Dear Partners in Mission:

We have experienced a hot and dry summer across the vast majority of our territory. The heat has persisted even into late September and strong storms have hit much of our area across the last months. As a result of this change in our climate, the high number of claims paid, and the increased risk going forward insurance companies dropping both residential and commercial clients. They are making a calculated business decision based on the reality of climate change. Unfortunately this means that over the past month multiple NT-NL congregations have received notice they would not be renewed. This is particularly the case with Church Mutual Insurance who is, for reasons of risk aversion, dropping the majority of its Texas/Louisiana congregations.

Church insurance is about more than just the building. Congregations need liability insurance for the potential of physical injury on their property and also the potentiality of misconduct by church staff. As a result many national carriers do not understand the unique needs of congregations for insurance. If your congregation has been dropped by their carrier or is looking for different insurance options we have a couple names that we can share with you who are still willing to insure here in Texas/Louisiana.

Having insurance as a congregation is now an expected and necessary reality. However, that was not always the case. There was a time when purchasing insurance was seen as having a lack of faith in God’s providence. In fact, my first call congregation was founded out of a split in the 1890s over individuals who desired to join a fraternal insurance company and those who believed this showed a lack of faith. Today we understand that being good stewards of that which God has entrusted us involves making good decisions to ensure the future of our communities. As you engage these realities know your synod staff stands ready to assist you and provide resources and connection. This is why we do church…

#InMissionTogether,

Bishop Gronberg