The Good Steward Archive
Read articles from past issues of The Good Steward. Brought to you by Church Insurance Companies, The Good Steward features insights and important information on risk management best practices and insurance coverage updates.
April 2021
Risk Management: Prevent and Eradicate Vandalism
Take steps to diminish the risks of vandalism.
Policy Spotlight: Umbrella vs. Excess
Understand the difference so you know how much coverage you need.
Vestry Corner: Encouraging Diversity in Church Leadership
Prepare to receive the gift of diverse leadership by facing truths and nurturing authentic relationships.
Health and Wellness: Nudging Others in the Right Direction
Use CPG’s resources and build community ties to encourage wellness.
From the Claims Desk: Slip-and-Fall Prevention
Start your inspection at the perimeter of the property and work inward.
February 2021
Risk Management: 4 Steps to Protecting Unoccupied Buildings
Little-used buildings are at greater risk of damage and break-ins if you don’t inspect them regularly.
Get to Know Christopher Rourke: New CIC Senior Vice President and General Manager
Chris shares his thoughts about protecting sacred spaces, applying technology to insurance, and adapting to the pandemic.
Vestry Corner: Plan Ahead to Find the Right People
One parish reveals its strategy for recruiting effective vestry members.
Contemplative Knitting: Knit Your Way to a More Spiritual Life
A new book from Church Publishing Incorporated helps mold a hobby into a spiritual practice.
From the Claims Desk: Winter Weather Roof Hazards
Could your roof be in danger of collapse?
December 2020
Risk Management: Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Religious Organizations
Keep these best practices in mind as you broaden your online reach.
Policy Spotlight: Employee Dishonesty Coverage
Institute controls to make sure no one has too much influence over your organization’s finances.
Vestry Corner: Virtual Fundraising
How others have set up e-giving.
Children’s Gift Ideas from Church Publishing Incorporated
Books can make wonderful Christmas gifts for kids of all ages.
From the Claims Desk: Maintaining Unused Buildings
Even if your buildings have little or no foot traffic, continue to care for them as before.
October 2020
Virtual Church: Streaming Services to Reach Community
Your congregation may not be able to be physically present in church right now, but you can still reach out to them by streaming services.
Welcome Christopher Rourke
Christopher R. Rourke was appointed Senior Vice President and General Manager of The Church Insurance Companies.
The Affordable Care Act: What Every Nonprofit Should Know
It’s important for organizations to keep up with the ACA’s mandates to ensure they are in compliance.
Preparing Room: Advent Contemplation Resource
The faithful await the arrival of Jesus during Advent: a time for both preparation and reflection. This new resource from Church Publishing Incorporated acts as a companion.
From the Claims Desk: Protect Equipment and Property During Power Loss
Follow these procedures to make sure power loss doesn’t result in other kinds of loss for your facilities.
August 2020
Why Directors’ and Officers’ Insurance Matters
Protect your organization from incidents where church leaders neglect or even knowingly commit acts not in the best interest of your community.
Protect against Wrongful Acts.
Vestry Corner: Safety Steps for Reopening Offices
These six ideas are a good place to begin helping employees and volunteers stay safer when they return to the office.
Follow the guidelines.
Beyond the Pandemic: Preparing for the Coming Year
These new publications from Church Publishing Incorporated take a look at planning for the year ahead – and that includes conversations about churches and schools during and after the pandemic.
Think ahead.
From the Claims Desk: Don’t Skip These Three Tasks
We’ve narrowed the focus to three tasks that absolutely should not be neglected at this time or year.
Cross these items off your list.
Safe Driving Checklist
Although long trips with large groups may not be in your organization’s near future, many religious organizations are still running programs that involve driving.
Check the list.
The Good Steward is an e-newsletter for anyone involved in protecting their church, its people and its property. Each issue features articles and tips on how to reduce the risk of and address problems.