Insights with Ministry Pacific

Insights with Ministry Pacific provides practical ideas to help churches, ministries and charitable nonprofits minimize risk in their daily operations. Topics include church security, preventing fraud and embezzlement, cyber security, litigation and protecting children. Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker serving more than 1,500 clients in 25 states.

Before You Lease: The Hidden Tax Traps in Church and Nonprofit Facility Agreements 03/26/2026

Before You Lease: The Hidden Tax Traps in Church and Nonprofit Facility Agreements At first glance, it may seem like an easy decision to rent your church or nonprofit facility to outside groups or individuals. But a second – or even third – glance is in order. Opening your church building to outside groups can result in goodwill and surplus income. It could also lead to insurance claims, damage to your reputation and the loss of property tax exemptions. Get the facts, then decide. Thinking of renting your facility? What if doing so could result in the loss of some or all of your organization’s property tax exemption? A large commercial building, such as a church, could end up owing thousands or even millions of dollars. In most cases, it is possible to rent your facility without risking tax penalties. But there are exceptions. You may be surprised to discover what they are. Other issues: If your property is debt financed, leasing or renting could lead to Unrelated Business Income and Tax (UBIT). Learn why the choice of tenant might be critical. Insurance coverage needs to support outside groups using your facility. Some uses of tax-exempt property can result in what the government terms a “private benefit” and can lead to excise taxes. There is great potential for churches and nonprofits to serve their communities and share their facilities, which often sit idle between Monday and Saturday. However, it must be done wisely. Ignorance of the law won’t be excused, so join us to learn how to lease and share your property in a way that provides the most benefit to both the church and its community. Think before you leaseOffers from cellular companies, daycares, or schools might seem like simple opportunities to generate income. However, the wrong fit and can result in federal income tax liabilities and reduction or loss of local property tax exemptions. Here are key takeaways for houses of worship and nonprofit organizations: 🏛️ Property Tax Exemption is NOT Permanent If your church rents out even a part of its property for non-exempt purposes, you could lose some or all of the exemption. 💰 Debt-Financed Property? Heads up Revenue from non-religious sources can lead to a 21% federal tax on net income if a house of worship holds mortgage debt. 📝 Facility Use Policies are Your Best Defense Establishing clear, comprehensive facility use policies, protects houses of worship legally and financially. These documents act as a shield, detailing what activities are acceptable and setting the stage for responsible partnerships. ⚠️ Don't Get Caught Off Guard Administrative missteps can lead to unexpected tax bills. In California, for example, failing to return essential forms can result in the loss of property tax exemption. 🏘️ Innovative Community Projects CAN Remain Exempt Affordable housing or senior projects? Yes, houses of worship can serve the community and maintain tax-exempt status but exemption documentation must be updated. 📞 Consult Professionals Who Understand Navigating these waters is tricky. Engage CPAs and tax advisors who specialize in nonprofit and church accounting. Generalists often lack necessary expertise. A real-world example? A Florida church that leased space for food trucks and leased to a religious college faced a staggering property tax bill of nearly $9 million. They eventually resolved it, but not without paying hundreds of thousands first. Are your facility use policies up to date? Are you aware of the potential tax implications? Avoid the burden of unintended consequences. About The Host Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from your insurer. We’re not insurance agents. Agents work for an insurance company. As a broker, we work for you. We are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Our services are free. Questions? Please contact us at www.MinistryPacific.com or call us at (866) 870-2700. About Guest Max Herr Max Herr is president of Church and Ministry Compliance Consulting, a nonprofit organization educating and consulting on regulatory matters. Learn more at www.churchandministrycompliance.org /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/40626480

Church Facilities: Maintain and Gain 10/23/2025

Church Security: First Things First 10/10/2025

Church Security: First Things First Interview: Church Security – First Things First In this interview, Roy Harryman of Ministry Pacific, speaks with Vaughn Baker, president of Strategos International, regarding need for houses of worship to provide trained security to protect their congregations. Highlights: Awareness is Critical: 🔍 The importance of training staff and volunteers to recognize suspicious behavior cannot be overstated. Did you know that most incidents begin in parking lots? Awareness is the first line of defense. Security is a Ministry, Not a Military Operation: 🤝 Vaughn reminds us to approach security with humility. De-escalation, not intimidation, should guide our actions. We’re here to foster a welcoming environment, not sow fear. When it comes to building a security team, Character Over Credentials is key. 🌟 Look for those with humility, discernment, and a servant's heart. Technical skills are important, but they pale in comparison to the character that truly protects and serves. And don’t forget – Ongoing Training is Essential. 📚 Security isn’t a one-and-done initiative. It’s a continuous journey. Regular skill development in awareness, verbal communication, and intervention techniques is crucial. A Comprehensive Approach is vital. 🛡️ Develop a written security plan that aligns with your mission statement. This isn’t just about protection; it’s about purpose. Communication Matters: 💬 Addressing security concerns transparently not only reduces anxiety but builds trust. Remember, you‘ll need solutions that range from “band-aids to bullets.” Recruit from Within. 🤲 Your church members might already possess the skills and heart for protection. Engaging them in a security ministry can enhance your church’s safety while fostering community. And for those looking to take it a step further, consider professional resources like Strategos' Firm Foundation training to assess and improve your church security strategies. 🏫 Prioritizing the safety of our congregations requires wisdom, compassion, and a heart for service. Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from your insurer. As a broker, we help you evaluate policies from many insurers so you can choose the best one for your individual needs. We're not agents or employees of an insurance company. Instead, we work for you. As brokers we are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist you with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Questions? Please contact us at . /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/38545630

Untapped Potential: Unleashing the Power of Generosity in Churches and Nonprofits 08/31/2025

Untapped Potential: Unleashing the Power of Generosity in Churches and Nonprofits In this presentation sponsored by Ministry Pacific Insurance Services, Lauren Wright from Generis shares her insights on nurturing a spirit of generosity within churches and nonprofit organizations. She emphasizes that being generous is about more than just financial donations; it's part of a larger journey of discipleship that requires continuous support, open communication, and leadership that models thoughtful stewardship. The session highlights the various challenges that faith-based groups face when it comes to giving, and it provides practical tips for fostering a culture of generosity that aligns with their missions. Research shows that only a small fraction of church members consistently contribute a significant part of their income, revealing a wider issue of generosity that many organizations grapple with. Wright views generosity as an ongoing journey rather than a destination. She advocates for integrating financial stewardship into the discipleship experience, promoting continuous education and encouragement instead of relying solely on occasional fundraising efforts. Drawing from her work at Generis, she points out that organizations often see success when they engage in deep conversations about giving, consider cultural factors, and nurture a generous mindset among both leaders and congregants. By prioritizing relationship-building and genuine communication, churches can create an atmosphere that motivates members to get involved, ultimately boosting support for their missions. Building a culture of generosity goes beyond just fundraising; it also means changing attitudes and perspectives. Wright recommends practical strategies like conducting generosity assessments and utilizing a “one-fund” model to simplify financial narratives and effectively promote giving. She highlights the importance of storytelling in showcasing the real impact of donations, noting that tying financial support to tangible outcomes can inspire a more engaged and generous community. Creating a culture of generosity is a transformative journey that demands sustained commitment, purposefulness, and the willingness to reevaluate and adapt strategies. While there are certainly challenges in promoting generosity, fostering open dialogue, strategic planning, and a focus on discipleship can lead to meaningful change. Contact is a dedicated insurance broker for churches and charitable nonprofits. For a no-obligation consultation, we invite you to visit MinistryPacific.com. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/38038245

