The Lightwell Podcast

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, implement practical steps, and leverage specialized insurance coverage to prepare for both the everyday and the unthinkable. The conversation explores actionable ways to equip churches while reframing risk management as an act of loving stewardship, not fear.Key Points/Topics CoveredRedefining Safety and Security in Ministries: From armed guards to holistic careThe Role of Stewardship: Caring for people, property, and communityChild Protection: Steps for safeguarding children and building effective policiesInsurance as a Safety Net: Liability, traumatic incident support, and partnershipsPractical Steps for Churches: Local partnerships, planning, and ongoing support

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, and encourages ministries to partner with knowledgeable advisors. The aim is to ensure mission teams can focus on serving and advancing the kingdom, knowing their risk management needs are thoughtfully addressed.Key Points/Topics CoveredThe role of mission travel insurance and common misconceptions about coverageEssential features and benefits of mission trip insurance, including emergency evacuationNavigating high-risk destinations and understanding policy exclusionsReal-world examples illustrating the impact of proactive vs. reactive risk managementPractical advice for planning, selecting, and maximizing insurance for mission trips

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 their perception of risk, empower teams, and align safety practices with their mission. Through real-life examples and expert advice, listeners are given actionable tools to move beyond fear-based reactions and create secure, caring spaces for their congregations, and to be open to learning what you don't know that you don't know.

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 Advisors, who go far beyond providing a policy to become trusted friends and resources. The discussion also celebrates the ripple effect of transformation, where children not only heal but go on to impact others, illustrating the far-reaching influence of dedicated support.Lightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We’re a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection. This podcast provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. Coverage decisions are made at the time of an actual claim, subject to the specific terms, conditions, coverages, limits, limitations, and exclusions of the policy.

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 importance of tangible actions, strong management practices, and an ownership mindset for ministries to maintain and improve their insurability. Practical examples, legal considerations, and actionable advice equip ministry leaders to steward their organizations well in a challenging insurance marketplace.Lightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We’re a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection. This podcast provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. Coverage decisions are made at the time of an actual claim, subject to the specific terms, conditions, coverages, limits, limitations, and exclusions of the policy.

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), establishing an incident response plan, and fostering a culture of security awareness among staff and volunteers. Expert insights demystify complex concepts and empower ministries to take practical steps in preparation, prevention, and response to cyber incidents.Lightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We’re a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection. This podcast provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. Coverage decisions are made at the time of an actual claim, subject to the specific terms, conditions, coverages, limits, limitations, and exclusions of the policy.

What are the unique challenges that Christian universities face in today's educational landscape? Partner/Producer Nate Spite and Senior Account Manager Jordan Dammeyer (both from Lightwell Insurance Advisors in Indiana) join host Adam Clark to provide important insights into how these institutions navigate Title IX complexities, risk management, the importance of aligning their insurance needs with their Christian values, and how Lightwell supports these universities in fulfilling their mission while managing their unique risks.In this episode:Unique Needs of Christian UniversitiesTailoring Insurance ApproachesProactive Risk Management StrategiesNavigating Liability ChallengesCase Studies and Real-Life ExamplesTrends in Higher EducationLightwell Insurance Advisors is focused on identifying risks and crafting safeguards for organizations that lift up their communities. We’re a trusted partner in understanding risk management and insurance protection. This podcast provides a general overview of risk management principles and insurance. It should not be seen as a contractual agreement. Details about coverage, deductibles, limits, and services may vary by organization and location. Coverage decisions are made at the time of an actual claim, subject to the specific terms, conditions, coverages, limits, limitations, and exclusions of the policy.