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The Good Steward

February 2008

Dear Friend,

When the formation of the Episcopal Safety Program (ESP) was suggested three years ago, the goal was simple: to make Episcopal Churches safer places for people to worship. Now, 35 dioceses participate in the program, and we expect another 15 will come on board by the end of the year.

This is exciting news, because it helps churches in their important role as steward of the people and property in its care. Participating dioceses appoint a Diocesan Safety Manager (DSM) to complete inspections, and the Church Insurance Agency's regional field representatives provide training and ongoing support. You can read more about how the program works here.

And, you can see how one such participating diocese and DSM work with the program to make the churches of the Diocese of Dallas safer. Find out more here.

Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might benefit from this information. Let me know if you have any comments on our newsletter.

Happy reading!

Rod Webster
Rod Webster
Senior Vice President and General Manager
Church Insurance Agency Corporation

What's the most important aspect of risk analysis?

Physical safety issues (such as loose handrails)

Financial safety issues

Human resources safety issues

Building security issues

Liability issues

All of these issues are equally important.

Go here for the results from
last issue.
Employee Spotlight
Paul Stephens

Paul Stephens
Vice President of Client Services
Episcopal Safety Program Manager

Paul has been with The Church Insurance Agency Corporation since 2001. Paul's previous experience includes management, underwriting and marketing positions with Fireman's Fund and Safeco Insurance companies.

Andrea Johnson

Andrea Johnson
Client Representative
Arkansas, Fort Worth, Kansas, Mississippi, Northwest Texas,
Oklahoma, Western Kansas
and West Texas

Andrea enjoys traveling, camping, boating, working with her school accounts and meeting her customers at diocesan conventions.

Keep in Touch

Are there people in your church community who would benefit from receiving The Good Steward? Forward this newsletter to them. And, if you'd like to update the email addresses of your current vestry members, clergy or other congregants, please do so here.

Diocese of Dallas Makes Safety a Ministry

David Gibbs, Missioner of Diocesan Services for the Diocese of Dallas, focuses on three aspects as diocesan risk manager: the physical side (everything from safe stair wells to safeguarding valuables), accounting, and employment practices. Says Gibbs on his decision to take on the role: "I saw it not as a job, but as a mission."

Find out what Dallas does.

Innovative Church Insurance Agency Program Emphasizes Safety

Avoiding unnecessary risk can prevent accidents and ultimately control the cost of insurance in the long run. The Church Insurance Agency began the Episcopal Safety Program three years ago to make churches safer places for people to worship. Participating dioceses appoint a safety manager to complete safety inspections of their congregations' various operations.

See how the program works.

Diocesan Risk Manager for the Diocese of Dallas, David Gibbs, says of his role, "It has been amazing that I have been welcomed with open arms. People see this as an opportunity to do things more efficiently and to hold down the cost of insurance so dollars can go to programs instead, and they can get on with their true job of bringing people to Christ."

 Resources

Two manuals that can help churches manage risk:

Manual of Business Methods in Church Affairs

Human Resources Practices for Lay Employees in Episcopal Churches