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ProtectingYour MinistryMarch 10, 2012Scott Himsel
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Background
► My Methodist Background► Wabash & Northwestern► Lawyer 21 years► Wide Variety Church Legal Work
Church Litigation
Advice and Counsel
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Goal: Education Not Fear
► Churches Frequently Sued
► But Can Reduce Risks
► An Ounce Prevention …
► Common Sense
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The “Big Three”
1. Sexual Misconduct
2. Personal Injury
3. Personnel
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1. Sexual Misconduct
► Not Just Churches► But Particular Concern for Churches
Impact on Victim
Impact on Ministry
► Society Not Tolerate► My Experience as Counsel
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Realities
► Need PrivacyWindowless Shed
► Victims Reluctant ReportYoung and Scared
► Got To Be ProactivePrevention and Follow Through
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Top Goal: Eliminate Privacy
► THE “BILLY GRAHAM” RULE
► The Presence of Others
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Application
► Your Space
► “Two Adult Rule”
► Transportation/Trips
► Talk About It
► Zero Tolerance
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Employees
► ALL Background Checked► “Interrogate the Resume!”
Red Flags—Gaps, Moves
Check References Each Stage
► Watch Tips Icebergs—Gifts, Time Together Outside Church, Sitting Lap, Touching
► HR Professional on Trustees
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2. Personal Injury
►Prevention
►Insurance
►Accidents
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Prevention—Building & Grounds
► Law: Reasonable Not Clairvoyant
► Risky Areas?Snow and Ice
Steps and Stairwells
Parking Lots
Others?
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Prevention—Building and Grounds
► Hire Good Janitor/Engineer
► Experienced Trustees
► Scheduled Maintenance Cheaper Than Deferred Maintenance
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Prevention—Plan In Advance
► Example 1: Man Suddenly Slumps Over In Choir Loft During Service
► Example 2: Parking Lot Slip-and-Fall Christmas Eve
► Example 3: Tornado Siren During Confirmation.
► What Will You Do?
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Prevention—Plan in Advance
► Saves Time (and Lives)► First Aid is First: EMTs in Congregation?
Which Hospital?► Who’s In Charge?► Storm and Evacuation► Updating The Plan
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Prevention—Incorporation
► Be Incorporated –There’s A Kit
► Why It Matters So Much► Stay Incorporated
Meetings and Reports
Records
Insurance
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Prevention—Others
► Don’t Forget “The Others”► Growing Source Liability► Steps
Their Insurance
Church as Primary “Additional Insured”
Indemnification
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Insurance
► Can’t Prevent All Accidents► What Does Insurance Cover?
Accidents/Casualties
► What Does Insurance Not Cover?Deferred Maintenance
Intentional Acts
► Insure with the Conference!
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Stay Insured
► Duty to Report
► Not Just Claims
► Situations Could Give Rise Claims
► When In Doubt, Call!
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Using Insurance Well
► Walk Through The Building► Maintenance Plan► Let Them Handle Accidents!
Communication With Victims
Documentation
► Never Throw Away A Policy!
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When Accidents Happen
► Your Preparation Will Pay Off
► First Aid and Follow Your Plan
► Notify Your Carrier
► Let Your Insurer Handle It
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3. Personnel—Good Hiring
►Background checks
►Checking references
►Cross Examine the resume
►Applications that warn
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Good Evaluating
► “Being Nice” and Avoiding Employment Discrimination Claims
► Candid and honest evaluating
► Document, document, document
► Improvement Plans
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Avoiding Fraud
► Like Avoiding Sexual Misconduct, Seek Reduce Possibility of Crime
► Two Signatures► Annual Audit► Term Limits Treasurer► Engaged Pastor
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Internet Abuse
► Adopt Conference Policy► It’s Church’s System► No Expectation Privacy► No Pornography, Gambling► Can Terminate You► Screens Where Others Can See Them!
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Employee Handbook
► Many Other Employment IssuesWage and Hour
FMLA
Anti-Harassment
► Adopt Conference’s Handbook
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Thank You!
► Admire Work You Do
► Liabilities Not Most Pleasant Part Job
► Hope Provided Some Focus and Some Practical Steps
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Scott D. Himsel+1-317-237-1252
scott.himsel@FaegreBD.comFaegre Baker Daniels
300 N. Meridian Street, Suite 2700Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-1750
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