policy Limits May Be Reduced:  The coverage limits listed on the COI could have been reduced or exhausted by other claims. Deductibles and Self-Insured Retentions (SIRs):  These are rarely listed, meaning your church might not know about large amounts the insured party must pay before coverage applies. No Automatic Notice of Cancellation:  Unless the insurance policy itself requires it, you won’t be notified if a policy is canceled or changed. Fraud Happens:  Unfortunately, fake or altered COIs are sometimes used by contractors. Always verify COIs directly with the issuing agent or insurer. When to Request a COI Always request a COI when your church: Hires contractors or vendors (construction, lawn care, cleaning, etc.) Leases or rents property to outside groups Hosts events where third parties are involved Partners with another organization for ministry or community service Keep a copy on file for each vendor or partner, and make sure it’s current before work begins. Key Takeaway A Certificate of Insurance  is a vital tool for managing risk, but it’s not a substitute for reading and verifying the actual policy.Think of it as a snapshot , not the full picture.The safest approach is to: Require a COI from every outside party your church works with. Verify it directly with the insurer or agent. Review the policy when significant work or risk is involved. Ask your current agent for help reviewing to ensure accuracy/adequacy of the COI. 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 winter approaches, it's essential your ministry has prepared its premises for the colder weather. The United Methodist Insurance Program understands the significance of safeguarding your church’s people, property, and finances. Here's a comprehensive checklist to help you ensure safety and readiness during the winter season. 1. Heating System Maintenance and Inspection Maintaining a warm and safe environment for your congregation is critical, making a smooth-running heating system paramount during the winter. Schedule a thorough inspection by a local HVAC professional! Ensure the system is serviced, filters are clean, and any necessary repairs are addressed. Did you know that regular maintenance reduces the risk of fire and gas leaks? 2. Insulation Review and Pipe Protection When was the last time you checked the insulation in all of your church’s buildings? Frozen pipes can cause substantial damage, but this can be avoided! Insulate exposed pipes and consider applying pipe insulation to further protect against freezing temperatures. Adequate insulation not only maintains indoor temperatures but also protects your church's infrastructure! 3. Roof and Snow Management Regularly examine your roof for snow accumulation if you live in an area that receives snow, as it can stress your church’s structure and potentially cause damage. If needed, engage local experts to remove excess snow to reduce the risk of damage to shingles, gutters, and downspouts. Don’t forget to clear snow to minimize the risk of melting ice endangering your congregation. 4. Windows and Door Insulation Inspecting windows and doors for drafts will pay off in the long run! Consider using window insulation kits to prevent heat loss and reduce energy costs. Proper weatherizing helps maintain comfortable temperatures and minimizes unnecessary energy expenses. 5. Walkway Safety and Snow Removal Plans Be sure to regularly clear walkways, entrances, and parking areas of snow and ice. Having supplies like ice melt and snow shovels readily available will alleviate potential stress and ensure safe passage for congregants. Establish snow removal plans, whether through staff, volunteers, hired services, or organized efforts to maintain safe access to worship areas. 6. Coverage Review and Insurance Protection Before the year ends, consider reviewing your insurance coverage. A comprehensive insurance policy tailored for winter-related risks is essential to protect your church from potential damages and liabilities. Conclusion Preparation is key to ensuring a safe and comfortable environment for congregants during the winter. Implementing this checklist will help your church mitigate potential risks and maintain a secure and welcoming space for worship and community activities. 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.

In this webinar, hosted by The United Methodist Insurance Program, the Foundry team will highlight the importance of preventive maintenance, thorough record keeping, and consistent property management. We will walk through practical property checklists, condition assessments, and other valuable tools designed to help you protect and sustain your real estate assets. Topics Covered: Ministry-Driven Real Estate Strategy Church Lifecycle & Property Stewardship Deferred Maintenance & Risk Tools for Proactive Management Operational Best Practices Capital Planning & Budgeting Emotional & Strategic Impact

Church vans and buses play a vital role in ministry, especially with the various summer youth trips your churches have lined up. However, they also carry significant liability. Whether churches own vehicles or borrow/rent one, here are a few key things to help promote safety in ministry:  Insurance Checklist   If your church owns a van, bus, or even a trailer, you must have commercial auto insurance. Personal auto insurance won’t cover ministry-related accidents, even if a volunteer is driving. Church-owned vehicles:  Require commercial auto coverage. Personal vehicles used for ministry:  Should be disclosed to your insurer. You will need  hired and non-owned auto coverage (HNOA) . Rented vehicles:  Check if your policy covers short-term rentals or if you need to add coverage under HNOA as well.   Driver Screening Not everyone with a license should drive for church events. Create a policy that lists  approved drivers  and review it regularly. Insurance Companies often require: A tiered scoring system where certain amounts or types of driving violations would make a driver ineligible.  (Sample here) A  minimum age requirement  (usually 21 or 25). Proof of  valid insurance  (for personal vehicles). Background checks  for those transporting minors.   Vehicle Maintenance Records Keep vehicles well-maintained with logs of: Oil changes, tire checks, brakes, and lights. Annual inspections. Repairs and recalls. A well-documented maintenance history not only reduces risk—it strengthens your case in the event of a claim. General Transportation Safety Require seat belts for everyone—no exceptions. Never overload vehicles. Use a  trip log  to track who went, who drove, and where you went. Train drivers in  basic safety protocols  (like how to respond to an accident).  Proper insurance and safety practices protect your members and your ministries. If you or any of your churches have questions related to best practices for auto related exposures, please don’t hesitate to send them our way! 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.

