Policies and Protections Every Church Plant Needs

In addition to filing Articles of Incorporation and adopting Bylaws, it’s important for a new church to implement several key policies and obtain insurance to provide needed protections for the new ministry.

Here’s a brief guide to key policies and insurance considerations for new church plants.

Essential Policies for New Churches:

1.     Child Protection Policy

Ensuring the safety of children is paramount. A comprehensive child protection policy should include:

• Mandatory background checks for all staff and volunteers working with minors

• Clear procedures for reporting and responding to allegations of abuse

• Guidelines for appropriate interactions between adults and children

Resources like Keeping Them Safe from Reynolds Law Group, PLLC, offer turnkey solutions to help churches implement effective child protection measures.

2.     Transportation Policy

If your church provides transportation services (e.g., to youth or children’s events), it’s essential to have a transportation policy that covers:

• Driver qualifications and training

• Vehicle maintenance and safety checks

• Passenger safety protocols, including seatbelt use and supervision 

This policy helps mitigate risks associated with transporting congregants, especially minors.

3.     Building Use Policy

Even if the new church is leasing a facility, a building use policy should outline terms and conditions for facility access. Include:

• Scheduling procedures and priority of use

• Fees and deposits for facility use

• Insurance requirements for outside groups

• Restrictions on activities that may conflict with the church’s mission

It’s important to understand what could cause the church to be considered a place of public accommodation when leasing space to outside groups.

4.     Cash Handling Policy

To maintain financial integrity, establish a policy that covers:

• Procedures for collecting, counting, and depositing offerings

• Segregation of duties to prevent fraud

• Record-keeping and audit processes

This ensures transparency, accountability, and confidence among your donors.

5.     Accountable Reimbursement Policy

An accountable reimbursement policy allows staff to be reimbursed for ministry-related expenses without making those reimbursements taxable income. It should:

• Define eligible expenses (e.g., travel, supplies, continuing education)

• Require the timely submission of receipts and documentation

• Set reasonable limits on reimbursement amounts

6.     Insurance Coverage for Church Plants

Securing appropriate insurance is vital to protect your church from potential liabilities. Essential types of insurance include:

• General Liability Insurance: Covers bodily injury and property damage claims

• Property Insurance: Covers damage to church buildings and contents

• Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions): Covers counseling and pastoral care risks

• Workers’ Compensation: Required in many states; covers injuries to employees

• Commercial Auto Insurance: Covers church-owned or ministry-use vehicles

• Officers and Directors Insurance: Protects leadership against decisions made in good faith

Consult with an insurance professional to tailor coverage to your church’s size, needs, and activities.

Start Safe, Stay Safe

By proactively adopting these policies and securing proper insurance, your church can operate with confidence, integrity, and safety, free to focus on its mission and serve its community well.

Through Church Launch, Reynolds Law Group, PLLC takes the guesswork out of drafting these policies by providing customizable solutions tailored for new churches.