The incredible growth of churches participating in self-funded (short-term) mission trips mixed with a society that is given to litigation has deeply affected mission agencies. As part of the Member Care program (Member Care refers to the care of missionaries before, during, and after their time on the field) of the the BMAA Dept. of Missions, much effort has been given to the development of security policies and preparation for the safety of our missionaries. In developing these policies, we have been made aware of a potentially threatening issue that we must address.
International lawyers, in conjunction with missionary security consultants, have informed the BMAA Department of Missons that we, and our association, are legally responsible for any group or individual that visits a BMAA mission field. The area of liability reaches even to churches or organizations that visit a BMAA missionary without the knowledge of the missions department. Based on this information, the Department of Missions has been advised to implement a policy of having each visitor to BMAA mission fields sign a liability waiver prior to their visit. The waiver will be accompanied by a Risk Statement which will outline the potential risks involved with the differing locations and types of trips.
BMAA missionaries will inform potential visitors of the release form requirement and confirm that each visitor has signed a release form in the planning phase for the visit. A copy of each signed form must be on file at the BMAA Missions Department in Little Rock, AR before the team arrives on the field. This policy applies to all visits made to international, foreign nationals, and North American personnel and fields. You may contact the Department of Missions at 501-455-4977. Release forms can be downloaded below.
The BMAA Department of Missions encourages churches and individuals to take mission trips. If we can facilitate your mission trip or help in your preparation, please contact us. This policy is a necessary step in order to guard our Association and the Department of Missions against litigation that could be financially destructive.
Download the Liability Waiver Forms
International lawyers, in conjunction with missionary security consultants, have informed the BMAA Department of Missons that we, and our association, are legally responsible for any group or individual that visits a BMAA mission field. The area of liability reaches even to churches or organizations that visit a BMAA missionary without the knowledge of the missions department. Based on this information, the Department of Missions has been advised to implement a policy of having each visitor to BMAA mission fields sign a liability waiver prior to their visit. The waiver will be accompanied by a Risk Statement which will outline the potential risks involved with the differing locations and types of trips.
BMAA missionaries will inform potential visitors of the release form requirement and confirm that each visitor has signed a release form in the planning phase for the visit. A copy of each signed form must be on file at the BMAA Missions Department in Little Rock, AR before the team arrives on the field. This policy applies to all visits made to international, foreign nationals, and North American personnel and fields. You may contact the Department of Missions at 501-455-4977. Release forms can be downloaded below.
The BMAA Department of Missions encourages churches and individuals to take mission trips. If we can facilitate your mission trip or help in your preparation, please contact us. This policy is a necessary step in order to guard our Association and the Department of Missions against litigation that could be financially destructive.
Download the Liability Waiver Forms