From Podium to Parking Lot: Reserve Studies Create a Plan for Replacement 07/23/2025

From Podium to Parking Lot: Reserve Studies Create a Plan for Replacement The process of maintaining a facility is challenging. New buildings inevitably age and require repair or replacement due to the effects of entropy. Facility issues can manifest in dramatic events, such as severe weather damaging infrastructure, or in more gradual forms, such as leaks and paint deterioration. These problems may not always be immediately visible, but they necessitate attention and planning. Faith-based organizations, houses of worship and nonprofits typically adopt one of three approaches to facility maintenance: Do nothing This approach involves waiting for a facility failure that results in a disruptive and costly emergency. Do something Leaders may allocate some funds for maintenance, but this is often not based on a systematic or data-driven approach. Conduct a reserve study A reserve study provides a structured assessment of future maintenance needs, addressing the question, “How much will I need and when will I need it?” Without this guidance, organizations may struggle to accurately estimate facility costs, leading to delayed repairs and potentially expensive emergencies. In this presentation by Matthew Swain of , the advantages of reserve studies for organizations are outlined: They help avoid unexpected issues. They facilitate informed decision-making. They can lead to cost savings by preventing crises. They assist in protecting property values. They support the overall mission of the organization. In summary, reserve studies: Identify, quantify, and evaluate significant, predictable projects at the facility. Provide recommendations on the frequency of project completion, the remaining useful life of each project, and the current costs associated with each. Compare existing capital reserve funds to the level of deterioration observed. Offer various funding plans to clarify the true costs associated with facility management. About Us is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from your insurer. As a broker, we help you evaluate policies from many insurers so you can choose the best one for your individual needs. We're not agents or employees of an insurance company. Instead, we work for you. As brokers we are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist you with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Questions? Please contact us. Questions? Please contact us. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/37527420

De-Escalation Security Strategy for Churches and Houses of Worship 05/30/2025

De-Escalation Security Strategy for Churches and Houses of Worship The best resolutions are those that prevent escalation before it occurs. This is particularly relevant for churches and nonprofit organizations, whose primary mission is to serve their communities while ensuring a safe and welcoming environment. This presentation delves into real-life scenarios, demonstrating how understanding body language and engaging individuals with compassion can avert crises. By training teams in these practices, organizations can enhance their ability to handle a range of situations – whether they involve emotional distress, interpersonal conflict, or even threats of violence. The discussion also covers the unique challenges faced by faith-based organizations, such as managing situations involving individuals with mental health issues or substance abuse challenges. Church personnel, including ushers and volunteers, need to be equipped with the skills to recognize early warning signs and respond appropriately. This proactive stance not only aids in conflict resolution but also aligns with the broader mission of nurturing and supporting individuals within the community. The webinar serves as a call to action for organizations to prioritize de-escalation training, reinforcing that fostering a culture of safety and care is vital to fulfilling their mission effectively. This topic is presented by Vaughn Baker, president of . This presentation on de-escalation as a security tactic is a free resource of Ministry Pacific Insurance Services. We provide complementary webinars, ebooks and consultations to help you minimize risk so you can maximize your ministry. At Ministry Pacific, we’re not insurance agents and we don’t work for an insurance company. Rather, we’re insurance brokers and we work exclusively with churches and other nonprofit organizations. While agents work for insurance companies, we work for you. That means we’re free to research the market and find what’s best for you – not what’s best for us. We’re here to serve, so please take us up on our offer of a free consultation at . /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/36781560

