Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast

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....

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 underst...

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 Nar...

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 Convers...

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 leaders...

Summary In 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 fun...

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...

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 highli...

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 fr...

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 an...

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 partnershi...

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,...

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...

In this conversation, Brad Voyles, the president of Covenant College, shares his journey to leadership, the distinctives of the college, and the importance of community and student experience. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, particularly in light of the recent Partners Campaign aimed at enhancing student enrollment and experience. The conversation also explores...

In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Justin Burkholder, the International Director of Team, a mission-sending organization with a rich history of over 135 years. They discuss the legacy of Team, the challenges of funding and measuring impact, and Justin's personal journey as a missionary kid. The conversation highlights success stories from the field, fut...

Have you ever wondered where our fundraising framework came from? In 2009, before Brad joined The FOCUS Group, he interviewed Bill Hautt, founder of The FOCUS Group. As you'll learn, Bill was a key thought leader in developing the Taking Donors Seriously (TDS) framework through his work with Young Life.  Some nuggets you won't want to miss: What's the biggest weakness in fundraising? What do we me...

In this episode, Brad interviews Daniel McCollum, CEO of Torrent Consulting and Torrent Impact Sourcing. They discuss Daniel's journey from a computer science graduate to a missionary in Russia, and then to Malawi, where he discovered the power of creating jobs as a form of ministry. Daniel shares how he started Torrent Impact Sourcing, focusing on providing meaningful employment opportunities to...

In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Katie Robertson, the founder of the Anchor Gathering, a women's outreach ministry aimed at encouraging women in their faith. Katie shares her personal journey, including the loss of her daughter, which inspired her to create a supportive community for women. The discussion covers the growth of the Anchor Gathering, the challenges of fundraising, and th...

In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Keith Nix, the head of Veritas School (Richmond, VA), discussing the school's transformation from a young startup to a thriving educational institution. They explore the challenges and successes of fundraising campaigns, the importance of building relationships with donors, and the personal impact of the school on families. Keith shares valuable insights on...

What can God do with seven students, four families, and a church basement? A whole lot. Head of School Courtney Palumbo shares how Regent School of Charlottesville grew from a one-room start to a 280-student campus—with significant moments along the way, including a miraculous 20-acre land acquisition and a $600,000 donation that started with a box of paper.  Website: https://regents-school.org Bo...

In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Steve Atkinson, CEO of The Bible Project, discussing the organization's mission to help people experience the Bible as a unified story that leads to Jesus. They explore Steve's journey from business to nonprofit leadership, the philosophy of generosity, and the innovative crowdfunding model that supports The Bible Project's mission. The conversation highlig...

Russ Gregg joins us to share the transformative journey of founding Hope Academy, a classical Christian school in Minneapolis that serves children living in poverty. Russ shares his personal story of faith and commitment to education, detailing the challenges faced in starting the school and the miraculous ways God provided resources and support. The discussion also covers the establishment of the...

Bryan Bademan didn't set out with a grand vision for Anselm House. When he joined the Christian study center at the University of Minnesota over 15 years ago, the ministry was struggling. It took five challenging years of dedicated effort just to achieve financial stability. However, as Bryan often notes, "God really loves the students and community at this university." This love has been demonstr...

In this conversation, Brad and Scott Brown discuss the mission and impact of Globe International, a unique mission-sending agency that empowers missionaries to pursue their individual callings. Scott shares his personal journey with Globe, the challenges faced in fundraising, and the transformative role of The FOCUS Group in enhancing their development efforts. They highlight success stories from...