Let's Talk Solutions

Adventist Risk Management

Let’s Talk Solutions” is a podcast where we demystify risk management and bring practical solutions to real-world problems. We’ll talk to experts and experienced church leaders to tackle the biggest problems facing the risk management landscape. Among other topics, we’ll help you learn how to create safer church environments, prepare for natural disasters, and maintain facilities. Our end goal is to equip our community with the know-how to effectively safeguard their ministries. This podcast isn’t just about risk avoidance; it’s about safeguarding the mission and values that drive our church’s work. Join us for “Let’s Talk Solutions” to listen to insightful conversations aimed at fortifying our ministries, a growing movement towards responsible stewardship. “Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your organization or situation, we encourage you to connect with your own local counsel.”

Episodes

  1. Protecting Your Digital Identity

    12/10/2025

    Protecting Your Digital Identity

    Thank you so much for listening to episode 5 of Season 2: Protecting Your Digital Identity! You can find an episode summary, takeaways, below! Summary: In this episode of Let's Talk Solutions, host Hunter Pettis engages with cybersecurity experts, Darla Avendano, AAI, AU, CYB, Ernest Staats, MSIA, (CISSP)®, CEH, MCSE and Tony Vargas, VP, CIO, CISO, DPO to discuss the critical importance of digital safety for Adventist organizations and members. Our conversation covers foundational definitions of cybersecurity, the threats posed by bad actors, and the value of protecting personal information. Our share practical advice on fortifying digital identities, the impact of cyber-attacks on small church organizations, and the importance of safeguarding children’s online presence. This episode concludes with actionable steps listeners can take to enhance their cybersecurity practices and the significance of preparation in navigating digital risks. "Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your organization or situation, we encourage you to connect with your own local counsel.” Key Takeaways: Cybersecurity is essential for protecting our digital identities. Bad actors use various tactics to steal information. Information is highly valuable and targeted by cybercriminals. Using unique passwords for different accounts is crucial. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security. Small organizations are not immune to cyber threats. Children's online safety is a growing concern. Verification of information is key to preventing scams. Regularly updating and patching devices is necessary for security.Preparation and faith go hand in hand in managing risks. Episode Resources: Info Sheets: CybersecurityCyber LiabilityConsent Form for Working with Children Online password: xfnfztz4Personal Physical Security Traveling Tips [Information Sentinel] password: vfame75p "Please note that the above resource is provided by Information Sentinel."How...

    30 min
  2. A Stewardship Approach to Church Liability

    11/18/2025

    A Stewardship Approach to Church Liability

    Thank you so much for listening to episode 4 of Season 2: A Stewardship Approach to Church Liability! You can find an episode summary, takeaways, below! Summary: In this episode of Let’s Talk Solutions, host Hunter Pettis and guests Ashley Frazier-Morrison, Esquire, MPA and Leander Tomazeli, AINS, AIS explore the various aspects of liability, including the responsibilities of churches regarding property maintenance, the role of volunteers, the implications of vacant versus unoccupied properties, and playground safety. Join us for this engaging conversation as our team emphasizes that liability is not just a legal issue but a stewardship issue, and encourages church leaders to prioritize risk management and safety in their ministries. "Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your organization or situation, we encourage you to connect with your own local counsel.” Key Takeaways: Liability is a stewardship issue, not just a legal one.Churches must manage risks to protect their members.Good intentions do not shield churches from liability.Proper documentation is crucial in liability claims.Volunteers should be placed in roles that match their skills.Vacant properties pose significant liability risks.Clear agreements with outside organizations are essential.Regular maintenance of church property is a must.Risk management tools help mitigate potential liabilities.Start with small steps towards better risk management. Episode Resources: Sample-Church Rental Agreement Maintaining Closed Buildings PDF Solutions Article: Signing Contracts Solutions Article: How to Maintain a “Closed” Building Solutions Article: Taking Care of Our Facilities: An Interview with Risk Control Specialist Brian Schwab Solutions Article: You Need To Know About Renting Your Church Maintaining Closed Buildings PDF Solutions Article: Let the Pros Handle It Solutions Article: The...

    42 min
  3. The Importance of Camp Safety

    06/02/2025

    The Importance of Camp Safety

    Thank you so much for listening to episode 3 of Season 2: The Importance of Camp Safety! You can find an episode summary, takeaways, below! Summary: In this episode of Let's Talk Solutions, host Hunter Pettis and Pastor Tracy Wood discuss the significance of camp ministry within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They explore the profound impact of camp experiences on youth, emphasizing the importance of safety and preparedness in creating a nurturing environment. Their conversation highlights the spiritual growth that occurs at camps, the challenges faced in ensuring safety, and the vital role of volunteers and staff in fostering a culture of safety. They hope to encourage their listeners to prioritize getting kids to camp for transformative experiences that can shape their faith and lives. Key Takeaways: Safety is paramount in camp ministry, ensuring kids return home healthy.Camps provide sacred spaces for kids to grow spiritually and can lead to lifelong decisions for Christ.Camp staff undergo rigorous training to ensure safety and preparedness.Building a culture of safety is essential for camp success.Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting camp safety initiatives.Networking with experienced camp staff can enhance camp ministry.Camps create lifelong memories and decisions for youth.Proper training and certifications are essential for camp staff.Accreditation ensures camps meet safety standards.Engaging with camp alumni can strengthen camp programs. Resources ARM's Camp Safety Page Risk Training Center: Risk Management for Club Ministries Campsite Inspector Form Solution Article: Is It Safe to Camp Here? Solutions Article: Let the Pros Handle It Connect with us! Podcast Page Instagram Facebook Linkedin AdventistRisk.org Email: info@adventistrisk.org

