Zenas’ Brief – May 2024
Yes, there is a legal side to hosting a mission team.
Many UISBC churches are blessed with visiting mission teams who partner in local ministry. Team activities vary and may include working with children and youth in VBS, sports camps, recreational outings, undertaking a church facility project, or engaging in community events and outreach. Obviously, both the sending and host church need to plan and communicate with clarity. It has been said that the clarity you have around the purpose of a mission team will determine the potential of the mission team.
As your Legal Team we offer a few tips for you as a host church.
- Understand that even though the mission team is from another church, the actions will likely be regarded as those of the host church. Thus, the host church have some legal responsibility (e.g. the safety of participating children in VBS or sports camp).
- Have a clear understanding of the purpose, expectations, and responsibilities of the sending church, mission team leaders, and the host church.
- Inform your insurance carrier of activity plans and confirm that your insurance covers the planned activities.
- Have an orientation meeting with the team before any activity to explain and clarify procedures, church policies, and safety. Have follow-up sessions with team leaders to review activities and actions.
- Review with the team your church’s child and youth ministry policies and procedures especially as to safety, supervision, medical needs, and injuries.
- If the team’s activity includes a church facility project, assure that the team members are qualified to undertake the project, the need for any permits, safety precautions, and compliance with applicable codes.
- Inspect any equipment being used, the premises where the activity is taking place, and safety and security precautions.
If you have any questions or want more detailed advice, feel free to contact your UISBC Legal Team.