Unlocking the Potential of Underutilized Church Properties 02/23/2025

Unlocking the Potential of Underutilized Church Properties This webinar on church and nonprofit real estate transactions is hosted and sponsored by Ministry Pacific Insurance Services. Ministry Pacific is a property and liability insurance broker exclusively committed to serving houses of worship and charitable nonprofit organizations: . Many churches face unique challenges regarding their physical spaces. Some congregations thrive with an abundance of members but lack a permanent place for worship. Others possess vast facilities but struggle with dwindling attendance. While these scenarios may seem problematic, our expert guests in this webinar specialize in transforming them into opportunities. Consider these possibilities: Could a congregation sell its property and lease back a portion for worship and ministry? Could a church without a permanent home lease space from an existing congregation, benefiting both organizations? Could a church sell or repurpose part of its property for mission-aligned uses, such as affordable housing, nonprofit offices, or daycare services? Restructuring a church’s real estate assets does not mean abandoning its mission. Instead, reducing financial burdens and shifting property management responsibilities can revitalize ministry efforts and strengthen community impact. Exploring the Challenges In this webinar, Landis Graden and Megan MacIver from discuss the pressing real estate challenges facing churches with underutilized properties. They offer a faith-driven yet strategic approach to decision-making, emphasizing that property transactions should not be viewed solely as financial matters but as crucial extensions of a congregation's mission. Their expertise provides guidance on transforming real estate obstacles into opportunities for sustainability and growth. The discussion highlights how churches in evolving communities struggle to adapt amid changing demographics and rising costs. Drawing from their extensive experience in faith-based real estate, Landis and Megan stress the importance of aligning real estate decisions with a church’s core mission and values. They explore practical strategies for congregations determining whether to sell, renovate, or repurpose their properties. Landis underscores the necessity for church leaders to confront their realities, which may involve reimagining facilities to better serve their communities. This transformation could include leasing underused spaces, selling property to invest in new ministries, or developing partnerships for shared use. Lessons from Success Stories The webinar also features compelling case studies of churches successfully navigating these transitions. One example includes a congregation in West Oakland that repurposed its property to provide housing for vulnerable seniors. Another case highlights a Newark-based church that merged with a neighboring congregation to maximize resources for a stronger community impact. Throughout the discussion, Landis and Megan reiterate the importance of collaboration, patience, and open-mindedness when exploring property solutions. Churches that embrace change proactively can ensure their mission remains vibrant while adapting to evolving needs. Key Takeaways Demographic Shifts: Many churches are grappling with declining membership, shifting neighborhood dynamics, and mounting maintenance expenses. Mission-Driven Decisions: A church’s real estate strategy should be guided by its mission, not just financial concerns. Three Core Options: Congregations can lease, sell, or develop their properties to optimize resources. Transformation in Action: Examples of churches repurposing properties for housing, community services, and ministry expansion. Pastoral Considerations: Real estate decisions involve emotional and spiritual factors, not just financial ones. A Patient Approach: Property transitions require trust-building and careful planning. Rushing the process can lead to unintended complications. Building Bridges: Churches can explore partnerships with neighboring congregations or mission-aligned organizations to maximize property use. Specialized Expertise Matters: Church real estate requires knowledge of unique operational timelines, mission priorities, and risk management strategies beyond standard commercial transactions. Positive Reframing: Restructuring property should be seen as an opportunity for growth, not as a failure. Timestamped Session Overview 00:00:00 - Introduction - Host Roy Harryman welcomes attendees on behalf of Ministry Pacific. - Introduces guests Landis Graden and Megan MacIver from DCG Strategies. - Provides background on Ministry Pacific, an insurance brokerage serving churches and nonprofits. 00:01:45 - Guest Introductions - Megan MacIver shares her background and details DCG Strategies' mission. - Explains that DCG Strategies is a full-service real estate firm dedicated to faith-based and mission-driven organizations. 00:02:02 - About DCG Strategies - Megan outlines the firm’s work with churches, faith-based institutions, and nonprofits. - Highlights services including advisory, strategy, and brokerage expertise in real estate. 00:03:55 - Understanding the Challenges - Roy introduces the issue of rising numbers of vacant or underutilized church buildings. - Landis discusses the impact of demographic shifts and escalating costs on congregations. 00:06:59 - The Need for Adaptation - Landis and Megan share insights on churches struggling to navigate change. - Emphasizes the importance of realistic assessments rather than denial. 00:09:50 - Rethinking Underutilized Spaces - Discussion on how churches can view their spaces as assets rather than financial burdens. - Examples of churches repurposing properties to serve community needs. 00:10:31 - Real Estate Pathways for Churches - Landis explores real estate strategies that align with a congregation's mission and goals. - Outlines three primary options: leasing, selling, or developing church-owned property. 00:15:00 - Defining a New Vision - Landis underscores the need for churches to clarify their mission before making real estate decisions. - Shares examples of faith communities successfully adjusting their property strategies. 00:17:42 - Case Studies of Transformation - Landis highlights a West Oakland church that transformed its property into housing for vulnerable seniors. - Discusses a Lutheran church merger that strengthened ministry reach and resource-sharing. 00:22:01 - The Role of Real Estate Expertise - Importance of working with professionals who understand church-specific real estate needs. - Emphasizes education and informed decision-making as crucial components. 00:28:25 - Gaining an Objective Perspective - How external advisors provide clarity and strategic insights for church leadership teams. 00:33:17 - Selecting the Right Broker - Tips for choosing brokers with church real estate experience to avoid unnecessary risks. - Importance of long-term planning and trust-based partnerships. 00:36:15 - Managing Change Effectively - Megan highlights the role of relationship-building in navigating church real estate decisions. 00:41:13 - Audience Q&A - Addressing concerns about parsonages and property planning. - Discussion on grief and emotional challenges in church decision-making. 00:42:07 - Expected Timeframes for Consultations - Landis explains that analyzing church real estate transactions typically takes 45-60 days. 00:43:51 - Approaching Other Congregations - Strategies for tactfully initiating discussions with churches holding underutilized buildings. 00:46:24 - Handling Developer Interest - Guidance on managing community concerns and local political dynamics around real estate projects. 00:49:59 - Geographic Scope of DCG Strategies' Work - While primarily based in California, DCG Strategies consults nationwide and partners with licensed brokers as needed. 00:50:43 - Conclusion - Final thoughts from Landis and Megan. - Encouragement to explore DCG Strategies’ website for further insights. - Expression of gratitude to all attendees for their participation. --- By rethinking how churches manage their physical assets, they can strengthen their mission, serve their communities more effectively, and ensure long-term sustainability. This webinar provides the tools and perspectives necessary to make informed, faith-aligned decisions about church properties. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/35395390

Church and nonprofit boards need training for effective leadership 12/23/2024

Church and nonprofit boards need training for effective leadership This webinar, presented by Max Herr, delves into the essential role of board training and governance within churches and nonprofit organizations. It examines the multifaceted responsibilities of board members, emphasizing the necessity for diligent oversight, adherence to compliance standards, and a thorough grasp of both the spiritual and business operations inherent in church management. Despite the voluntary nature of these roles, they encompass significant legal and financial duties that demand meticulous attention, training, and a proactive approach to leadership. The session addresses common issues of dysfunction within nonprofit boards, attributing these challenges largely to insufficient training for these pivotal, yet unpaid, volunteers. Herr points out that while these individuals often enter their roles with noble intentions, a deficit in business knowledge and understanding of corporate compliance frequently leads to governance complications. Exploring the dichotomy within churches, Herr discusses their spiritual objectives and their secular obligations as formal establishments. He stresses the critical need for clear, well-structured governing documents, such as bylaws and operational policies. These documents are crucial for defining the board's structure, powers, and duties, and require regular assessments and revisions to prevent misunderstandings and operational disruptions, which became particularly evident during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Herr highlights the indispensable role of board members in financial oversight, underscoring their fiduciary responsibilities that remain with the board and cannot be transferred to others. Throughout the webinar, real-life instances of governance failures are examined, illustrating the severe consequences of non-compliance with state and federal regulations and reinforcing the importance of sound governance practices. By the conclusion of the webinar, participants are expected to acquire a more profound comprehension of the roles of board members and receive practical guidance on enhancing the effectiveness and compliance of governance structures within their organizations. Herr advocates strongly for church and nonprofit leaders to prioritize comprehensive training and allocate necessary resources to reduce risks and bolster their operational effectiveness, thereby ensuring that their organizations not only survive but thrive in their missions. Who we are is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from your insurer. As a broker, we help you evaluate policies from many insurers so you can choose the best one for your individual needs. We're not agents or employees of an insurance company. Instead, we work for you. As brokers we are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist you with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Questions? Please contact us. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/34574620

