GuideStone has transitioned its property and casualty insurance solutions to an independent agency model through GuideStone Agency Services, which is operated by GuideStone. This move marks a significant step forward in expanding the scope and flexibility of its offerings in Alabama.
GuideStone has provided insurance guidance and risk management support to churches and ministries for nearly 20 years. With this model, GuideStone Agency Services is now able to work with multiple property and casualty insurance carriers, allowing for greater flexibility in coverage structures and options as services expand into additional states.
“This program now allows us to evaluate coverage across more carriers and better match policies to a church’s actual needs,” said Matt Cardwell, a 30-year veteran of GuideStone who is serving as managing director of the agency.
Alabama churches are among the first to benefit from the expanded property and casualty insurance model. The initial service footprint reflects current capacity and areas of strong church concentration as the agency begins serving churches in additional states.
“Churches today are navigating insurance decisions that are far more complex than they were just a few years ago,” Cardwell said. “Our role is to help leaders understand how policy structure and coverage terms affect risk.”
Looking beyond premium
As churches evaluate insurance options in a challenging market, the agency team encourages leaders to look beyond premium alone and carefully review how coverage is structured.
Some policies may appear comparable at first glance but differ significantly in how they respond at the time of a claim. Focusing solely on price can lead churches to accept provisions that may reduce the level of financial protection available when it is needed most.
For example, certain liability structures may limit coverage for claims reported years after an incident if prior acts protections are not included, particularly in areas involving serious misconduct allegations. In addition, some policies include defense costs within the liability limit, meaning legal expenses can reduce the funds available to resolve claims.
Property-related provisions can also affect outcomes. In some cases, insurers may control repair scope and pricing through managed repair provisions, which can result in settlements below full replacement expectations. Roof coverage may also be subject to separate sublimits and higher deductibles, capping recovery well below the building’s insured value.
Cardwell noted that the consultative, multi-carrier approach is designed to help churches evaluate these considerations by comparing coverage terms across carriers and aligning solutions with each church’s actual risks and financial tolerance.
“Insurance decisions made today can affect a church’s financial health for many years,” said David Puckett, GuideStone chief growth officer. “Providing clarity around risk and coverage helps church leaders protect their ministries now while planning responsibly for the future.”
Puckett and Cardwell also emphasized the importance of working with insurance professionals who understand the unique characteristics of church ministry. General-market agencies may not fully account for the complexities of church property, liability exposures and ministry activities, while specialized guidance can help ensure those factors are properly considered.
Long-term expansion plans
GuideStone’s ministry assignment from the Southern Baptist Convention includes making risk management resources available to churches nationwide. While the agency currently operates in select states, the organization plans to expand its geographic footprint over time.
“GuideStone’s work is rooted in strengthening pastors, churches and ministries so they can serve well today and prepare for tomorrow,” said Hance Dilbeck, GuideStone president. “Expanding GuideStone Agency Services is a natural extension of that responsibility — helping churches address risk thoughtfully in ways that support long-term ministry effectiveness.”
For more information, or to request a quote, visit GuideStone.org/propertycasualty.
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