Church Risk Assessments: How to Spot Liabilities Before They Cost You

Let me ask you something:
When was the last time you really looked at your church with fresh eyes?

I’m not talking about admiring the new paint in the lobby or checking if the bulletins were folded straight. I mean walking through the building, the parking lot, the storage closets — everywhere — as if you were a stranger trying to spot what could go wrong.

If you’re like most pastors or church leaders, you probably haven’t done that in a while. And honestly? You’re not alone. We get busy. Sunday is always coming. There’s always another meeting, another service to plan, another prayer request to respond to.

But here’s the reality: every church has risks. Some you can see. Some you can’t. And the ones you don’t deal with now? They’re the ones that will cost you the most later.

Why Churches Skip Risk Assessments

I’ve yet to meet a pastor who says, “We don’t care about safety.”
That’s never the issue. The issue is that risk assessments fall into the “we’ll get to it” category… and then “later” turns into “never.”

Here’s why it happens so often:

• “We’ve never had a problem before.”
  That may be true — but neither did the last church before their first big accident. Risk is sneaky like that.
• “We’re insured, so we’re fine.”
  Maybe… but only if your policy covers that specific issue, and only if you’ve met all the conditions your insurer requires. I’ve seen claims denied over missing paperwork.
• “We don’t have time for that.”
  The time you spend now could save you months — or even years — of crisis management later.
• “It costs too much.”
  Compared to what? A single slip-and-fall claim, a child safety lawsuit, or a property damage incident can wipe out far more than the cost of prevention.

The truth is, risk assessments are like seat belts. You don’t notice them until you need them — and then you’re glad you had them.

The Three Main Categories of Church Risk

A proper risk assessment doesn’t just walk around with a clipboard looking for frayed carpets. It looks at your church from every angle. And most risks fall into one of three categories.

1. Physical Risks

These are the hazards you can see, touch, or trip over.

Examples:

• Uneven sidewalks or steps with no handrails.
• Dimly lit parking lots that feel unsafe at night.
• Electrical cords running under rugs.
• Playground equipment that’s loose or rusted.

When you’ve been in the same building for years, you stop noticing things. But a visitor — or worse, an attorney — will spot them in seconds.

2. Operational Risks

These aren’t about your walls or floors — they’re about how your church operates day to day.

Examples:

• No background checks for youth or children’s volunteers.
• Outdated HR policies that don’t protect against wrongful termination claims.
• Ushers who have no training on what to do in a medical emergency.
• Loose financial handling procedures that could allow theft or fraud.

Operational risks are like termites — you might not see them at first, but they can quietly eat away at your foundation.

3. Financial & Legal Risks

These are the ones that hide in your filing cabinet — or in the “we’ll review that later” pile.

Examples:

• Lapsed nonprofit status.
• Insurance coverage that expired or doesn’t match your current needs.
• Contracts signed without legal review.
• No clear succession plan if a key leader steps down unexpectedly.

When these risks turn into problems, they almost always come with a big price tag.

How to Conduct a Church Risk Assessment

You don’t have to be an insurance adjuster or lawyer to start spotting problems. A thorough, honest walk-through can reveal a lot.

Here’s how to start:

Step 1: Walk the Property

• Look at entrances, walkways, and parking lots — are there cracks, uneven spots, or poor lighting?
• Check that all exits are unlocked and clear.
• Ensure fire extinguishers are in place, visible, and up to date.
• Test lighting in hallways, stairwells, and bathrooms.

Tip: Do this during the day and at night. Risks change depending on the lighting and activity level.

Step 2: Review Operations

• Make sure every staff member and volunteer with access to children has a current background check.
• Review written policies for child safety, HR procedures, and emergency response.
• Ensure ushers and greeters know what to do if there’s a medical or security incident.
• Audit how money is handled — from offering plates to deposits — to ensure transparency and accountability.

Step 3: Audit Insurance & Legal Documents

• Pull out every policy you have and check for coverage limits, exclusions, and expiration dates.
• Review bylaws, board policies, and employment agreements.
• Make sure all facility use agreements and event contracts are current and legally sound.

Step 4: Document Everything

I can’t stress this enough — if it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.
Keep a simple log of inspections, hazards found, and what was done to fix them. This can be a lifesaver if you ever have to prove you’ve been diligent.

Why Outside Help Matters

You can do a lot on your own, but it’s hard to see your own blind spots. That’s why Church Law & Strategy often recommends bringing in someone who knows where risks like to hide — and who isn’t so used to your environment that they walk past hazards without noticing.

Through our Church Legal Audit and Recommended Action Report, we combine:

• A legal review of your documents and governance.
• An operational review of your policies and procedures.
• An insurance review to flag coverage gaps.

It’s like a “full body scan” for your ministry — so you can fix problems before they become headlines.

The Payoff of Doing It Now

Here’s what you get when you take risk assessments seriously:

• Safer people — members, guests, staff, and volunteers.
• Protected leadership — no more wondering if you’ll be personally liable.
• Lower insurance costs over time as you reduce your risk profile.
• Peace of mind knowing you’ve done everything you can to be a good steward.

You won’t get a standing ovation on Sunday for it. But you will sleep better at night.

Bottom Line

Every church has risks — but not every church is proactive about finding them.
The ones that are? They save themselves heartache, money, and sometimes their very existence.

So grab a clipboard, recruit a couple of sharp-eyed team members, and take a walk. Better yet, get a professional review from someone who knows how to read both the cracks in the sidewalk and the fine print in your insurance policy.

Because the only thing more expensive than fixing a risk… is ignoring it.

Our Links

• Church Legal Audit and Recommended Action Report
• Comprehensive Church Insurance Review and Report
• Child Safety Certification Program

Other Resources to Check Out!

• Brotherhood Mutual – Safety & Risk Management Resources
• GuideOne – Church Safety and Security
• MinistrySafe – Risk Prevention for Churches

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this content does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Church Law and Strategy or its representatives. For specific legal advice tailored to your church or organization, please consult a licensed attorney.