I had only been working for Adventist Risk Management, Inc. (ARM) for a few days when I met my first hater.
“So you’re the people who won’t let us bungee jump from the ceiling!” the person exclaimed. I didn’t know what to say.
Is that what risk management is? I asked myself. A recipe for no more fun?
What is Risk Management, Really?
Many imagine risk management as limited to a list of “do not’s” when that’s simply not the case. Risk management is a lot like common sense. Many do not know what risk management is, or how to use risk management to benefit themselves and their ministries."Risk Management is a lot like common sense."Risk management is:
- Looking at what you have,
- Learning how to protect what you have, and
- Protecting your stuff or your people (or, if you are a ministry leader, protecting God’s stuff).
First I should find out what I will need to bungee jump. I research to find out what equipment I need and purchase it. I take a class, look up resources online, or hire an instructor.
Second, I know that even by following all the right techniques and listening to the trainer, something could still go wrong. So I make sure my health insurance covers bungee jumping accidents. I also make sure I have the right life insurance to support my family and myself if anything should go wrong.
Third, I use what I know to protect me. In other words, I use the equipment correctly, listen to the instructor, and jump when I’m ready. If something goes wrong, I use my insurance coverage to take care of myself, and I am still able to enjoy bungee jumping.
Risk Management For You
What does risk management look like for you, your family, or your ministry?If you are a leader in your local church or company, you understand there are risks.
- People who wish to harm you may enter your facility.
- Frozen or burst water pipes cause water damage.
- Members or employees may slip in the parking lot and break a leg.
- Equipment may fail at a crucial moment.
- The ministry van may break down on the way to the camporee.
Risk managers take action. They make sure our churches or businesses have emergency and preventative maintenance plans in place. They also work with the church safety officer to make sure their institution is a safe place to be.
"Risk managers take action."If you are a youth ministry leader or teacher, you know that churches are targets for child predators. You are alert to the fact that one may try to interact with the children under your care. Risk managers take action. They set policies in place to adequately screen and run background checks on all staff members. Personnel trained in appropriate child protection and supervision measures protect those under their care.
In your personal life, you value your health, your family, friends, and your stuff. You know that replacing your possessions can be expensive and that you can never replace someone in your care. Risk managers establish personal emergency and risk control plans. They invest in healthy food, exercise, and annual medical checkups. They make sure they have adequate insurance coverage for their health, property and loved ones.
Risk managers also understand that no matter how hard they try, losses will still take place. So they make sure they have the right insurance coverage to protect those under their care.
Risk Managers Bungee Jump
Risk managers do not stand back. They get involved. They evaluate, plan, and protect. They educate those around them to do the same. So, when it comes time to go bungee jumping, everyone can have the time of their lives.Adventist Risk Management, Inc. helps Adventist ministries protect their people, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. Learn more about protecting your ministry at AdventistRisk.org.