When I hear the words “risk” and “management," I confess my first thought is to picture a bunch of people wearing suits, deciding the fates of all those they manage.
But risk management isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
Risk management is another phrase to use common sense and plan ahead. It is the overlooked resolution that can benefit both you and your ministry this coming year.
"Risk management is the overlooked resolution that can benefit your ministry this year."Risk management is:
- looking at what you have,
- deciding how to safeguard what you have, and
- protecting what you have.
5 Risk Management Resolutions To Make
1. Select a Safety Officer – The protection of your people and property is a team effort. Local church leaders, the safety committee, the church board, and ultimately, church workers, volunteers, and members all work together to keep people and property safe. The selection of a Safety Officer to work with your church and school leaders to accomplish risk management objectives places your ministry at the cutting edge of organizational safety.2. Inspect and Protect – A major way to prevent problems is to identify and correct hazardous conditions before accidents happen. The World Meteorological Organization and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration predict that 2016 will see a major El Niño year event. Some parts of the world, such as Peru, Ecuador, and the Western United States, could experience significantly more rainfall than usual. Locations such as Indonesia and Australia could experience increased drought and wildfires. A walk through and inspection of your facility and property at least once a year allows you to catch any harmful situations that may arise due to weather-created conditions. These can be fixed before someone is injured or weather-related damages causes greater expenses in repairs.
3. Start Seasonal Maintenance – Every season comes with its unique type of risks for your congregation–from clogged gutters to icy walkways to expired batteries. Creating and following a seasonal maintenance schedule allows you to keep everything up and running. More importantly, it keeps your church family safe.
4. Have an Emergency Plan – Do your children know what to do if they get lost? Does your church have a plan in place if an active shooter enters your facility? Devising an emergency plan and holding annual practice drills prepares your church family to respond in the safest way possible in emergency situations.
5. Finance Your Risk – No matter how well you evaluate, plan, and protect, accidents and emergencies will still happen. Evaluation of the risks to your family and ministry and utilizing appropriate insurance coverages protects those under your care completes the risk management circle. Adventist Risk Management, Inc. has a comprehensive list of insurance policies to protect your ministry. Learn more on our Property Insurance page.
