By John Korsmo
Principal & Managing Partner, Lightwell Insurance Advisors
If you’ve been in ministry leadership for more than five minutes, you already know this: volunteers are the heartbeat of what we do. They’re the ones teaching Sunday school, running the food pantry, greeting at the door, and showing up early to set up chairs. They’re also—whether we like it or not—a potential liability.
Now, I’m not saying that to scare you. I’m saying it because I’ve seen what happens when something goes wrong and there’s no policies or training in place. And I’ve also seen how a little bit of preparation can go a long way in protecting your people and your ministry.
Why Volunteer Coverage Matters
Let’s start with the basics. Not every insurance policy automatically covers volunteers. That’s a problem. You want to make sure your policy includes language like: “any individual acting on behalf of the ministry within the scope of their delegated authority.” That’s the kind of coverage that likely protects your Sunday school teacher if a child wanders off and something goes wrong. Without it? That volunteer may have to hire their own attorney and have their personal assets at risk if they are held liable in a lawsuit.
Keep It Simple, Keep It Real
Here’s the deal: your policies and training do not have to be complicated. In fact, they shouldn’t be. I’ve seen churches hand out 40-page manuals that no one reads—and worse, those manuals can actually work against you if your team and the volunteers they oversee can’t realistically follow them.
I’ve seen ministries have success using concise policies and doing scenario-based training. What do you do if a child gets hurt? If someone suspicious walks into the building? If a toilet overflows and floods the hallway? Keep it practical. Keep it short. And do it a few times a year.
Document It
This part’s easy to overlook, but it’s critical: make sure you have documentation. Where are your written policies located, how often are the reviewed? Document the training provided to volunteers. If something happens and you end up in court, one of the first questions will be, “What have you done to prepare your volunteers for this?” If the answer is “nothing,” that’s a tough spot to be in.
It’s Not About Paranoia—It’s About Stewardship
I always tell churches: act like you don’t have insurance. Because even if your policy covers a situation, it won’t stop the news story. It won’t undo the harm. And it won’t protect your reputation in the community.
Providing good policies and training for your volunteers isn’t just about liability. It’s about stewardship. It’s about doing everything you can to protect the people God’s entrusted to your care.
And if you’re not sure where to start? Just call on us. At Lightwell, we help ministries build safer, stronger foundations for their programs and activities. Let’s talk about how to make sure your volunteers are covered, trained, and confident in the work they’re doing.
Wrapping Up
Additionally, if you have questions about screening volunteers and doing background checks. We can help with that, too. As a reminder – any volunteer who will be working with or near children or vulnerable adults should go through a multilayered screening process that that includes a written application, reference checks, background check, and a personal interview. Additionally, implement the six month rule – a waiting period that requires someone to be involved with your ministry for at least six months before their first day as a volunteer with children or vulnerable adults. This helps to protect your ministry and your people against predators who may be posing as volunteers.
Watch John's full interview here, or listen to The Lightwell Podcast on your favorite streaming service.
About the Author: John Korsmo is the President of Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas and the Dakotas. He began his work insuring a few local churches, but with a vision to do more than sell policies — he set out to build an agency that truly solves problems for ministries. That vision has grown into a team serving nearly 4,000 ministries across the Central U.S. and Rocky Mountain region.
John is deeply committed to building a culture that puts others first — one that prioritizes service, clarity, and relationships. That same mindset shapes how Lightwell cares for both its clients and its team. Under his leadership, the agency continues to grow while remaining focused on delivering an experience that feels personal, proactive, and purpose driven.
