Trustees
“As an act of prudence and wise stewardship of the movement God has entrusted to us, the GMC congregations in SGA covenant together to mutually agree on minimum standards which all congregations seeking to be in our connection must adhere to for the good of all.”
Annual Conference 2026
Resolution #2: INSURANCE COVENANT
Thanks to the excellent work done by the Conference Finance Committee’s Task Force on Insurance and the wisdom discerned through Holy Conferencing of the body we the churches of the South Georgia Annual Conference of the Global Methodist Church move to replace the paused resolution passed at the 2025 Annual Conference with the following resolution.
As an act of prudence and wise stewardship of the movement God has entrusted to us, the GMC congregations in SGA covenant together to mutually agree on minimum standards which all congregations seeking to be in our connection must adhere to for the good of all.
To ensure covenantal alignment regarding insurance, we agree that all SGA GMC Congregations are required to have adequate insurance. Local Church Trustees determine what is adequate and at what levels for their local context, but adequate insurance must include but is not limited to:
1. General Liability
a. Pastoral Counseling Liability (if not included in General Liability)
b. Sexual Misconduct & Abuse Liability (if not included in general liability)
c. Religious Freedom/ Expression Liability (if not included in general liability)
2. Directors and Officers (D&O)
3. Employment Practices Liability (EPLI)
4. Workers’ Compensation
Where possible and applicable the church’s liability policies shall list the “The South Georgia Annual Conference of the GMC, Inc.” and the “Connectional Council of the Global Methodist Church, Inc.” as additional insureds.
Congregations which fail to comply with this covenant will be held accountable in an atmosphere of grace, with the goal of restoring covenantal alignment, strengthening relationships, and advancing our shared mission. If compliance cannot be obtained the congregation can be removed from the connection by a simple majority vote of the Annual Conference.
SO RESOLVED this 11th day of July, 2026.
Insurance Covenant FAQs
ADDTIONAL INSURED information to provide to your insurance:
THE SOUTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONVERENCE OF THE GMC INC 114 Harris Farm Rd Brunswick, GA 31520-2421
CONNECTIONAL COUNCIL OF THE GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH 3223 S Loop 289 Ste 215 Lubbock, TX 79423-1350
LIABILITY INSURANCE DESCRIPTIONS
General Liability - Coverage for staff and volunteers and activities on and off premises
Pastoral Counseling Liability – Covers counseling-related claims
Sexual Misconduct & Abuse Liability – Critical protection for abuse claims
Religious Freedom/Religious Expression Liability – Covers first amendment-related claims, including alleged gender discrimination issues
Directors & Officers (D&O) – Protects leadership decisions and governance
Employment Practices Liability (EPLI) – Covers employee-related claim
Worker’s Compensation – Employer, employee, and 1099 coverage
PROVIDERS
The South Georgia GMC recommends churches connect with licensed insurance providers to guide them to ensure their church has adequate coverage. Connecting with providers and agents who specialize in church liability is recommended.
The SGAGMC does not endorse any specific company. In no particular order, below are a few resources.
Additional Insurance to Consider
In addition to the Insurance Covenant passed at the Annual Conference 2026, all SGAGMC churches are encouraged to review all their insurance policies (liability, property, etc.) to ensure adequate coverage.
Consider reviewing the following, but not limited to, insurances with your licensed insurance provider:
Discuss your church’s risk profile with your Insurance Agent Including, but not limited to":
Average Weekly Attendance Total Insured Value Ministry Operations (i.e. food pantry, preschool, vehicles, counseling, mission trips, events, etc.) Number of Employees Number of Paid “1099s” Number of Volunteers
Liability
General Liability – including coverage for on/off premises activities and volunteers Products & Completed Ops – Food/service exposure Personal & Advertising Injury – Libel/slander Medical Payments – Minor injuries (no-fault) Pastoral Counseling – Counseling-related claims Directors & Officers (D&O) – Leadership protection Employment Practices (EPLI) – Employee-related claims Sexual Misconduct & Abuse – Critical protection for all churches Religious Freedom/Religious Expression Coverage – First Amendment Defense Violent Incident Response – Benefits following an active shooter or violent event Automobile Liability – Church-owned and personal vehicles used in ministry Cyber Liability – Data breach protection Workers Compensation Umbrella
Property
Building Coverage – Protection for church structures Contents Coverage – Furniture, equipment, instruments Specialty Equipment – Stained glass, organs, A/V systems Outdoor Property – Signs, playgrounds, landscaping Fine Arts – Religious artifacts and historical items Extra Expense – Temporary relocation costs Business Income – Lost income after a disruption Debris Removal – Cleanup after damage Ordinance or Law – Code upgrade costs Windstorm Flood Insurance – Flood damage Earthquake Coverage – Seismic damage Sewer Backup – Drain and sewer overflow Equipment Breakdown – HVAC and electrical systems Portable Property – Off-site ministry equipment
Ministry & Outreach
Mission Trip Coverage – Travel and medical protection Special Event Coverage – Weddings, events, festivals Daycare / School Liability Facility use by outside groups
Financial & Specialty
Crime & Fidelity – Theft and fraud Fraudulent Funds Transfer - online giving, data breaches, ransomware Key Person Insurance – Leadership protection Professional / Counseling Liability – Extended services