RISK MANAGEMENT Peter A. Persuitti
comprehensive coverages (terms & conditions) a church Balance is the bottom line might need. We’re constantly finding duplicity and gaps Ultimately, a church needs to balance the free in coverages.” resources available with relevant experts to validate Additionally, Jimenez planning. “There’s no getting points out that some around the fact that there will churches need multiple be some costs associated excess carriers, given with this proactive approach,” “Long before a crisis, I always their size. In such cases, Gudaitis explains. suggest ministries reach out for it’s important that carWith the right risk managethe free advice all around them — riers offer the same ment education and training, from police, fire and emergency limits, deductibles and churches can evolve to a mindmanagement agencies,” wording. “If there is no set that understands a crisis — Peter Gudaitis consistency, there will be isn’t an “if” proposition, but a gaps in coverage.” “when.” Knowledge is power A church’s agent when it comes to protecting also needs to make sure the church’s assets, as well as the excess carriers drop fulfilling the important fiduciary down when an aggregate is exhausted. “Having a comand stewardship obligations churches have to society. mon coordinating adjuster on the policies might also Peter A. Persuitti is managing director, important, Jimenez suggests. Religious Practice, at Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. in Chicago. [ajg.com/religious]
18 | CHURCH EXECUTIVE | 12/2013