
Bitner Henry Insurance Group, one of the largest independent insurance agencies on the East Coast, works to secure insurance coverage for churches and ministries in South Georgia. The agency relies on a team of committed, professional agents in Georgia to work face-to-face with customers and with those seeking coverage as they serve 1,000 customers in the state.
Churches in middle and southern Georgia face unique risks, primarily from natural disasters. In middle and southern Georgia, tornadoes and severe thunderstorms are common threats. These can include high winds, hail, and lightning strikes, especially to steeples. These storms can cause structural damage to church buildings, including roof damage, broken windows, and downed trees, which could lead to significant cost and cleanup. Heavy rainfall from these storms can lead to flooding. Churches impacted by these problems can have significant damage to their property and may have to postpone services or other scheduled meetings.
Coastal churches in Georgia also have the added concern of tropical storms, which bring the risk of damaging winds, storm surge, and coastal erosion. While preventing every disaster may not be possible, insurance can help churches find peace of mind. When churches have appropriate insurance, they can know that whenever a loss occurs, their coverage can make them financially whole.
In Georgia, Bitner Henry Insurance Group works with various insurance carriers to write coverage, including Brotherhood Mutual, Philadelphia, GuideOne, Glatfelter, and Cincinnati. Bitner Henry agents can seek quotes from insurance companies seeking to write coverage for churches, schools, and other ministries.
Chris Graham is a Georgia native who has worked to protect middle and southern Georgia ministries. He focuses on the insurance program for churches in counties such as Bibb, Muscogee, Chatham, Houston, and Laurens County, as well as for cities such as Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah, and others. His aptitude for sales and service has helped him earn recognition by Brotherhood Mutual for being a top 10 sales agent in the nation for November 2024.
After receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Middle Georgia State University, Chris Graham went back to work in Georgia. He uses his degree and business experience to help understand the day-to-day operations of the churches and nonprofits that he serves. In addition, he understands the way the church works. For example, in his free time, he is active in his church, where he oversees community outreach and teaches men’s Sunday School classes. His degree gives him business knowledge of how churches operate, while his experience in churches gives him faith-based and practical knowledge of how the church works.
Because he knows what is important to churches- specifically local, Georgia-based churches- he knows how best to serve them. Chris Graham now has six years of experience providing insurance to churches and ministries in middle and southern Georgia, working in Baldwin, Bibb, Bleckley, Brooks, Candler, Dodge, Emanuel, Evans, and other counties.
Churches have unique liability risks that they can address. They may want coverage for missions, religious freedom, sexual misconduct and abuse, directors and officers, security teams, and commercial auto coverage. An insurance agent must understand the needs of their client and understand how to communicate how insurance coverage can protect them if a loss occurs.
Chris Graham came to Bitner Henry after noticing that it was a family-owned agency and that he would be working with churches. “This was a career path I wanted to pursue,” Chris Graham said. “I have been very active in church ministry for many years and felt this was a phenomenal opportunity to combine my passion for ministry with helping to serve the insurance needs of churches.”
“I take satisfaction in working with churches to find insurance solutions that are beneficial for their churches, nonprofits, and businesses,” Chris Graham says. “It is a true privilege to have the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people and develop long-lasting relationships and friendships. It’s a great day anytime I am visiting customers and prospects, traveling the country roads, through the pine trees, peach fields, and cotton fields of South Georgia.”
By finding solutions that help the churches, ministries, and nonprofits that he serves, Chris Graham helps them find protection and safety through insurance. By having trustworthy insurance, they can focus their attention on the good work that they do.
When it comes to deciding what agency or agent to work with, there are a few things that churches should consider.
“Churches have specific and unique risk management needs so first and foremost,” Chris Graham says. “They need to look for an agency and agent that has experience in working with churches and ministries and not take a cookie-cutter approach. Also, they need to work with an agency and agent that will provide them with excellent customer service. When a need or question arises, they need someone who will answer the phone and respond to emails. They also need someone who will show up and be there for them if a devastating claim occurs.”
Chris Graham has experience helping churches in middle and southern Georgia, and he looks forward to helping many more in the future through insurance.
If you are a church in the area and you have any questions, feel free to reach out and request a quote on our website. Together, we can empower your program and help the people you serve.
Further Reading

The 2024 P&C Insurance Market Forecast
For those that don’t know, Zywave is a resource that publishes risk management articles and resources for independent agencies. Agencies can use...

Year-end HR Activities and Checklist
>> Down the Year-end HR Activities Checklist Year-end HR Activities The last months of the year are a great time for HR professionals to...