Risk Management Library

Insights and resources for ministries.

Whether you lead a church, a religious school, or a nonprofit, our library breaks down the coverage, state laws, and safety practices that keep your ministry protected so you can stay focused on your mission.

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5
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4,000+
Ministries served
Church Insurance 101: The Buyer's Guide for Ministry Leaders
Featured
Insurance 101

Church Insurance 101: The Buyer's Guide for Ministry Leaders

Most churches buy church insurance without a clear sense of what they actually need. This guide walks ministry leaders through what to evaluate, how the buying process works, and how to make sure coverage fits where their ministry is today.

March 23, 2026 14 min read
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Church Plant Insurance Guide
New
Insurance 101

Church Plant Insurance Guide

Church plant insurance explained: the coverage you need, when to get it, what landlords require for a COI, and the gaps to avoid.

July 8, 2026 10 min read
Are Churches Required to Have Disability Insurance? What Ministry Leaders Need to Know
Insurance 101

Are Churches Required to Have Disability Insurance? What Ministry Leaders Need to Know

Do churches need disability insurance? Learn what ministry leaders should know, what's required, and how coverage protects pastors and staff.

March 11, 2026 7 min read
Church Cyber Insurance: Why Most Ministries Are Underinsured (and Don't Know It)
Insurance 101

Church Cyber Insurance: Why Most Ministries Are Underinsured (and Don't Know It)

Many churches are underinsured for cyber risks. Learn why traditional policies fall short and how to better protect your ministry.

March 4, 2026 9 min read
CA SB 294: Workplace Know Your Rights Act For Ministries
Compliance & Law

CA SB 294: Workplace Know Your Rights Act For Ministries

California's SB 294, the Workplace Know Your Rights Act, requires every ministry to give employees written notice of their workplace rights. Learn what your notice must include to stay compliant.

February 26, 2026 8 min read
5 AI Risks Every Church Leader Should Know
Security & Safety

5 AI Risks Every Church Leader Should Know

AI is already in your church, but most ministries lack guardrails. From data breaches to fabricated legal advice, here are five AI risks every church leader should know, plus practical steps to protect your ministry.

February 5, 2026 6 min read
What Ministries Should Know Before Hiring a Security Company
Security & Safety

What Ministries Should Know Before Hiring a Security Company

Before hiring a security company, list your church as Additional Insured, review indemnity and coverage limits, and re-verify insurance and licenses yearly.

October 21, 2025 8 min read
How to Designate Your Church as a Gun-Free Zone in California
Security & Safety

How to Designate Your Church as a Gun-Free Zone in California

California churches can designate their property as gun-free zones under Penal Code §602. With clear policies, signage, and communication, ministries can align safety practices with values while maintaining SB 1454 compliance.

September 18, 2025 7 min read
Law Enforcement Officers and Church Safety Teams
Security & Safety

Law Enforcement Officers and Church Safety Teams

Drawing on their experience, retired and active law enforcement can be a huge asset to a church safety team, but with careful boundaries. This post explores the value they bring and the risks to be aware of.

September 18, 2025 6 min read
The Ultimate Guide to Ministry Security in California
Security & Safety

The Ultimate Guide to Ministry Security in California

As of Jan 1, 2025, SB 1454 ends nonprofit security exemptions. CA churches must register unarmed staff as PSOs or use a PPO for armed roles. Noncompliance risks fines, lawsuits, and denied insurance coverage.

September 17, 2025 16 min read
Common questions

Answers for ministry leaders

Still have questions about protecting your ministry? Our agents are a phone call away at (800) 843-6054.

It's a free, regularly updated collection of articles and guides on church insurance, compliance, HR and payroll, and safety, written by the ChurchWest risk advisory team for ministry leaders across California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Most ministries need general liability, property, and workers' compensation coverage. Contrary to a common assumption, California churches are generally not exempt from workers' compensation. Our Insurance 101 guides explain what each policy covers and why.

AB-506 is a California law requiring youth-serving organizations to complete Live Scan background checks, mandated reporter training, and a written child-safety plan. If your ministry works with minors, it applies to you.

Premiums depend on your size, buildings, vehicles, and programs. Our Buyer's Guide to Church Insurance walks through what drives cost and the questions to ask before you sign.

At least once a year, and any time you add a program, building, vehicle, or staff role. Risk management is an ongoing process, not a one-time task.

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