10 Questions Every Church Board Should Ask About Insurance

Church boards carry a deep responsibility: to care for the ministry today and protect it for tomorrow. Insurance is one of the tools that helps fulfill that responsibility—not simply as a safeguard, but as support for the programs, people, and mission entrusted to them. These ten questions give boards clarity, shared understanding, and confidence as they review how well their ministry is protected.

1. Does our current coverage reflect the size and activity of our ministry?

Ministry life rarely looks the same from one year to the next. New programs begin, attendance shifts, facilities grow, and outreach expands in ways that affect the church’s overall responsibilities. A board benefits from periodically checking that its coverage reflects current ministry rhythms rather than a version of the church from several years ago. A simple review can highlight areas where adjustments would strengthen protection.

2. What risks are unique to our ministry that we may be overlooking?

Every ministry has its own heartbeat—its own set of programs, partnerships, and responsibilities. A preschool, food pantry, counseling program, youth ministry, or community partnership may introduce responsibilities that differ from typical weekly activities. Reflecting on these unique elements helps boards identify where added clarity or support may be valuable. These conversations encourage thoughtful stewardship and prevent blind spots.

3. Do we have the right liability limits for our congregation size and programs?

Liability limits are not one-size-fits-all. As churches grow or begin offering new activities, the need for adjusted limits often grows with them. Reviewing liability protection ensures that, if something unexpected occurs, the ministry has the support it needs to respond well. This review is not about anticipating failure—it is about preparing responsibly for the realities of shared spaces and active ministry life.

4. How is our property coverage determined, and does it reflect current values?

Church properties include far more than buildings. Technology, instruments, furnishings, classroom equipment, and specialized spaces all contribute to overall value. Boards benefit from understanding how these values are calculated and how often they are updated.

This is the article’s one bulleted section (per your rule):

• Coverage should reflect replacement cost, not outdated estimates

• Renovations, new equipment, or expanded facilities may require updated values

This clarity helps ensure that, if damage occurs, the ministry is prepared to rebuild or repair without unnecessary financial strain.

5. What are the expectations or exclusions in our policy that we should be aware of?

Every policy includes boundaries—situations that are covered and others that are not. Understanding those boundaries early prevents surprises later. Boards can use this discussion to clarify expectations with staff and volunteers and to strengthen practices that support safe ministry operation. When leaders know where coverage begins and ends, they make decisions with greater confidence.

6. Are volunteers, staff, and ministry leaders protected in the roles they carry?

Volunteers often carry significant responsibility, from childcare and event coordination to transportation or facility use. Their roles can shift throughout the year, and coverage should be able to support those shifts. Boards should feel confident that anyone serving the ministry—whether paid or unpaid—has the protection needed for the responsibilities they carry. This assurance strengthens teams and allows ministry work to continue with steadiness.

7. How does our coverage support digital ministry, online giving, and technology use?

Digital tools are now woven into everyday ministry life. Online giving, digital communication, livestreaming, and data storage each carry their own responsibilities. Boards benefit from understanding how coverage supports these tools, what safeguards are recommended, and how the church can continue using technology in ways that feel both responsible and secure. Digital clarity builds trust with the congregation and helps ministries navigate modern challenges gracefully.

8. What coverage do we need for special events or outside groups using our space?

Special events, seasonal gatherings, and facility rentals often introduce circumstances that differ from regular weekly activities. A board may benefit from reviewing how coverage supports these moments—whether the ministry is hosting a large celebration, allowing a community partner to use the building, or coordinating with vendors. These conversations help leaders identify when documentation or additional clarity may be needed and ensure the church remains a safe and welcoming space for all.

9. How often should we review our insurance, and who should be part of that process?

A yearly review keeps coverage aligned with the ministry’s current realities. This process often includes the pastor, administrator, finance committee, and leaders of key programs. Bringing multiple perspectives to the conversation helps ensure no area of ministry is overlooked. Reviews also encourage boards to pause, reflect, and affirm how their ministry has changed—and how their protection should grow with it.

10. Do we understand the steps to take if an incident or claim occurs?

Knowing what to do before something happens helps leaders respond with calm and consistency. Understanding who to contact, what documentation is needed, and how communication should flow internally reduces uncertainty and supports wise decision-making. This preparation doesn’t imply expectation of difficulty; rather, it equips the church to act with clarity if challenges arise.

Confident Boards Lead Confident Ministries

When boards ask strong questions, ministries grow stronger too. Thoughtful conversations help churches steward their facilities, protect their people, and support their mission with clarity and care. 1225 United supports church boards by offering clear explanations, steady guidance, and coverage designed to match the real-life work of ministry.

If your board wants help walking through these questions, email 1225 United Program Director, Amanda Ostrowski to start the conversation.