The Lightwell Podcast

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, balancing practical safety with spiritual care, and sustaining heart for ministry in challenging seasons. Also discussed: concrete risk management tips to help leaders steward their ministries safely and effectively.

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

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 challenges, empower leaders with peace of mind, and honor the responsibility ministries have toward their travelers. The discussion highlights how Faith Ventures Mission Trip Insurance, backed by a specialized team, bridges practical risk management with the greater mission of advancing God’s kingdom globally.

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. 

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 medical events to active shooters -- while fostering a welcoming, faith-filled environment. Through real stories, actionable advice, and a stewardship mindset, this episode empowers ministry leaders to assess risks, build effective teams, and balance spiritual trust with sound policies. Ben provides insights on the rising importance of ministry safety and security planning, preparing for both extreme and everyday incidents: active shooter vs. common emergencies, building balanced, diverse safety teams and developing effective training strategies, affordable, practical steps (including background and reference checks) for small ministries, the role of insurance, risk management, and community resources in ministry protection, and balancing security procedures with gospel-centered hospitality and mission.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.

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.

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 foundational pillars of ministry benefits -- health insurance, ancillary coverage (such as dental, vision, and disability), and retirement -- and how ministries can navigate options even with limited resources. From debunking common misconceptions to exploring creative alternatives like level-funded plans and marketplace subsidies, this conversation empowers ministry leaders to prioritize staff care without breaking the bank.In this episode:The 3 Pillars of Ministry Employee BenefitsBudget-Conscious Benefits StrategiesHealth Insurance Trends and AlternativesRetirement Planning with Ministry-Specific NuancesRecruiting and Retaining Staff through Better BenefitsThe Importance of Marketing and Evaluating Your Benefits PlanEven if your budget is zero, there are actionable ways to build a plan that honors and sustains the people who serve.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.

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 risk and liability, and highlights the value of stewardship in ministry insurance decisions. The conversation urges ministry leaders to move from a reactive to a preventative mindset, ensuring that coverage supports their mission and future.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.

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 breaches. He also emphasizes that churches and ministries are susceptible to cyberattacks like any other business, although cyber insurance can play a key role in risk mitigation and potential recovery.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.

Host Adam Clark sits down with Brendon Frankell, Senior Producer at Lightwell Insurance Advisors, to discuss the unique challenges and responsibilities of insuring K-12 Christian schools. Frankell shares insights on risk management, the importance of protecting ministries, and how insurance can provide peace of mind for educators and administrators. With a deep passion for serving the church, he also reflects on the inspiring work Christian schools are doing in underserved communities, with valuable takeaways on mission-driven protection for educators, church leaders, and anyone interested in how faith-driven institutions navigate risk.In this episode:Frankell's Journey to LightwellUnique Coverage for Christian SchoolsUnderstanding Risks in Christian EducationThe Importance of Risk AssessmentsResources for K-12 Christian SchoolsInspiring Stories from the CommunityLooking Ahead: The Future of K-12 Christian SchoolsLightwell 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 is a lightwell? It’s an opening that allows light to reach places that would otherwise remain in the shadows. That’s exactly what The Lightwell Podcast aims to do: shine a light on the unique needs of ministries and organizations that uplift their communities.Hosted by Adam Clark, this podcast is where inspiration meets information. Whether you’re looking for expert insights on risk management or stories from ministries making a difference, this show exists to help you stay protected, proactive, and empowered in your mission.Join us as we bring together voices from the Lightwell Insurance Advisors network and the organizations they serve -- because when we share knowledge and support, we all shine brighter.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.