The Lightwell Podcast

As schools transition from summer break to a new academic year, Larry Clinton Sr. and Larry Matthew Clinton share practical advice on risk management, insurance, and safeguarding both students and staff in Christian educational settings. The conversation focuses on moving beyond the status quo, highlighting often overlooked details in policy review, staff training, and documentation practices. Thi...

Safety and security stewardship in ministry settings extends far beyond armed guards and visible presence; it's about creating an environment where everyone feels protected and cared for. Former pastor and insurance agent Steve Bensema shares stories, practical advice, and lessons learned from both pastoral and insurance perspectives, detailing how ministries can build holistic safety teams, imple...

Summer is just around the corner, and that means camp season is in full swing for ministries across the country. But while camps offer incredible opportunities for fun, growth, and sharing the good news, they also compress a lot of risk into a short window of time. From increased numbers of minors and overnight stays to outdoor activities, transportation, and the challenges of staffing and facilit...

Matt Gumbert examines the interplay between faith, risk, and wisdom in ministry leadership, emphasizing that faith and wisdom are not rivals but partners essential for navigating challenges. He discusses how wise stewardship, including the prudent use of insurance, is a tool that liberates ministry leaders to act boldly and fulfill their calling without fear. Throughout the conversation, Matt Gumb...

Planning and leading church mission travel requires careful foresight and strong stewardship. Adam Clark sits down with Kurt Hetherington, Agency Director for Lightwell in Texas and Iowa and President of James Green and Associates, who brings decades of experience supporting more than 9,000 ministries. They break down the real risks involved, from medical emergencies in remote regions to political...

Uncover common misconceptions ministries hold about insurance and equip church leaders with a deeper understanding of potential coverage gaps, especially concerning liability and volunteer participation. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, Dustin Strande (Territory Director for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in CO, KS, MT, NB, ND, SD, and WY) illustrates why specific, ministry-focus...

Spring weather brings unique risks and potential claims for ministries, particularly due to storms, wind, hail, and lingering effects from winter conditions. Ian Naudé, an agent for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in TN,  reveals the importance of shifting the mindset around facility care, highlighting how proactive maintenance and proper documentation can mitigate costly damages and support long-te...

Forte’s CEO, Vineet Rajan, explores the vital distinction between mental health and mental fitness, emphasizing the importance of proactive, ongoing practices for ministry and nonprofit leaders. Through his personal experiences and insights, he encourages prioritization of mental fitness in both times of crisis and as a daily commitment to personal well-being and professional effectiveness. The co...

Despite assumptions that frozen pipes are only a "northern risk", this episode explores how ministries and property owners in warm states like Texas and New Mexico are equally vulnerable to catastrophic damage during rare but severe cold snaps. Colton Johnson, Regional Manager for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in TX and NM, shares practical steps, technology solutions, and common misconceptions abo...

Church ministries face critical decisions when it comes to stewarding their property, people, and reputation, especially through proper insurance coverage and risk management. Jason Petty, a Producer for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Louisiana, highlights the importance of reviewing insurance policies beyond just saving money -- focusing on identifying gaps, understanding claims-made vs. occurre...

With a focus on the balance between effective operations and mission-driven ministry, this episode features insights from Kate Wood, the Director of Operations and Community Life at Resurrection Church. Drawing on her legal background and experience in risk management, Kate Wood shares strategies for building robust systems, fostering volunteer excellence, and creating safe environments that serve...

Catastrophic losses -- those events causing widespread, multimillion-dollar damage -- are becoming more frequent and varied, impacting ministries regardless of their direct involvement in a disaster. Zach Mize, a senior agent and partner with Lightwell Insurance Advisors with nearly two decades of experience insuring churches, explores how ministries can identify their most significant risks, deve...

Denise Bailey, Director of Operations for the South Carolina District of the Wesleyan Church, provides ministry and church leaders with practical advice on navigating insurance decisions, emphasizing the importance of developing strong relationships with insurance representatives and making informed choices that balance stewardship with appropriate coverage. She shares first-hand experiences in re...

Brotherhood Works was launched to provide ministries with comprehensive solutions that go far beyond traditional insurance offerings. By uniting payroll, HR, employee benefits, background screening, and missions support under one brand, Brotherhood Works aims to relieve administrative burdens and empower ministries to focus on their core mission. Gabriel Brown (Sales and Operations VP for Brotherh...

Pastors and ministry leaders, particularly those juggling multiple roles or feeling burdened by the demands of shepherding a congregation, need encouragement.  Through the lens of Kimmett Bellows’ unique experience as both a pastor and an agent for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Texas and New Mexico, the conversation emphasizes the importance of focusing on one’s calling rather than results, bala...

Focused on empowering churches and ministries to pursue international missions confidently, this episode highlights the importance of having the right insurance protection for mission travel. Drawing from firsthand experience and industry expertise, Jonathan Norton unpacks key misconceptions about personal and church insurance coverage, emphasizes critical policy features like emergency evacuation...

The episode explores the crucial role of mission travel insurance in supporting church and ministry teams as they serve around the world. Tyler Ward (Sales Manager with Brotherhood Works) and Logan Kruse (Specialty Sales Lead of Global Mission, Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company) share practical insights and real-life stories, illustrating how appropriate coverage can protect against unforeseen...

Explore the balance between fostering a welcoming environment and maintaining robust safety and security practices within church ministries.  Craig Cable (Director of Ministry Safety and Strategic Partnerships for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Colorado, N. Dakota, S. Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, and Wyoming) addresses the practical steps and mindset shifts ministries need to implement to right-size...

Churches and ministries face the challenge of ensuring the safety, protection, and well-being of their communities without compromising their mission of hospitality and faith. Ben Johnson, Managing Partner for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alabama, draws on decades of experience to outline practical, scalable steps ministries can take to prepare for emergencies -- from m...

Wears Valley Ranch in East Tennessee is dedicated to providing a loving Christian community for children from difficult family backgrounds, offering them a residential home, education, and counseling. COO Brian McDonnell reveals the unique challenges and rewards of running such a ministry, emphasizing the powerful partnership with insurance advisors like Ben Johnson from Lightwell Insurance Adviso...

Employee benefits play a critical role in helping ministry staff stay healthy, supported, and committed to their calling -- yet many ministries assume meaningful coverage is out of reach. Jestin Davis, Employee Benefits Director for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Ohio, breaks down what makes a strong benefits package for ministries, no matter the size or budget. Jestin explains the three foundati...

The evolving landscape of insurance for churches and ministries invites a focus on what insurability means today and why proactive risk management is more crucial than ever. John Korsmo, President and Managing Partner of Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, Dakotas, and Wyoming, joins Adam Clark to discuss the changing expectations of insurance companies, highlighting the im...

Jason Rochester, Managing Partner and Agent for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in South Carolina, shares expert insights on the mystery and misconceptions surrounding insurance for ministries, emphasizing the importance of being proactive in protecting both current operations and long-term insurability.  He addresses factors that impact coverage eligibility, offers actionable strategies to reduce ri...

As ministries increasingly rely on digital systems to manage sensitive data, the risk of cybersecurity threats rises -- yet many are unprepared. Matt Cohee, Senior Manager of Network Infrastructure for Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, provides actionable guidance for ministry leaders, emphasizing the importance of identifying and protecting personally identifiable information (PII), establish...

Cybersecurity is increasingly vital for ministries as they face growing threats to their digital assets, including member data and financial information. Kevin Norton, Managing Partner for Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Arizona and Utah, offers practical steps ministries can take to assess their cyber liability, train staff and volunteers, protect online giving systems, and respond effectively to...