I wonder what are the guidelines you may have for loaning out video/dvd curriculums? I lead a small group and it seems the ladies are always asking to borrow one of the dvds or videos. For someone reason I am not comfortable in loaning them out. Probably I am concerned with them not being returned.

What seems to be the best solution offer to meet with them before class or on another day? Any suggestions

I always let the women know that if the dvd/cd got damaged, they might have to cover the cost of replacing the entire set. You can contact the team in women's ministry at lifeway for their products and find out the cost to replace damaged or lost dvd/cd items from their curriculum sets. I previously had to replace dvds for Beth Moore curriculum. It has been a few years but the cost was around $30 to replace one dvd.

I also had discomfort - especially if the curriculum was borrowed from another organization (ie: local church association). Under those circumstances, I would offer to set up a make up day for the women to come in and watch the video sessions they had missed - you could schedule the timing to do several sessions in one day, etc. It is much cheaper to purchase the audio cds to companion dvd curriculum that will allow the women to check out the cds - and reduce the cost if there is a need to replace one. I would recommend a check out system for any media - simply use a check out log and require the person to put their name, phone number and date with specific description of material borrowed. I would also have them sign an agreement kept with the book requiring them to reimburse your ministry (if financially able) for any damaged or lost items. I checked them out only one disc at a time - never the whole set unless it was to another church or ministry and I had a written agreement with the leadership that they would replace the material if it was not returned and setting a penalty for not returning it on time.

I don't know, take what you can use and discard the rest!

Blessings,
Michelle

I too am uncomfortable with lending the DVDs. When the studies were purchased by our church, it was easier to decline requests to borrow the DVDs. However, when I purchased them personally, it was harder to say no. I still didn't lend them out. My rationale was that I didn't want anyone to feel badly if a DVD was lost or damaged. I wasn't trying to be picky or difficult - I just chose not to lend them. I usually purchased the audio CDs to lend to women who needed to make up a session. I also know of group leaders who have "makeup" sessions where participants can watch DVDs they have missed. Hope this helps.

I don't know if they are personal or belong to the church, but my rule has always been...imagine if they are never returned how you would feel. If you can't live with that then say no.

Perhaps say, "after some bad experiences I have made it a policy not to lend them out".

If they belong to the church a sign out sheet should be done, with a due date, and followup phone calls until the item is returned. I managed a church library and had several items never returned.