If the group is serving its defined need as currently organized, I can't see an reason to split off and become an independent organization.

The church should have sufficient insuance to cover all its activities. After all, they surely run many programs where volunteers are performing activities, working at various tasks, and driving.

That being said, I don't suppose you can ever be too careful or too insured in these lawsuit crazy days. Why don't you speak to your own insurance carrier and get advice about any risk you individuals might be carrying?

I am a former president of what our school calls the PSP (Parent Service Program). I am now called " The Consultant". We are a Christian school and our PSP is currently a ministry under the church that runs the school. We have officers and meetings, fundraisers, and our own set of bylaws. I am told we ( the officers) are covered under the church's insurance if something should go wrong, but I am not sure if we shouldn't be doing something more. We drive children in church vehicles, and run off school grounds events also. We do not have our own bank account per se, but have a record of our "account" held by the church's book keeper on paper, and our treasurer keeps records as well. We are wondering if we should become an official PTO, with a real bank account and insurance etc. Anyone have any thoughts and legal ramifications of our running the way we are currently running?
Thanks!