What Types of Insurance Do Churches Need in 2025?

Earl Burkett

Oct 02 2025 01:18

Introduction – Why Church Insurance Matters More Than Ever

 

 

In 2025, churches and faith-based nonprofits continue to face both traditional risks and new, evolving challenges. From storm damage and liability claims to cyber threats and mission trip exposures, the right insurance is essential to keep ministries operating smoothly. At Strong Tower Insurance, we’ve spent nearly 50 years helping churches across the Southeast protect what matters most—their people, property, and mission.

 

 


What Is Church Insurance?

 

 

Church insurance isn’t just one policy. It’s a tailored package of coverages that address the unique risks of ministries. While a standard business might purchase general liability and property insurance, churches need coverage for activities like worship services, daycare programs, counseling, community outreach, and even volunteer-led events. Without these protections, ministries may find themselves exposed to financial and legal risks that could interrupt their mission.

 

 


Why This Matters to Ministries

 

 

The consequences of being underinsured can be devastating:

 

  • Financial strain – Repairing a damaged sanctuary or paying out-of-pocket for a liability claim could drain resources meant for ministry work.
  • Legal exposure – Churches face lawsuits just like businesses. A slip-and-fall claim or employment dispute could lead to expensive litigation.
  • Reputation impact – Failing to handle claims properly may erode trust among congregants and donors.

Insurance is more than compliance—it’s peace of mind for pastors, boards, and congregations alike.

 

 


Key Coverages Churches Need in 2025

 

 

General Liability Insurance

 

This covers injuries or accidents that happen on church property or at church events. For example, if a visitor slips on a wet floor in the fellowship hall, liability insurance helps cover medical bills and legal expenses.

 

 

Property Insurance

 

Churches own valuable assets—sanctuaries, classrooms, musical instruments, sound systems, and stained-glass windows. Property insurance protects these from fire, wind, hail, theft, and more. With severe weather events increasing across the Southeast, property insurance has never been more critical.

 

 

Workers’ Compensation Insurance

 

Even churches must comply with state laws on workers’ comp. This coverage protects pastors, staff, and sometimes volunteers if they’re injured while serving. Each state (Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, the Carolinas, etc.) has its own requirements, and we help ministries navigate them.

 

 

Directors & Officers (D&O) Insurance

 

Church boards and trustees make tough decisions every day. D&O insurance protects leaders from personal liability if someone claims they mismanaged funds, mishandled employment decisions, or failed in governance duties.

 

 

Cyber Liability Insurance

 

More ministries rely on online giving, donor databases, and digital communications. Unfortunately, cyber criminals target nonprofits at higher rates. Cyber liability covers data breaches, ransomware attacks, and fraud involving donor or congregant information.

 

 

Flood Insurance

 

Standard property policies exclude flood damage. Churches near rivers, lakes, or hurricane-prone areas should strongly consider NFIP or private flood coverage to protect buildings and contents.

 

 

Umbrella Insurance

 

Large congregations, multi-campus ministries, or churches hosting big events may need higher liability limits than standard policies provide. An umbrella policy extends protection when claims exceed primary policy limits.

 

 


Common Scenarios Churches Face

 

 

  • A congregant falls during Easter services and sues for medical expenses.
  • A hurricane damages a church roof and ruins the sound system.
  • A ransomware attack locks donor records and online giving platforms.
  • A mission trip vehicle accident results in injuries and liability claims.
  • A disgruntled former employee sues the church board for wrongful termination.

Without tailored coverage, these real-world situations could cripple a ministry.

 

 


Challenges Churches Often Encounter

 

 

Many ministries mistakenly believe their general liability or property policies cover everything. In reality, exclusions are common. Some churches also struggle with:

 

  • Understanding state-specific workers’ comp rules
  • Choosing the right property limits for older buildings
  • Deciding whether to add cyber or flood insurance
  • Educating boards and committees about policy details

These challenges highlight why working with a church-focused insurance agency makes all the difference.

 

 


How Strong Tower Insurance Supports Ministries

 

 

Strong Tower Insurance exists to serve ministries—not just sell policies. We:

 

  • Review current policies to identify coverage gaps
  • Educate boards and trustees in plain language
  • Work with top carriers that specialize in churches and nonprofits
  • Provide fast certificates for events, rentals, and mission trips
  • Tailor coverage for schools, daycares, pregnancy centers, and nonprofits connected to churches

Our nearly five decades of ministry-focused experience means we understand the risks you face and the protections you need.

 

 


Ready to Protect Your Ministry?

 

 

Secure Your Mission Today

 

The right insurance allows your church to focus on what truly matters—serving your community and carrying out your mission. Don’t wait until after a claim to discover gaps in coverage.

 

Strong Tower Insurance proudly serves churches and nonprofits throughout Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Whether you lead a historic chapel, a growing multi-campus ministry, or a faith-based nonprofit, we’re here to help.

 

Call us today or request a free quote online to ensure your ministry is covered for 2025 and beyond.