Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast

In this episode, Craig Hefner, head of Covenant School in West Virginia, shares the journey of growing a classical Christian school, navigating space challenges, and the power of strategic fundraising. Discover how vision, surprises, and community support transform educational missions.

Book Recommendations: The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Mark A. Noll The Complete Stories (FSG Classics) by Flannery O'Connor

Website: https://covenantschoolwv.org/

In this episode, Dr. Garth Japhet, CEO of Heartlines in South Africa, shares his journey from creating a popular TV show to leading a movement addressing fatherlessness. Discover how media, storytelling, and community programs are transforming society by emphasizing the importance of positive male presence in children's lives.

Website: https://www.heartlines.org.za/home

Book Recommendation: The Blessing: Giving the Gift of Unconditional Love and Acceptance by John Trent , Gary Smalley, Kari Trent Stageberg

Brad Layland sits down with his longtime friend and pastor for a deeply personal, surprisingly practical conversation about succession, spiritual reproduction, and what happens when a church stops waiting for the future and starts preparing for it now. Dave Aucremann, Lead Pastor of Good News Church in St. Augustine, FL, shares about the discernment process that led to his move into the lead pastor role, looking to God's vision for the future, and the challenge of giving ministry away before it is too late.

In this episode, Jamie Radtke, CEO of ExploreGod, shares insights into how digital evangelism is transforming global outreach. She shares staggering statistics including the over 3 billion gospel presentations since 2004 and a million daily shares. Discover how strategic vision, innovative technology, and collaborative impact are driving unprecedented growth in sharing the gospel online.

https://exploregod.com/

In this episode, Julie Wilson, president of Women Doing Well, shares insights on empowering women financially and philanthropically amidst a significant wealth transfer. Discover how data-driven strategies and community connections can transform women's confidence and generosity.

Women doing well https://womendoingwell.org/

Book recommendation When Women Give: The Adventure of a Generous Life, by Kim King

In this episode, Aaron Abramson shares his inspiring journey from exploring his Jewish roots to becoming the CEO of Jews for Jesus. Discover how strategic pivots, relationship-building, and innovative outreach methods are transforming the organization and reaching Jewish communities worldwide.

Resources Jews for Jesus Official Website - https://jewsforjesus.org Book: Mission Design: Leading Your Ministry Through Organizational and Cultural Change Aaron's talk at the TFG Symposium https://thefocusgroup.com/symposium

In this interview, Lisa Franklin shares the remarkable journey of founding Alpha-Omega Miracle Home, a faith-driven ministry transforming lives through housing and support for single/expectant mothers, their children, and senior women. Discover how faith, strategic planning, and community support have enabled the expansion of programs that empower vulnerable populations and create lasting impact.

Link: https://aomh.org/

In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Steve Woodworth, the founder and executive chairman of Masterworks, a marketing agency focused on serving Christian nonprofits. Steve shares his journey from aspiring missionary to leading a successful organization that emphasizes innovative fundraising strategies and a deep commitment to ministry impact. The discussion covers the importance of understanding donor behavior, building relationships, and creating a culture centered around serving clients and their missions. Steve also reflects on the challenges and successes of Masterworks over the years, highlighting the significance of mentorship and community in the nonprofit sector.

Links Website: https://www.masterworks.agency/ Steve's bio: https://www.masterworks.agency/team/steve-woodworth Steve's Book: https://www.masterworks.agency/succession

In this interview, Dr. Mark Yarbrough, president of Dallas Theological Seminary, shares insights into the seminary's mission, growth strategies, and the importance of mission-driven education. Discover how DTS is expanding its global impact through innovative methods and unwavering faith.

Website: https://www.dts.edu https://www.dts.edu/people/mark-yarbrough

Recommended Books The Pentateuch as Narrative by John Sailhammer - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7X4V4Q Living God's Word by Duvall and Hayes - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7X4V4Q

In this interview, Brad interviews Dr. Scott Rodin, Chief Culture Officer of The FOCUS Group, to discuss the transformative power of contentment and stewardship in leadership. Scott shares insights from his new book 'Enough,' emphasizing the importance of gratitude, shifting from ownership to stewardship, and redefining success in faith-based leadership.

Other Books by Dr. Rodin: The Third Conversion, Million Dollar Dime, Steward Leader Meditations, The Sower, Development 101

Links

Pre-order at Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enough-r-scott-rodin/1149825657?ean=9798895740989

https://www.kingdomlifepublishing.com/

In this interview, David Thakkar shares his journey which took him from Kenya to Canada as a young man and eventually to his current role as President of Young Life Canada. We delve into the organization's history, its impactful ministry, and the power of faith and community in youth development. Discover how strategic initiatives and generosity are shaping the future of youth ministry and leadership.

