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David Hazell was raised in a religious home, but his relationship with Jesus truly began in the Jesus Revolution in the 1970s. With a mindset of radical obedience, David felt called into an adventure with God and moved his family to Siberia to help with Bible translation. During his time on the mission field, he was awakened to the power of business to fuel the work being done.
Since then, David has launched many successful businesses, generating millions to fuel gospel work around the world, all while continuing to live in a modest mobile home with his wife. David has much to share on obeying the voice of the Spirit, wisdom in stewarding God’s money, and the importance of walking out your unique calling.
Major Topics Include:
David’s story of redemption and callingHow he went from Bible translation into the business worldA mindset of whole-life stewardshipPractice obeying the Spirit’s voice by responding to little nudgesSpirit-led investing with God’s moneyStories from the mission field of using businesses to reach people with the gospelQUOTES TO REMEMBER“When we start to see God’s mercy and His love, we want to be with Him every day.”“We set our lives up to give more than 50% away, even before we knew we could.”“When you give your life to Christ, you’re giving Him all aspects of your life, and you become a steward of everything you have.”“Nothing we own, nothing we have, nothing that belongs to us doesn’t belong to God.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWWild at Heart by John EldridgeWycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)My Father’s WorldThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWEphesians 2:10 | His Workmanship
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Ed Michaelson, founder of The 500k, was raised in the UK by parents who regaled him with adventurous tales of missionaries for his bedtime stories. As he grew in his relationship with Jesus, he became inspired to become a physician to serve on the mission field. But after a trip to India, Ed realized that his greatest capacity to move the gospel was to empower native missionaries who were already reaching the unreached in that region.
Ed founded the 500k as a pipeline to connect givers in the West with rapidly expanding indigenous church planting movements in India seeking to reach the remaining 500,000 villages that have never heard the name of Jesus. Now with thirteen Bible training centers, over 1,000 missionaries, evangelism training for new Believers, and collaboration with other ministries, this goal is closer than ever to becoming a reality.
Major Topic Include:
Story of how 500K was bornThe necessity and effectiveness of indigenous missionariesThe balance between earning to live and earning to giveStories from the mission fieldTraining new Believers to share the gospelCollaborating with other ministries to further the gospel in India Keys to effective giving in the mission spaceAn exciting look at what can be achieved in fulfilling the Great Commission in the next few yearsThe adventure of giving to the point of total dependence on GodQUOTES TO REMEMBER“The thought that people aren’t being sent to unreached villages because of a lack of money is crazy to me because that’s a resource that we do have. And it’s really encouraging because that’s a problem I can easily help with.”“Forty percent of all the world’s unreached people are in India.”“There is no treasure that compares to knowing Jesus Christ as Lord”“If you don’t want Jesus, that’s your choice, but everyone should have that choice.”“It puts the things that we call sacrifices into perspective when we see people putting their health, their lives, on the line to share the gospel.”“Everyday can be like Christmas when we’re depending on the Lord.”LINKS FROM THE SHOW500kJoshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner)Mission IndiaThe Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb)The Timothy Initiative (see our interview with CEO, Jared Nelms)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWPsalm 34:8 | Taste and See
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
1 Peter 1:18-19 | Redeemed by the Blood
Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.
Matthew 18:6 | Guarding God’s Little Ones
But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea.
Luke 12:33 | Eternal Treasure
Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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Cherise Vermeulen, Executive Director of Generous Generations, had several childhood experiences that radically impacted her faith and her understanding of generosity. At the age of six, she woke from a coma following a severe car accident, where she felt the healing touch of prayer. This life-altering event left her with visible scars, but it also prompted her to explore her identity in Christ and discover her intrinsic value. Later, as the recipient of an incredibly generous gift, Cherise came to recognize the immense impact of generosity in changing the course of someone’s life.
Through these experiences and Cherise’s background in children’s educational television, God laid the foundations for Generous Generations, which now provides generosity programming, videos, and content for children and youth across 26 different countries. By collaborating with localized ministries and training local leaders, Generous Generations has reached millions of children with the message of generosity in a culturally contextualized way.