Effective Marketing Communications for Churches and Nonprofits 11/28/2024

Effective Marketing Communications for Churches and Nonprofits Churches and nonprofits face the challenging task of communicating effectively with their audiences, whether they be a congregation or donors and stakeholders. These organizations are often operating with lean resources and limited technology, exacerbating the difficulty of communication. In this webinar, sponsored by Ministry Pacific Insurance Services, we present a way forward. Even lean organizations can communicate effectively by identifying their audience and then maintaining simplicity and consistently on a few media platforms. The transcript of this webinar is below: IntroductionI’m Roy Harryman with Ministry Pacific and our topic is Effective Marketing and Communications for Churches and Nonprofits. This show is a free service of Ministry Pacific. We provide webinars and numerous other free resources to help our clients succeed. Ministry Pacific, we are not insurance agents and we do not work for an insurance company. Rather, Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker. That means we work for you. We’re exclusively committed to serving churches and nonprofits. As a broker, we are free to research the market and find the best coverage for your specific needs. We have no limitations. We can look anywhere for anything you might need. Please take us up on our offer of a free consultation at ministrypacific.com. Speaker introductionI will begin with a very short bio on myself, basically for the reason that I want to give you some justification for why you should listen to this presentation. I am a journalism school graduate. I worked as a reporter and editor for about 10 years before serving as the communications director of two large churches. In 2015, I started my own marketing agency and I exclusively work with small businesses and nonprofits to help with their marketing needs. In addition, I served 12 years on the board of the International Association of Business Communicators in Kansas City. And I am currently on the board of the Social Media Club of Kansas City. So enough about me. Avoid Shiny Object Syndrome (S.O.S.) My goal is to lay out a process to guide your efforts. So wherever you're at in your communications ministry, there'll be something here today that will be applicable to you. Now before we talk about what to do, I want to talk about what to avoid. And that is what I refer to as – and others coined this phrase – shiny object syndrome. And what is shiny object syndrome? It means that instead of having a plan and a strategy, we just lurch from one new idea to the next, and we're constantly distracted by the newest thing on the market. Now right now that's AI, who knows what it'll be next. So certainly adapting to new technology has its place. We have to do that. But shiny object syndrome gives the new an inordinate amount of attention. Now why do we do that? Well, sometimes it's just more interesting than the actual work that we have to do. I mean, I've, I've been there. We might consider what we need to do mundane. It's easier to run after this shiny thing over here. So if you do want to explore new technology, by all means, please do that, but schedule time for that. Don't let it blow up any kind of consistent workflow that you're trying to create. Identifying our audience Okay. So where do we start? Well, the first thing we need to do is ask is: Who are we communicating to now? That that's simple, right? It's the church, or if you're a nonprofit, it's your donors, but let's dig a little bit deeper. Who is in your database? Some people will be saying, “My what?” Your database, is your definitive listing of who is affiliated with your organization. In the old days, that was the paper church directory. Now it may be an Excel file. It may still be on paper. It may be something more advanced, like a Church Community Builder or something like that. But whatever it is, you want to make sure that the people who attend your services and contribute to your budget are in your database. Those two audience should overlap 100%. If they're not in your database, you can't reach them. How do you know if your information is up to date? Well, how many people are in your organization versus how many people are in your database? Do you get bounced emails? Do you get returns? Do you get returned postal mail? Like it or not, our database is our most important asset when it comes to communicating with people, because we can't communicate to people who we're not connected to. So someone needs to champion that database to protect it and to keep it updated. We don't really like to be bogged down with administrative tasks, especially if you're a creative type person. But this is foundational. Think about someone who is excited about building your home, but skimped on the foundation because it was boring. No matter how cool our communication looks, if we don't send it to the right people, it's not going to be effective. Database upkeepNow, making sure our database is updated and accurate is not, unfortunately, a one-time event. This is something that needs to be done on a continual basis. And I suggest this – and some people may chafe at this – but I've seen it work. I've done it myself. If you want to find out if you have the correct information about people, or if they even exist in your database, take some time in a church service or a meeting. Pass out a paper card to everyone, stop everything and set aside three minutes for them to fill out the card, pass it in, and then enter that data or update that data. You can give them a digital alternative but everybody needs to at least have access to that card so that you can get the information. Now, this may be something that you have to do every six months. It really is going to be dependent upon your organization and systems that you have in place. But if you don't already have a system, this will work (as antiquated as it may sound). I've never had any complaints about this. In addition, you're going to want a process that gets guests and new donors into your database. There are lots of ways to do that. You just have to do it. So we begin with the most important communications asset we have, and that is our database. Communicating clearlyNo matter what type of communication it is, we need to ask ourselves, “What exactly do I want people to do as a result of this communication?” It could be an email, it could be a video, it could be a social media post. This can also be referred to as the call to action. “What am I asking people to do?” And this needs to be extremely clear. We love to be creative. Sometimes we love to use all kinds of flourishes, whether that be graphic design or writing. There's nothing wrong with that as long as it all points to the call to action. This may seem like it's a simple question, but experience says it's not. And it's usually a question that is not asked. We just start doing stuff. What is it that we specifically want people to do. I've talked to pastors and others about this, and I was speaking with a pastor about communicating from the pulpit. I said the goal needs to be that, when you step up to the pulpit, you need to have in mind what exactly you want people to do or think or say as a result of what you're communicating. And his response to me was, “I have no idea.” And I appreciate the honesty of that answer. And I think that's where a lot of us are at sometimes. Keep it simple In addition, the fewer things we ask people to do, the more effective we’ll be. It's challenging enough to get people to act. If we give them three or more options, then their brains begin to glaze over and shut down. It's just a fact. It's too many decisions to make. For instance, if we're communicating via email, there are all kinds of things going on around them on their screen, and we're giving them four ways to get involved. As people involved in ministry or nonprofit causes, we love options. We love choices. It makes us feel good, but it's not effective. So if possible, ask people to do one thing at a time. If you need to ask them to do other things, send another communication later. What could those things be? They could be registering for an event, donating, sharing content on social media, volunteering, inviting a friend. Again, we want to keep things succinct and effective. Make it easy In addition, whatever it is we're asking people to do, let's make it easy for them to do that thing. So don't send an email asking people to register for an event in the lobby at church. Obviously, that's not where they're at. You want them to be able to click that button and get that done now. If they need to register and pay for an event or a trip, make sure they can do both of those things simultaneously. I've seen separated systems. A lot of times you just don't get paid and you take a loss. Take an inventoryI am not going to tell you how to communicate because to do so would be very presumptuous of me. Everyone has a very unique situation, a unique set of resources. And there's simply not a one-size-fits-all prescription. But what we can do is start by taking an inventory of what already exists for our organization. So, for example, a website, a YouTube channel, social media channels. Do you have an email client such as MailChimp, which allows you to send bulk emails without triggering spam filters? Make a list of those things. Now, that is probably the easy part for a lot of organizations. The next part is the hard part, and that is finding out who manages those accounts. It's not OK to say, “You know, I have no idea what those crazy teenagers are doing over there with the church's TikTok account.” We would never say, “I have no idea what those crazy teenagers are doing with the keys to the church van.” There is a definite correlation here. Social media provides the keys to the impression you’re giving the watching world about your organization. Questions to answer: Does