Website - https://www.younglife.ca/

Camp - https://www.rockridgecanyon.com/

SummaryIn this conversation, Brad Layland and David Gibson discuss the journey of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland, from its formation to its current status. They explore the challenges faced in fundraising, the importance of building trust within the community, and the transformative experiences that shaped their approach to ministry. David shares valuable insights on the spirituality of fundraising, the significance of relationships, and the lessons learned throughout the process. The conversation highlights the intersection of faith, leadership, and community building in the context of church growth.

Books by David Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart from the Book of James Ecclesiastes: Life in the Light of Eternity (David Gibson and Serge) Destiny: Learning to Live by Preparing to Die (By David Gibson and Shanae Johnson)

Webhttps://davidgibson.com

https://trinityaberdeen.org.uk/

In this inspiring interview, Roland Warren shares his personal journey and the transformative vision of Care Net, emphasizing the importance of a Pro Abundant Life perspective that integrates faith, family, and discipleship in addressing unplanned pregnancies. Care Net is a Pro Abundant Life ministry providing compassion, hope, and help to women and men at risk for abortion.

Books By Roland Warren Bad Dads of the Bible: 8 Mistakes Every Good Dad Can Avoid Raising Sons of Promise: A Guide for Single Mothers of Boys The Alternative to Abortion: Why We Must be Pro Abundant Life

Learn more about Care Net: https://care-net.org/

In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Mike Mercer, founder of Compassion First, a Christian relief and development organization focused on anti-trafficking work in Indonesia. They discuss the complexities of trafficking in Indonesia, the impact of Compassion First's initiatives, and Mike's personal journey into nonprofit leadership. The conversation highlights the importance of community engagement, the challenges of fundraising, and the transformative stories of individuals impacted by their work. Mike shares insights on humility, the role of faith in nonprofit work, and offers resources for those looking to understand and combat trafficking.

Links https://www.compassionfirst.org/ https://safetycompass.org/

Book A Crime So Monstrous, by E. Benjamin Skinner

In this engaging podcast episode, Brad Layland interviews Phoebe Miles, the founder and board chair of the Cade Museum, which honors her father's legacy as the inventor of Gatorade. Phoebe shares the inspiring story of how the Cade Museum was established in Gainesville, Florida, and its mission to foster a culture of inventiveness among the younger generation. She discusses her father's journey from being a kidney doctor to creating Gatorade, emphasizing the importance of viewing problems as opportunities for innovation. The conversation delves into the concept of 'inventivity,' a term coined to encapsulate the spirit of creativity and problem-solving that the museum aims to instill in children.

Book Recommendations The Brain That Changes Itself( Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science), By Norman Doidbe

Cade Museum https://cademuseum.org/

In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Andy Cook, the executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. They discuss the center's mission to equip believers for evangelism, the challenges churches face in growing their congregations, and the importance of building a culture of evangelism within local churches. Andy shares his journey to leadership, the impact of partnerships and fundraising strategies, and highlights significant moments of God's faithfulness in their work. The conversation concludes with book recommendations and insights on connecting churches to valuable resources.

Books Mentioned Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham, by Don Wilton (Brad mentioned) You Found Me: New Research on How Unchurched Nones, Millennials, and Irreligious Are Surprisingly Open to Christian Faith, by Rick Richardson Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, by Esau McCaulley

Wheaton College Billy Graham Center https://wheatonbillygraham.com/

In this episode, Brad Layland is joined by Jamie Sellers in his annual Year End Appeals episode. In this episode, he evaluates the year-end appeals he received last year. We learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of this facet of fund raising as well as some thoughts about target audience and follow up.

www.thefocusgroup.com

In this conversation, Brad and Patrick McDonald discuss the founding and mission of OpenWell, an organization dedicated to supporting mission entrepreneurs. Patrick shares his journey from founding Viva, an organization that helps children in Latin America, to creating OpenWell, which focuses on empowering others to succeed in their mission work. They explore the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and the potential for revival in Europe through collaborative efforts. Patrick emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for a model that aligns resources with specific mission imperatives.

Recommended Book: The Cloud, The Night, The Fire and the Song: With the Mystics in the School of Prayer by Charlie Cleverly

Link: https://openwell.co/

In this conversation, Brad and Doug Gehman, President of Globe International, discuss Doug's extensive experience with Globe, a mission sending agency, and the importance of member care for missionaries. They share personal stories of collaboration, the impact of training on fundraising, and Doug's book on perseverance. Doug emphasizes the significance of community, the challenges of fundraising, and the transformative power of education and experience in ministry.

Links https://www.douggehman.com https://globeintl.org

Books A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, Noa Tishby Before You Quit, by Doug Gehman

In this episode Brad Layland interviews James Winans, CEO of the Bowery Mission, discussing his journey from intern to CEO, the mission's response to homelessness in New York City, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. They explore the importance of community, the role of faith in leadership, and effective fundraising strategies. James shares insights on balancing family and work, the need for collaboration in fundraising, and the vision for the future of the Bowery Mission.

The Bowery Mission https://www.bowery.org/

Book Recommendation The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America, by Russell Shorto

Brad's Marathon Link https://my.bowery.org/fundraiser/6464857