The Lightwell Podcast

Building Safer Ministries: Practical Steps for Church Safety, Security, and Stewardship with Steve Bensema

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 Covered 1. Redefining Safety and Security in Ministries: From armed guards to holistic care 2. The Role of Stewardship: Caring for people, property, and community 3. Child Protection: Steps for safeguarding children and building effective policies 4. Insurance as a Safety Net: Liability, traumatic incident support, and partnerships 5. Practical Steps for Churches: Local partnerships, planning, and ongoing support

Beyond Insurance: Proactive Protection and Planning for Christian Camps

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 facilities, there's a lot for camp leaders to consider—especially when it comes to insurance and risk management. In this episode of the Lightwell Podcast, we sit down with Ben Giselbach, a seasoned risk advisor from Alabama with deep experience working with Christian camps and churches. Together, we’ll explore the biggest risk areas camps face, from supervision and child safety policies to facility hazards, weather-related threats, transportation issues, and the need for solid emergency response plans. Practical insights show how proactive planning, comprehensive policies, and having the right insurance coverages and expert guidance can help camp leaders confidently navigate every season.

Stewardship and Courage: Empowering Bold Ministry through Wise Risk Management

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 Gumbert illustrates how balancing trust in God with practical action prepares ministries to thrive, not just survive, in today's increasingly complex environment.

Safeguarding Mission Travel: Insurance Insights for Ministries

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 instability and complex logistics, and share practical guidance on minimizing risk, securing appropriate insurance, and making smart decisions about coverage and cost. For ministry leaders, this is a clear, no-nonsense look at how to steward people, resources, and the mission well while preparing teams to travel safely wherever they are called.

Shining a Light on Ministry Insurance: Beyond the Basics with Dustin Strande

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-focused insurance policies matter and explains how agencies can be uniquely positioned to support ministry needs. The conversation reframes stewardship as not just saving money, but proactively ensuring that people, property, and ministry work are protected.