    30 min
  4. Building Safer School Environments

    03/28/2025

    Building Safer School Environments

    Thank you so much for listening to episode 2 of Season 2: Building Safer School Environments! You can find an episode summary, takeaways, below! Summary: In this episode, Hunter Pettis discusses the critical topic of school safety with expert Paul Timm. They explore the evolution of school security, emphasizing the importance of relationships, collaborative planning, and student involvement. The conversation also addresses how to prepare for active shooter scenarios and various emergencies, highlighting the role of parents and the need for a supportive safety culture in schools. Key Takeaways: School security is not just about reacting, but preventing incidents.Relationships within the school community are essential for safety.A collaborative approach to security planning is vital.Students can provide valuable insights into safety measures.Communication systems are crucial for protecting people.Access control helps manage who enters school premises.Parents should be involved in safety planning efforts.Emergency preparedness should include various scenarios, not just active shooters.Building a culture of safety requires everyone’s involvement.Safety planning teams should include diverse stakeholders. Resources Listen to Paul Timm Podcast! The Changing Face of School Security Get Paul Timm's Book! School Security, How to Build and Strengthen a School Safety Program Great Non-profit Websites I Love You Guys Foundation Safe and Sound Schools School Safety Partner Alliance for Safer Schools ARM Resources ARM's School Safety Page Risk Training Center: Risk Management for Educators Connect with us! Podcast Page Instagram Facebook Linkedin a href="https://AdventistRisk.org" rel="noopener...

    32 min
  5. Safe Travels: Buckle Up and Get Ready for the Road Ahead!

    07/31/2024

    Safe Travels: Buckle Up and Get Ready for the Road Ahead!

    Thank you so much for listening to Episode 4: Safe Travels: Buckle Up and Get Ready for the Road Ahead! You can find an episode summary, takeaways, and the resources mentioned in this episode below! Summary:In this episode of Let's Talk Solutions, host Hunter Pettis and guest Daisy Taruc discuss risks surrounding transportation, specifically focusing on church members and youth ministries. They’ll cover topics such as pre-trip vehicle inspections, the importance of including a second adult driver, distracted driving, and the selection of approved volunteer drivers. They’ll also talk about the need for proper vehicle maintenance, the characteristics of a mature and responsible driver, and the primary role of personal auto insurance in accidents involving volunteer drivers. Don’t miss this important discussion to help o prevent accidents and keep your church members safe when traveling. Key Takeaways:Pre-trip vehicle inspections are essential to identify and addressing any issues before a church or school outing.Having appropriate supervision in vehicles is crucial to manage distractions and ensure the safety of passengers.Selecting approved drivers who are properly licensed, mature, and responsible is vital for safe transportation.Volunteer drivers using their personal vehicles for church or school outings should be aware that their personal auto insurance is primary in case of an accident.Maintaining focus and avoiding distractions while driving is crucial for the safety of passengers and other road users. Put the phone down and avoid distractions while driving.Have a second adult in the vehicle to assist and remind the driver to keep their eyes on the road.Slow down and provide extra space in poor weather conditions.Consider using telematics and dash cams to enhance transportation safety programs. Resources:Vehicle Pre-Trip Inspection Vehicle Accident Prevention

    45 min
  6. Slips, Trips, Falls and the Safety Officer

    05/31/2024

    Slips, Trips, Falls and the Safety Officer

    Thank you so much for listening to Episode 3: Slips, Trips, Falls, and the Safety Officer. You can find an episode summary, takeaways, and the resources mentioned in this episode below! This months episode delves into the most common accident that takes places at our churches: slip, trips, and falls. Join Hunter Pettis and Bianca Madanat as they discuss the importance of preventing these accidents and highlight the role of a safety committee and safety officer in ensuring church safety. This episode also covers practical ways to promote safety and risk management at your church. Takeaways The leading causes of costly accidents at churches are slip, trips, and falls, which can be prevented through intentional risk management.The role of a safety committee and safety officer is crucial in identifying and addressing hazards to ensure church safety.A holistic approach to risk management involves the active participation of pastors, elders, church board members, and other ministry leaders to promote safety within our churches.Forming a safety committee, conducting self-inspections, and utilizing resources on our website like the Risk Training Center to enhance risk management knowledge and practices. Sound Bites "When you are a risk manager, your radar expands and your eye gets trained to spot these things immediately.""The ones we see the most are the ones that involve stairs, going downstairs. What contributes to these types of injuries is railing missing, poor lighting, or cracked steps." Chapters 03:17 Understanding Hazard Management and Prevention 11:04 The Role of a Safety Officer in Risk Management 27:27 The Importance of Self-Inspection and Safety Committees Resources: Slips, Trips, and Falls Church Self-Inspection Form The Safety Officers Responsibilities The Church Safety Committee Risk Training Center Safety Officer Resources Maintenance Resources

    40 min

About

Let’s Talk Solutions” is a podcast where we demystify risk management and bring practical solutions to real-world problems. We’ll talk to experts and experienced church leaders to tackle the biggest problems facing the risk management landscape. Among other topics, we’ll help you learn how to create safer church environments, prepare for natural disasters, and maintain facilities. Our end goal is to equip our community with the know-how to effectively safeguard their ministries. This podcast isn’t just about risk avoidance; it’s about safeguarding the mission and values that drive our church’s work. Join us for “Let’s Talk Solutions” to listen to insightful conversations aimed at fortifying our ministries, a growing movement towards responsible stewardship. “Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing discussed should be interpreted as specific legal advice or as creating an attorney-client relationship. If you have questions about your organization or situation, we encourage you to connect with your own local counsel.”