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 Benefits
• Budget-Conscious Benefits Strategies
• Health Insurance Trends and Alternatives
• Retirement Planning with Ministry-Specific Nuances
• Recruiting and Retaining Staff through Better Benefits
• The Importance of Marketing and Evaluating Your Benefits Plan

Even 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 Universities
• Tailoring Insurance Approaches
• Proactive Risk Management Strategies
• Navigating Liability Challenges
• Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
• Trends in Higher Education

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.

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 Lightwell
• Unique Coverage for Christian Schools
• Understanding Risks in Christian Education
• The Importance of Risk Assessments
• Resources for K-12 Christian Schools
• Inspiring Stories from the Community
• Looking Ahead: The Future of K-12 Christian Schools

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 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.