January 23, 2023
Written by Stephanie Abrell – Director of Client Experience
It’s great that so many ministries are looking for ways to connect with the community and open their doors to those in need. One popular way to do this is by letting other groups use their church facilities for meetings and events.
However, it’s important to be aware that there can be some risks involved in loaning or renting out church buildings to outside organizations. Even if you’re not the event sponsor, your church could still be held liable for accidents or injuries that occur on your property. This might sound daunting, but there are steps you can take to protect your ministry and still offer your space to those in the community who need it.
One of the most effective ways to limit your liability is to require all groups using your facility to sign a Facility Use Agreement. You can find a sample form provided by Brotherhood Mutual, which you can adapt to fit your specific needs. The agreement should include requirements for the group to obtain liability insurance and name your ministry as an additional insured on its policy. It should also state that the group will indemnify and defend your church against any liability claims arising from their activities on your property. To further limit your liability, consider conducting a thorough inspection of your facility, establishing clear guidelines for use, and assigning a point person to oversee organizations using your facilities.
It's natural to feel a bit uneasy about asking groups to sign an agreement and meet certain requirements, but most groups are happy to do so. In fact, many assume these measures are necessary from the outset. By explaining that you’re simply trying to define who would be responsible in case of an accident, you can make the process smoother and more understandable for everyone involved.
Once you’ve taken these steps and corrected any known issues around your building, you can extend a warm welcome to the groups you wish to host. By doing so, you can provide an invaluable service to your community while still protecting your assets and mission.
Be sure to reach out to our service team if you have any questions. We are here for you, and we have your back! You can reach them by phone at 877-794-2330 or by email at clientsupport@americanchurchgroup.com.
Stephanie Abrell – Director of Client Experience
Stephanie Abrell serves as the Director of Client Experience for the American Church Group in the territories of Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, the Dakotas, and Wyoming. Together, their team serves and insures around 3,000 ministries across six states.
Copyright © 2022 American Church Group of Colorado, LLC. All rights reserved. The information in this article is intended to help your ministry better understand issues of vulnerability and mitigate risks. It does not constitute legal advice between an attorney and a client. If specific legal advice is required, your ministry is encouraged to consult with a local attorney. Neither Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, American Church of Colorado, LLC, nor the author assumes liability for reliance upon the information provided in this article.
Let's take a stroll down memory lane to 1938 when General Electric made a groundbreaking move by introducing fluorescent tubes to the world. Even though the technology had been brewing since the late 1880s, it took time and the genius of several inventors to make it shine as a practical product.
We are living in a day and age of tremendous uncertainty. Like Joseph in Egypt, the physical world is incredibly unpredictable.
In the ever-changing realm of finances, the past few years have brought forth a whirlwind of alterations. Looking ahead, the next five years promise their fair share of surprises and uncertainties.
In the dynamic landscape of today's world, managing the HR needs of any ministry can be a complex and ever-changing endeavor. Whether you're dealing with sensitive situations that demand careful handling to avoid legal entanglements or aiming to proactively establish risk management strategies, the journey can be demanding.
As we gear up for the upcoming school season, it's a fantastic opportunity to take a closer look at the coverage we offer to our beloved students and dedicated volunteers.
Are you tired of constantly hearing about rising expenses? It seems like every time I turn around, whether it's at the grocery store, the gas station, or even dealing with insurance, I'm faced with the reality of higher costs.
Let's face it, the world is constantly changing, and it's fascinating to witness the rapid evolution happening around us. Some futurists even predict that in the next two decades, the rate of change could be four times what it is today, and an astounding 16 times in 40 years.