anyone on the church leadership team have login credentials to any of the social media, website, email client and video accounts associated with your church? If church leadership does not have login credentials and ownership or administrator roles of those things, that needs to be remedied immediately. And this may be a messy process. What often happens, particularly in free-spirited church and nonprofit environments, is people go out and they just start starting stuff. And what happens is, at some point, you want to use that. You want to use your Instagram account. And the college student who started it seven years ago is no longer with your organization. And you contact her and she has no idea what email or password she used to log in to that account. And even if she does, often there are security protocols that will throw up a wall that will prevent you, at least for a while, from being able to access that yourself. So start now. Get a hold of your passwords. They are the keys to your communication. Manage those. This is really a function of leadership. We would never say, “You know, I have no idea who I gave the keys to the church building to, but I just handed out a bunch of keys.” That actually happens, right? I've seen it happen. And then we have to change the locks on the doors. So it's better to be zealous – I should say, joyously zealous – about making sure we can access these tools to use for good. In addition, as we're conducting this inventory, we may realize some of these tools are antiquated or we're never going to use them and we want to get rid of them. That may be another benefit to taking this inventory. Some specific recommendations I told you I'm not going to tell you what tools to use. Now I'm going to go back on that and I'm going to say one tool that everyone should use is your Google Business Profile. Now, you're not a business. But Google Business Profile is what the tool is called. You may not be familiar with this terminology, but I am sure you have used it when you're shopping or dining. On the screen I show an example. This is the church that I am a member of in the Kansas City area. And you can see I simply typed in the name of the church, Manna Fellowship, and it pulls up the church website, breaks it down, and pulls up social media. But then over on the right side of the screen, we see the Google Business Profile, which includes a great deal of information about our church, including any photos that we've uploaded. If you haven't uploaded photos, usually there's a picture taken by a Google contractor who drives by. So add your own picture as opposed to letting them use that crummy one. The profile also includes: Other photos you've added. • A Google map to your location. • Your address. • Reviews that people have left. • Your website. • Directions. • Your hours. You can also regularly post updates on this account. A lot of people don't know that. Now, this is free. And it's run by Google, one of the most – if not the most powerful – communications corporations in the world. And we need to take advantage of this. Apart from our website, this Google Business Profile is your definitive online presence. Now, if you didn't create a profile, or no one in your organization did, sometimes Google will automatically create a profile for a public organization or a business. So if that's you, if it's out there, but no one created it, you have to go through a process of claiming that. So just understand that you'll need to do that. Now, here's the hard part about the Google Business Profile. And this comes up, I would say, with more than half of the clients I've worked with. Someone, at some point in time, set up a Google Business Profile, and then that person ghosted. And no one knows who set it up. No one knows what email address was used to access that profile. And it's lost to history. There's a listing for you that purports to be authoritative, but you can't even access or edit it. So again, we're back to the keys scenario. Don't give out the keys without knowing who has them, and make sure you keep a set for yourself. The reason that the profile is so important is, as I’ve said, next to your website, it’s your definitive online presence. It's where you list everything about your organization. In addition, there's an issue with ratings. People rate your organization. As you can see here, Manna of Fellowship has 45 Google reviews and 4.9 rating out of five stars. I’m very thankful for that. I'm glad our church has been able to be an encouragement to people. But you want to be able to respond to those reviews. Well, why would you want to do that? First of all, we want to thank people who say, “This church really put a spring in my step. It helped meet a need in my life. It helped my family.” We want to say “thank you. Thanks for the opportunity to serve.” That's just good manners. Second of all, you are going to get some negative reviews. Because that's the way the world is. Now, why would you publicly argue with someone who leaves a negative review? You shouldn't do that. If there's any way to address the person who left the review privately, that's great. If you can resolve the dispute, maybe even ask him to take the review down. But often, that's not going to be a possibility. So you're going to respond to that review. Not in a negative way. Not to argue with the person. But for the benefit of anyone in the watching world who sees that review. Let me give you a couple of examples. At the church where I am a member, we've had a couple of negative reviews that I'm aware of. Really, just a couple, which is remarkable. One of them was someone who essentially downgraded and criticized our services. Now, at that time, the church was quite small. And we are confident that this person had never even entered the door of our building. And so, as opposed to letting that sit out there, unaddressed, we said something to the effect of, “Hello, I don't believe we've ever met. Perhaps you would join us at a service sometime.” Again, we want to kind. We always want to take the high road in these public responses. But a response often is needed. Another example was someone who was disappointed that we only allow church members to volunteer in our food pantry. As a result, this person wrote, “I would never go to this church” in a Google review. So we needed to respond. They raised a question that needed a response – of course of kind response. And a thorough response. But as you can imagine, there are good reasons why we only want members to work in an outward public facing, essentially social service, ministry like the food pantry. That involves prayer, sometimes counseling. People are sharing difficult situations in their life. They're coming in a vulnerable situation. So we succinctly explained, “Hey, this is why we have this policy. Thank you for your interest in our pantry and serving our pantry. Now, you mentioned a problem. You mentioned a concern. This is why we have this policy. Again, we thank you. If you're interested in donating to the pantry, that's a great way to serve. If you'd like to talk to us more about this, please call us. We'd like to hear from you personally.” So that's the way to address negative comments in your ratings. And again, not that we have the last word on that. We can always learn and grow personally in our own situation. But I'm sharing an example. However, if you're not able to access your Google business profile, you can do none of those things. You can't thank people. You can't respond to critique. So sometimes this requires some detective work to reclaim your Google Business Profile. And I don't have time to get into it today. Though feel free to email me if you're in a jam because it's worth having this done right. So your assignment is if you do not have the keys to your profile, get those keys. Then once you have the keys, once you can access your Google business profile, you want to build a team. Then it is not just a singular person who holds the fate of your Google business profile in their hands. As you can see, this is a modified version of our access panel. We have four different accounts associated with it. Then if someone ghosts, we can still get in and work on the account. A diversity of administrators makes for a better continuity of keeping not only your Google account but all your accounts active. Google, one of the world's largest companies, is offering to introduce you to the world for free. So how much would you have to pay for that? Right? Think about that. Make the most of this tool. I'm not a stockholder in Google. I'm just saying use these free resources because it's an expensive world out there. Limit your options to increase your impact Next up, we have unlimited ways to communicate with people. I am confident, even as someone who works in the communications industry, that there are many things I have yet to hear of. So since we have so many ways to communicate with people, should we try to do them all? I think you know what I'm going to say, and especially with the focus on simplicity and clarity that I've talked about here today. We can't possibly communicate effectively using texting apps, email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, now called X for some strange reason, YouTube, TikTok, your website, Google business profile, and on and on and on. Very few organizations, except for those who have a huge staff devoted to communications, can effectively communicate with excellence on all of those profiles. So what do you do? This: Communicate in the format that will reach the majority of your audience. Not every audience, but your unique audience. So I could say, well, I'll communicate with them the way I prefer to be communicated with. I mean, that's great for me, but it's not great for everyone else. So we have to find out what our constituents, our members, our donors, how do they want to be reached? What are they most... /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/34188160

