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