This article was created based on a response to a series of questions we received from a member church. As questions about insurance coverage and property valuations become increasingly common among church leaders, it's essential to understand how valuation works and why it matters. Below are insights from the United Methodist Insurance Program (UMIP) in response to frequently asked questions about establishing a proper building valuation. Why Valuation Matters The valuation of a church building for insurance purposes is based not on market value, but on the cost to repair or rebuild the structure. Historically, insurance companies would accept the value provided by the insured unless it appeared to be too high or too low. Today, however, there’s a growing trend of insurance carriers determining the building’s value based on proprietary models. These valuations are often nonnegotiable and can result in increased premiums. Having a professional valuation from a reputable source may help, but it doesn’t guarantee the carrier will adjust their estimate. Nevertheless, establishing an accurate valuation is crucial—especially for meeting co-insurance requirements and ensuring the church receives sufficient coverage in the event of a loss. Make sure the carrier’s estimate meets the amount you would need to rebuild. Who Determines the Valuation? It is typically the responsibility of the insured—that is, the church or ministry—to determine and propose a value for the property. While churches can do this internally, many opt to hire outside professionals with expertise in insurance-related appraisals. Choosing a Qualified Evaluator When selecting an outside appraiser, look for professionals who adhere to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP®) . Additional credentials, such as membership in the Appraisal Institute and adherence to its Code of Professional Ethics , can also indicate reliability. Churches should verify an appraiser’s references and experience—especially experience specific to insurance valuations. In Minnesota, for example, Sec. 82B.195 MN Statutes  outlines standards for appraisal professionals. Special Considerations Parsonages : Stand-alone parsonages are included under “All Church buildings” and should go through the same valuation process. Special Risk Coverage : This type of policy covers all causes of loss except those specifically excluded. Stained Glass Windows : Valuing stained glass can be especially nuanced. There are few certified appraisers for stained glass in the U.S., but accredited studios—such as Gaytee-Palmer Stained Glass Studio  in Minneapolis—may be able to help. Involving Your Carrier It’s wise to involve your insurance carrier in the valuation process. They often have up-to-date knowledge on construction costs in your region and will ultimately decide whether the value you’ve placed is reasonable. The more accurate your valuation, the better your position in the event you need to file a claim. Have More Questions? UMIP is here to help churches navigate the complexities of insurance coverage with care and integrity. If your church is unsure where to begin or needs guidance on valuations, reach out to our team at 484-654-3380 or visit our website . As a ministry of the United Methodist church: we can provide advice, policy reviews, and no obligation quotes at no cost to you. 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.

No matter your size, your ministry is a potential target for cybercrime. Hackers are after sensitive data—financial records, personal details, even mission trip rosters. That’s why strong cybersecurity for churches are essential. A well-rounded approach includes three pillars : Prevention : Proactive cybersecurity measures to avoid breaches Insurance : Cyber policies that provide coverage and support Recovery & Restoration : Resources to help you get back on your feet quickly Cyber insurance  can offer crucial benefits like: Lost income replacement Ransomware and business interruption coverage Legal defense and notification compliance Credit monitoring support Access to technical and restoration experts If your ministry is affected by a cyber incident: Notify your IT team and secure your systems Contact your insurance carrier and agent Alert law enforcement and the FBI Call your bank and have them notify the recipient bank UMIP is here to help you navigate your insurance needs and reduce your cyber risk. To request a quote, visit our website . 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 webinar focused on strategies for unlocking real estate value for faith-based and nonprofit organizations. The key points covered included: Real Estate Valuation Methods : Sales Comparison : Comparing the property with similar properties to determine a fair market value. Income Capitalization : Evaluating the income potential of the property. Cost Approach : Assessing the cost to replace the property with a similar one. Integral Components for Valuation : Zoning and future land use. Location specifics such as hard corners and frontage. Size and functionality of the property. Area demographics and excess land considerations. Income Streams : Utilizing underutilized spaces, extra land, education spaces, and additional meeting spaces to generate revenue. Next Steps for Property Health Assessment : Evaluating deferred maintenance, current tenants, reserves, debt, membership changes, endowment, operation costs, staff, additional revenue, and giving. Making informed decisions about improving, selling, leasing, or buying properties based on the mission and property health assessment. Mission Property Group : Emphasizing that real estate decisions should align with ministry goals and not dictate the ministry. Combining the church’s vision with market conditions and property values to guide real estate decisions that support ministry growth and operation. Speakers : Carlin Beekman : Vice President, Foundry Commercial. Matt Messier, CCIM, SIOR : Partner, Managing Director, Foundry Commercial.