Churches and Nonprofits: Creating a Culture of Generosity 10/02/2024

Churches and Nonprofits: Creating a Culture of Generosity Statistics about church giving routinely demonstrate that a minority of congregation members do the vast majority of giving. This is not an example of a few wealthy donors carrying the day. Reluctance to give cuts across demographics. Could part of the solution be for churches to give more money away? In a world where collaboration is key, the relationship between churches and nonprofits can often be complex, even fraught. But what if we could flip the narrative? In this webinar, sponsored by Ministry Pacific, Scott Harris, VP of Church and Global Engagement at Mission Increase, shares how collaboration can become a reality that benefits both organizations and the communities they serve. Mission Increase was started with seed money donated by a couple who desired not only to give money, but to help faith-based organizations become sustainable. In order for more community impact to occur, churches and nonprofits must abandon a spirit of competition and embrace their shared mission as co-laborers. As an example, Scott cites Memorial Drive Presbyterian in Houston, which gives away 50% of its budget. He also shares his personal journey as a missions pastor, where his church’s missions budget grew from $75,000 to $1 million in just four years. The secret? Compelling storytelling and consistent encouragement. Scott introduces the APEST model – an acronym that represents apostle, prophet, evangelist, shepherd, teacher – and the importance of having all five voices represented in leadership. This diverse approach is essential for an outward focus. Communication is a critical part of inspiring generosity, yet paradoxically churches shy away from discussing it. When they do, it’s frequently misaligned. Radical generosity can engage the younger generation – one that cares more about causes than buildings. • Learn more about Mission Increase at • Learn more about Ministry Pacific Insurance Services and schedule a free consultation at . /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/33301437

Mission-Minded Money Management With Brook Maturo 06/21/2024

Should Your Church Update Its Bylaws? 04/24/2024

Should Your Church Update Its Bylaws? Church bylaws may sound like gobbledygook, but they are the bedrock of church governance. At least they should be. Church bylaws are the documents that serve as the backbone of a church's operations, guiding its decisions, practices, and overall function. As important as they are, church bylaws are often neglected, ignored and rarely reviewed or updated. But your church could stand or fall based on their content. Church bylaws play a pivotal role in establishing a framework for order within the organization. By outlining fundamental rules and guidelines, these governing documents help maintain consistency in decision-making processes. This includes defining the roles of church leaders and setting clear expectations for members. Bylaws, when drafted appropriately and with input, can enhance accountability and transparency within the church. By clearly outlining procedures for financial management, conflict resolution, and decision-making, these documents promote a culture of openness and integrity. Church bylaws also play a role in safeguarding your organization in terms of legal compliance. Bylaws provide clarity regarding financial management, leadership structure, dispute resolution and other matters core to the healthy functioning of a church. Church bylaws are not static documents. The more that church leadership is familiar with them, the more effective the bylaws can be. Being familiar with bylaws can reveal important omissions and statements that need revision or removal. This seminar is presented by Max Herr, president of Church & Ministry Compliance Consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services, compliance and governance, including more than 10 years as a church treasurer. Max served as a church compliance specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention for six years. Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from your insurer. As a broker, we help churches and nonprofits evaluate policies from many insurers so you can choose the best one for your individual needs. We’re not bound to any particular insurance company. But we are bound to you, our customers. As brokers we are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist you with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Questions? Please contact us: /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/30976438

California SB 553 for churches and nonprofit organizations 03/07/2024

Crisis Communications 101 for Churches and Nonprofits 02/26/2024

Interview: Rebuilding your church with construction CEO Parker Young 11/03/2023

Do Churches Need a Budget? 08/25/2023

Do Churches Need a Budget? Churches teach about and live on faith. So where does a budget fit into that paradigm? Budgeting doesn’t reflect the absence of faith but the presence of leadership. A well-crafted budget gives a church a roadmap to minister from Jan. 1-Dec. 31. Changes will be required, but you’ll still have a map to get you back on track. Successful churches typically use one of three time-tested models of budgeting to plot their course. Each one takes a slightly different approach: • Traditional Budgeting • Activity-based Budgeting • Zero-based Budgeting Presenter Max Herr, CEO of , served his church as treasurer for more than 10 years, during which time the church’s budget doubled. Reasonable budgets and clear financial reports were key elements of that growth and set the stage for the church to greatly expand its ministries to children and youth. In this 75-minute webinar, Max explains the three models of budgeting. He also discusses the need for a foundational chart of accounts, the pros and cons of each budgeting model, and the best approach to creating an annual budget. Max Herr is president of Church & Ministry Compliance Consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services, compliance and governance, including more than 10 years as a church treasurer. Max served as a church compliance specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention for six years. This free workshop is sponsored by Ministry Pacific. Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. About Us: Ministry Pacific We’re different from an insurer. As a broker, we help churches and nonprofits evaluate policies from many insurers so they can choose the best one for their individual needs. We’re not bound to any particular insurance company. But we are bound to our customers. As brokers we are free to explore creative solutions to your problems. We also assist you with claims when you need to file one with your insurer. Contact us at or 1-866-870-2700 for a free quote or a complementary consultation. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/27851871

When Protestors Come to Church 08/03/2023

Church Security: From the parking lot to the pulpit 07/01/2023

Churches and nonprofits: Pros and cons of renting or sharing your facilities 06/24/2023

Churches and nonprofits: Pros and cons of renting or sharing your facilities Churches and nonprofits are community-minded organizations who often open their facilities to outside groups. This is a charitable community service, because public meeting spaces are hard to come by or are costly to use. Some houses of worship open their facilities to groups for free, while others rent space. While sharing your building can be mutually beneficial, there are also risks every nonprofit should be mindful of: Churches servicing debt (those with mortgages) may have to pay federal income tax based on rental income, depending on how revenue is generated. In addition, property tax exemptions can be lost or reduced if churches lease their building or property (even part of it) to outside entities. This includes uses as minor as food trucks paying churches to lease space in parking lots. Churches can leave themselves open to accusations of discrimination if they make their facilities available to some, but not all, outside groups. This risk can be reduced by creating facility-use policies, bylaws and clear doctrinal statements. Ministry Pacific does not oppose churches and nonprofits opening or leasing their facilities to outside entities. We advise, however, that property owners become fully informed of the potential tax and liability implications of doing so. Churches and nonprofits should require facility-use agreements in all arrangements with outside groups. In addition, we encourage our clients to set up a free consultation with us to make sure their property and liability coverages are adequate to support leasing and sharing agreements. OUR EXPERTMax Herr is president of Church & Ministry Compliance Consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services, compliance and governance, including more than 10 years as a church treasurer. Max also served as a church compliance specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention for six years. Learn more about his work: /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/27256923

