Whether we face up to it or not, ministry involves risk. A key staff member quits, donations take a nosedive, a storm damages your building, etc.

No one likes to think about these risks. However, those who do consider them and have plans to prevent them and deal with them once they've occurred can survive these events.

I am not a lawyer and cannot provide you with legal advice. However, I do have the following tips for you to consider that can protect and preserve your church.

1. Get a lawyer. We live in a litigious society where people will sue at even the slightest perceived provocation. Protect yourself and your ministry by having a lawyer review key practices and give you expert advice. You may need liability insurance in case someone is injured while on your property, waivers or release forms for individuals participating in certain events, etc. It is worth the investment of time and money now to prevent potentially large expenditures later in fines, penalties and litigation

2. Conduct a risk assessment. Meet with your staff to discuss the question no one likes to consider: "What could happen that could take down our church?" That could include financial fraud, personnel scandal, destroyed building, lawsuits, etc.

3. Develop mitigation and response plans. Once you have a list of potential risks, discuss what can be done to prevent each risk and how you would react if one of these events occurred. Document your plans, take action as needed and update these documents at least annually.

4. Educate staff and volunteers. Anyone who is representing your church in an "official" capacity needs to be aware of your policies, when waivers or release forms are required, and what to do in an emergency situation. Communicate these rules and provide training often. Do not assume that people will remember — reiterate on a regular basis.

We all would prefer to think positively and not dwell on what could go wrong. However, taking the time to consider the risks and how to prevent them will make your church's leadership better prepared to handle whatever comes your way.

Please don't make the mistake of thinking you don't need to consider risks simply because you're not a large corporation. You are just as vulnerable, if not more, to risks — especially if you don't plan to prevent and handle them.