Cyber Liability Issues

Some churches extend their ministry electronically using resources such as online prayer lists and sermon illustrations that use Web media. While providing additional means to communicate with those your church serves, online tools also come with common liability risks.

Consider the following factors as you introduce these tools.

  • Website Privacy Policy
    • List the types of information your website collects (e.g., phone and credit card numbers).
    • Describe your means of data collection (e.g., cookies, fillable forms).
    • Define your purpose for collecting data (e.g. furthering your ministry’s ability to serve).
    • Explain how you keep users’ data secure. (e.g., encryption, firewalls)
    • Ensure legal compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act if your website includes a page for young people.
  • Social Media Page
    • Establish guidelines for guest content and posts made on your ministry’s behalf.
    • Designate a social media team to screen user content and post content on your ministry’s behalf.
  • Treatment of Electronic Prayer Requests and Personal Data
    • Secure consent, preferably in writing, from those you want to include on your prayer list. Consider electing a family spokesperson to divulge details on a person-by-person basis.
    • Do not include excessive or embarrassing medical details.
  • Digital Communications with Youth
    • Print and distribute a general policy, specifying electronic communications parameters.
    • Specify when young people can and cannot use their devices at church or when engaged in church activities.
    • Develop a youth communication policy that defines what channels of communication your ministry will use to communicate with youth, prohibits youth ministry leaders from sending one-on-one messages, and keeps parents informed.
    • Inform staff, volunteers, and youth group members about the dangers of sexting.
    • Stay abreast of new technologies and social media platforms.
  • Copyright Issues
    • Understand the purpose of copyright laws, and know your legal options for using copyrighted works.

New technologies often provide unique ministry opportunities. However, using these technologies may entail new liability concerns, which should be studied and navigated carefully.

April 3, 2023
Tragedy in Nashville
Tragedy in Nashville: What can we learn from the Covenant School shooting?
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
Worry-Free Mission Travel
Worry-Free Mission Travel
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
HR Document Library at your Fingertips
HR Document Library at your Fingertips
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
March 17, 2023
Highlights from Recent Security Training Events
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 24, 2023
Wind and Hail – Deductible Buyback
Wind and Hail – Deductible Buyback
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 24, 2023
Common Questions About Our Agency
Common Questions About Our Agency
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 24, 2023
Coming to your area in 2023
Coming to your area in 2023
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 24, 2023
Kingdom Advancing Grant
Kingdom Advancing Grant
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 24, 2023
ACG Retreat in Kansas City
ACG Retreat in Kansas City
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 23, 2023
Loaning Your Ministry's Facilities
Loaning Your Ministry's Facilities
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 23, 2023
Protecting You and Your Ministry Partners
Protecting You and Your Ministry Partners
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
January 9, 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Better Achieve Your Mission in 2023
Tags: insurance, coverage, ministry
November 18, 2022
Our Team is Growing, Again!
November 10, 2022
We Want To Hear From You!
We Want To Hear From You!

There are a lot of hats worn in any growing ministry – and we want to serve every one of them. 

Tags: insurance
November 10, 2022
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan
Evaluate Your Ministry's Fire Safety Plan

With the holiday season right around the corner, it’s wise for ministries to evaluate their fire safety plan. Whether your ministry is hosting a holiday party, prepping treats for charity, or running a community kitchen, make sure you’re well-prepared with these tips.

Tags: insurance, property, volunteer safety, fire safety
November 10, 2022
Holiday Season Safety & Security: 3 Things to Plan Before Christmas
Holiday Season Safety & Security: 3 Things to Plan Before Christmas

The holidays present unique opportunities and challenges for churches that aren’t typical during other times of the year. A lot of the ministries that I work with are seeing steady increases in attendance and are praying for a significant jump in Christmas service participation this year. 

Tags: insurance
October 26, 2022
October 2022 Blog: What is a 403(B)(9) Retirement Plan?
October 2022 Blog: What is a 403(B)(9) Retirement Plan?

In this article, Brad Brown from Plan A Wealth Management gives a wonderful insight into why ministries might consider choosing a 403(B)(9) retirement plan.  

Tags: insurance, property, taxes, retirement, retirement plan
September 21, 2022
Inflation's Major Impact on Ministries
Inflation's Major Impact on Ministries
Tags: insurance, schools, churches, building, property
September 21, 2022
Report Reveals How Students are Feeling About Their Safety at School
Report Reveals How Students are Feeling About Their Safety at School
Tags: insurance, schools, building, property, child safety
September 21, 2022
Top 10 Requested Forms
Top 10 Requested Forms
Tags: insurance, schools, churches, building, property