Stranded! The case for international travel and medical insurance 05/18/2023

Stranded! The case for international travel and medical insurance Churches and nonprofit organizations travel thousands of miles in pursuit of helping others. The cause could be medical, spiritual or educational. Or it could be for pilgrimages or international conferences. While many preparations are necessary for these mission trips, often a key component is not addressed: international travel and medical insurance. U.S.-based health insurance, whether private or public, ends when you leave the United States. That includes public health care options such as Medicaid and Medicare. Faith-based mission teams, volunteers and others who encounter a medical emergency will be left to their own resources. Unless … they have purchased international medical insurance. In this interview with Mark Rogers of IMG (International Medical Group), Ministry Pacific explores the role of travel and medical insurance for faith-based organizations. International travel and medical insurance can be valuable for: • Missionaries • Short-term mission teams • People attending conferences • Religious pilgrims traveling abroad • Parishioners visiting missionaries • Students traveling abroad for education • Traveling pastors • Nonprofit volunteer and medical teams International medical coverage can provide for: • Emergency medical care • Emergency medical evacuation • Flights for relatives to be on site for a loved one receiving care International travel insurance can help recover funds when: • A trip is cancelled by the airline • A flight is delayed, resulting in hardships • Political unrest makes it prudent to leave the area • You must cancel for personal reasons such as job loss, illness or family needs Ministry Pacific Insurance Services is a broker for IMG travel and medical insurance. You can get quotes for coverage quickly and easily at . Chronological interview highlights: 0:37 – The escalating importance of international travel and medical insurance for churches and nonprofit organizations. 1:10 – The impact of the Sept. 11, 2001 , terrorist attacks on air travel and travel insurance. 2:30 – The public’s awareness of the worldwide pandemic, natural disasters and geopolitical unrest resulted in a heightened interest in international travel and medical insurance. 4:30 – Duty of Care is a principle meaning that a trip organizer has a moral and legal responsibility to protect those traveling under its supervision. This applies to church and nonprofit mission and service trips. Failure to provide and demonstrate provision of medical and travel care can result not only in hardship, but in litigation. For all these reasons, it’s important either to provide international travel and medical insurance to trip participants or to require them to purchase it on their own. 7:30 – U.S.-based health insurance is not recognized outside of the United States. In order to be covered outside of the U.S., an international policy needs to be purchased. These policies can provide for emergency medical care, emergency medical evacuation and transportation back to the traveler’s home country. 9:52 – Without international medical insurance, travelers with a health crisis face difficult circumstances. Payment in many countries must be made before treatment is given. Medical evacuation flights can cost up to $50,000 out of pocket. In addition, negotiating with physicians and clinics in a foreign culture is stressful. For all of these reasons, it pays to have an international medical team on your side. 10:35 – Medicare is not recognized outside of the United States. People who rely on Medicare for their health care need to purchase international travel and medical insurance to cover them while traveling out of country. 11:30 – Many nonprofit and church teams travel to risky locations to help people in need. This can mean their health care risks are even greater. This is another reason international travel and medical insurance makes sense for faith-based and volunteer travelers. 12:20 – Case study: An American experienced head trauma in Argentina but received quality care because of his IMG medical policy. 16:50 – An American woman serving in Africa required an emergency appendectomy. Her international medical insurance provided for her flight to Nairobi, Kenya, and successful emergency surgery. Her mother was flown from Oklahoma to Kenya to be of support. This was also covered under the IMG travel and medical policy. 19:00 – Ministry Pacific Insurance Services is a broker of IMG travel and medical policies. Contact us for a quote and for coverage. 19:30 – Provider networks function differently with international medical coverage than they do domestically. There is no specific network and care can be obtained wherever it is feasible. IMG provides 24-hour emergency service to advise travelers where to get care and to apprise their medical needs. 23:30 – Coverage is provided in all nations except, for the time being, Ukraine and Russia. Coverage can be purchased up to the day before departing the United States. 25:30 – Coverage can be purchased by groups or as individuals. 27:00 – Travel insurance is different than medical insurance. Travel is specifically tied to flights and the ability to cancel or reschedule. For this reason, travel insurance is more expensive than medical insurance. International travel insurance can help church and nonprofit travelers recoup funds when a flight is canceled or delayed. A comprehensive “cancel for any reason” policy can also be purchased. 31:05 – Travel insurance can help an individual or group leave a country that has been subject to political unrest. The exception is countries that have been identified by the U.S. Department of State as Level 4 “Do Not Travel” countries. 32:50 – International medical coverage applies to COVID-19, SARS and other epidemics and outbreaks. 38:50 – International medical coverage is generally for emergencies and does not cover chronic conditions, preventative care and wellness. Get travel and international medical insurance quotes and coverage at our subsidiary . /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/26885445

A practical guide to California AB 506 for churches and nonprofits 03/30/2023

A practical guide to California AB 506 for churches and nonprofits Can anyone but lawyers understand California’s AB 506 child protection law? We’re happy to answer: Yes! In this webinar, HR Ministry Solutions and Ministry Pacific team up to offer straightforward answers about California’s child protection law for churches and nonprofits. Although many legal presentations have been made on this legislation, they often lack the “how” component. This webinar was specifically designed to help churches and nonprofit organizations understand the law and practically implement it. What is AB 506? It’s a California law requiring churches and nonprofits that serve youth (anyone under 18) to train employees and volunteers and to have them screened and fingerprinted through the state’s Live Scan system. In this session, we’re joined by experts Gina Baker and Tiffany Henning of HR Ministry Solutions (). Gina and Tiffany explain how organizations can best fulfill the mandates of the law. Highlights • 2:21 – Introduction to HR Ministry Solutions • 5:33 – Overview of the core requirements of AB 506 • 9:30 – What AB 506 changed about California child protection law • 10:06 – Frequently asked questions about AB 506 and common points of confusion. > Who is a volunteer? > To track volunteer hours or not to track volunteer hours? > Which staff members need to comply? > What are the deadlines? > Reference checks? • 18:57 – Communicating with your congregation and staff about AB 506 • 24:51 – The cost of fingerprint rolling and how to pay for it. • 28:32 – What is a custodian of records and what does this person do? What kind of person should be considered for this position? • 37:21 – If background check information indicates a member has criminal convictions, how should this be handled? About Us Ministry Pacific is an insurance broker devoted to serving churches and charitable nonprofits. We’re different from an insurer. As a broker, we help you evaluate policies from many insurers so you can choose the best one for your individual needs. We’re not bound to any particular insurance company. But we are bound to our customers. As brokers are free to explore creative solutions to problems. We also assist clients with claims when they need to file one with the insurer. Please let us know how we can be of service today. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/26396811

Compliance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You 12/01/2022

Compliance: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You Every year it gets tougher for churches and nonprofits to comply with state, federal and local regulations. Yet they must – or face consequences. Here’s hope and a how-to for staying on the right side of the law. In Mark 12:17, Jesus was confronted about whether Israelites should pay Roman taxes. He famously responded, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.” Churches and nonprofits in the United States don’t pay taxes like corporations. However, they are subject to a wide and growing list of mandates. Many organizations simply ignore the law, either willfully or out of ignorance. But ignorance of the law is not an excuse that will stand up in court. What if failure to comply with laws and regulations put the work of your ministry or nonprofit in jeopardy? It certainly can. Few people join ministry or the nonprofit world because they love regulatory compliance. Yet this spares no one from the force of the law. Just a few of the many issues that could expose organizations to litigation or government sanction include: Classifying employees improperly according to state and federal law Failure to protect children from abuse Improperly establishing a board of directors (or failing to have one at all) Failure to follow organizational bylaws (or update them) Mismanaging income tax deductions and exemptions for employees and pastors Failure to properly insure Failure to maintain facilities What you don’t know can hurt you. In this webinar, you’ll learn how your church and nonprofit can begin taking steps to protect itself from unnecessary legal disruption and stay on the right side of the law. OUR EXPERT Max Herr is president of Church & Ministry Compliance Consulting. He has more than 25 years of experience in insurance, financial services, compliance and governance, including more than 10 years as a church treasurer. Max served as a church compliance specialist for the California Southern Baptist Convention for six years. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/25193061

Churches and Nonprofits: Prevail in a Security Crisis 10/26/2022

Churches and Nonprofits: Prevail in a Security Crisis When it comes to church and nonprofit security, the best can become the enemy of the good. An organization doesn’t have to figure out every detail in order to begin. In fact, you’ll never figure it all out because society and security continue to evolve. In this Ministry Pacific Insights interview, Strategos International President Vaughn Baker explains the company’s unique “Three Outs” approach to responding to a potentially violent threat. The Three Outs training contrasts with another active shooter response mantra: Run, Hide, Fight. The Three Out response differs markedly from Run, Hide, Fight. Baker, an international authority on church security, explains that Run, Hide, Fight – however well intended, often results in misunderstandings that can prove fatal. How? • “Run” sounds simple enough. But run where? Testing has demonstrated that people inside a building cannot reliably determine the source of gunfire. Often they run to the gunman instead of away from the shooter. Baker instructs people to “get out” only when they have a clearly understood path out of the building. Darting into a hallway could lead to sudden death instead of release. If a clear path is not known, then two other options are available to the person under siege: Lock Out and Take Out. • “Hide” is perhaps most misunderstood component of Run, Hide, Fight. Regardless of intent, “hide” often leads to a morbid hide-and-seek with the killer. Hiding under tables or desks often proves fatal. Instead of spending their last few moments under a desk, Baker trains students to “lock out” the attacker. • “Fight” is not martial arts, something left to police officers or people with handguns. Fighting should only be done when necessary, but sometimes it’s your only option. A key to fighting off attackers is the use of improvised weaponry including books, office supplies, chairs – anything that can destabilize an attacker and buy more time. Another key differentiator between Run, Hide, Fight and the Three Outs is that the Three Outs can be used in any order. Run, Hide, Fight, on the other hand, is usually taught to be practiced sequentially. In other words, first you run. If that doesn’t work, you hide. And if all else fails, you fight. The Three Outs model understands that circumstances always vary – even within the same room. The model is fluid. If you immediately come face to face with an attacker, you’ll need to fight. If you’re not sure the building is clear, it’s better to lock down a room and lay low until there’s an all clear. “Get Out” may not mean leaving the building. It may simply be fleeing a dangerous open space for a room that can be secured. The Three Outs are part of comprehensive security training for both lay people and professionals taught by Strategos International, a leading provider of security training, consultation and service. Learn more at . Ministry Pacific Insurance Services endorses the work of Strategos International. In addition, we provide liability coverage options for active shooter threats. Active Shooter Insurance provides funding for a legal defense in the aftermath of a violent incident at a church or nonprofit. Your organization may have done everything it possibly could to prevent an attack. However, a person injured in the attack (or a loved one of someone who was killed or injured) can still sue for negligence. Even if you prevail in court, you still have to pay legal fees to defend yourself. Contact Ministry Pacific to learn more about active shooter and other liability coverages that can protect your organization and its work. . /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/24811500

Protect Your Church and Nonprofit From Cyber Criminals 10/05/2022

Churches and Nonprofits: Facing Up to Fraud in the Flock 08/25/2022

Church Security in an Age of Extremism 06/02/2022

Church Security in an Age of Extremism We live in a polarized age. Vandalism against churches has reached record proportions. COVID lockdowns have created social anxiety and disconnection. These phenomena add to the strain of previous societal fracturing that led to violence at houses of worship. These include: • The 2017 Sutherland Springs, Texas, massacre, resulting in 27 deaths and more than 20 wounded. • In 2014, a gunman killed nine members of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. • The Faith Based Security Network reports 1,967 deadly force incidents occurring at churches between 1999-2018. Incidents include “abductions, attempted abductions, attacks, suspicious deaths, suicides and deadly force intervention.” How can churches be prepared to respond to security threats in this ever-evolving and challenging environment? In this interview, Vaughn Baker, president of , and Roy Harryman, of Ministry Pacific, address: What is the greatest physical threat to churches? How can a church with no security ministry get started? Does your church need a security ministry if some of its members carry concealed weapons? What kind of insurance should a church have to protect it from security-related lawsuits? Does the presence of a church security team scare people away? What kind of church security training is available and what topics are covered? Is church security in conflict with the tenets of faith? About our guest Vaughn Baker is president of , a Kansas City, Mo.,-based firm that provides security training, consulting and executive protection services. Baker has 20 years of experience in law enforcement including patrol, investigation, SWAT and special operations. He has trained thousands of school, health care, government, law enforcement and military personnel in security practices. Baker has also developed specialized intruder response curriculum for schools and churches, including some of the nation’s leading training on behavior pattern recognition. He is the author of The Church Security Handbook and, with Mark Warren, Active Threat. In addition, he served as deputy director of training and as an instructor for the Surefire Institute, a California-based tactical lighting manufacturer and tactical training company. He is also the director of security for a church of more than 7,500 in the Kansas City area, a position he has held for more than a decade. This free webinar is sponsored by Ministry Pacific, an independent insurance broker for more than 1,200 churches and charitable nonprofit organizations. Ministry Pacific provides a full range of property and liability insurance coverages. Your protection is our ministry. /episode/index/show/ministrypacific/id/23307815

Understanding California’s Fingerprinting and Background Checks for Youth Workers 04/13/2022

Protect Your Church From Surging Vandalism 12/15/2021

Church Security: For safety, peace of mind and ministry growth 10/15/2021

Protecting children through a culture of accountability and integrity 08/01/2021

Insights with Ministry Pacific

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