Major Topics Include:
The amazing story of how Generous Generations was bornDifferent strategies for teaching children to young adults about generosityCollaboration as a central strategy for sharing the programHow Generous Generations is affecting families and communitiesThe challenge of contextualizing stories and examples to share generosity concepts with different culturesTips for families to incorporate generosity into the daily lives of their childrenQUOTES TO REMEMBER“Even in times of need, it’s not about what you can get, it’s about what you can give.”“I used to think you had to have a lot in order to give.”“Let’s decide how much we want to give and let God work out the details.”“Generosity is transformational. Why do we wait until we’re grownups before we learn about these beautiful values?”“Children learn quickly because they’re not afraid to fail.”“Teenagers need to feel like they have a voice and a role to play in deciding how to give.”“We want children under the age of twelve to begin to understand that generosity is an adventure.”“With the great wealth transfer being underway, we have the opportunity to speak to children and youth now to instill these biblical values of generosity and stewardship into their lives so that by the time they reach adulthood, they will be able to make huge decisions about how money is spent.”“When a child discovers the joy of giving, it’s not a duty to them or something that they have to do, it’s something they get to do. And the joy is contagious!”“Generosity is a new way to spread the gospel because it’s a universal language. It’s a concept that’s understood across cultures.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWGenerous GenerationsJourney to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)Scripture UnionGlobal Children’s ForumThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWPhilippians 4:8 | Think on These Things
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Scott Cheatham, CEO of e3 Partners and I Am Second, was raised in a Christian, entrepreneurial family in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scott started off in the business world as a successful entrepreneur living the American dream. But God got his attention in a powerful way, and led him to sell it all without knowing where God was taking him next. Through baby steps of radical obedience, God led his family to the nations to plant churches in one of the darkest places in the world.
Today, Scott’s business expertise and church planting experience have come together as he leads e3’s church planting network across over 100 countries. Scott is also closely involved with the Coalition of the Willing, a massive coordination effort among church planting organizations to see the gospel reach every person and village.
Major topics include:
Scott’s inspiring story of radical obedience to GodMaturing a church plant into a healthy churchBuilding accountability structures in church plantsTips for telling your story and sharing the gospelCollaboration between church planting organizations to advance the gospelQUOTES TO REMEMBER“The more obedient we were to Jesus, the more we were prompted to want to do more.”“We have a mission statement for our family and it’s simply this: Lord, help us to leverage every give, talent, and resource You have given us for the full extent of Your glory.”“Our life with Jesus is just baby steps of incremental obedience.”“We should be asking, ‘Lord, open our minds and our hearts to the opportunities that we have in front of us to have spiritual conversations.’”“There’s not power in your words. There’s power in Jesus’ words.”“God’s the one who does the work.”“When we speak the truth in love, God does the work.”“All God is asking for us is the simplicity of obedience.”“God is setting the world’s stage for hope in Jesus.”“Ask yourself, ‘Where am I investing in lostness?’”LINKS FROM THE SHOWE3 PartnersI Am SecondCoalition of the WillingThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWActs 2:43-47 | The New Testament Church
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Leigh Ann Horton grew up in a Christian home where open conversations about money and stewardship shaped her perspective on finances and faith. Her natural talent for numbers guided her career as a CPA and entrepreneur, while also influencing her early approach to generosity. Initially meticulous in tracking her giving, Leigh Ann’s journey has since evolved into one of holding resources with open hands and following the Spirit’s leading in both her businesses and giving.
A turning point came when Leigh Ann and her husband connected with a community of like-minded givers, leading to a transformative shift toward heartfelt, Spirit-led generosity. Today, Leigh Ann is passionate about empowering women to engage in meaningful conversations about money and giving. Her inspiring stories radiate the joy and fulfillment that come from embracing a generous life.
Major Topics Include:
From “tickled-tithing” to joyful generosityThe transformative power of community in generosityFinding freedom from comparison and cultivating joyGrowing as a couple in Spirit-led givingEquipping and inspiring women in financial conversationsUnderstanding and measuring impact investingQuotes to Remember“When I realized that I was being legalistic in my giving, I quit trying to measure everything and tried to become more freehanded in it.”“It doesn’t matter what I have because it’s not mine; I’m just a steward.”“As you know what your purpose is, then you can figure out where your passions align.”“Start where you are, even if you’ve only given a tiny bit before. You can start anytime to be generous with your time, your treasure, or your talent. It all matters.”“If you want to start being more generous, you have to start with acts of generosity.”Links from the ShowJ4 LeadersJulie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)Talanton Faith Driven InvestorSolving the World’s Greatest ProblemsJourney to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBible References from the ShowMalachi 3:10 | “Test Me in This…”
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.
We Want to Hear from You!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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Barry and Linda Rowan, a corporate executive and a CPA, were both raised in environments that emphasized faith, family, and the pursuit of financial success. By their late 20s, they had each established successful careers; however, they found themselves in a crisis as they sought meaning in their work. In their quest for purpose, they were brought to a position of total spiritual surrender. Through a series of paradigm shifts, they learned from God how to integrate their faith, generosity, and professions, ultimately creating a harmonious blend of work and spirituality.
Barry has served as CEO and CFO of eight major companies over his career and sees business as an expression of faith when walking in step with God. Together Barry and Linda set a finish line early in their marriage which has guided their generosity since, and they are passionate about raising up the next generation of givers and Christ-following leaders to view all that they are, all that they do, and all they have to give as belonging fully to God.
Major topics include:
Discovering what purpose and calling looked like in their faith journeysDeveloping a biblical view of money and stewardship in their early 20sViewing money as a gift to be shared, not a goal to be achievedAmazing stories about seeing God triumph greatly through failureInvesting in spiritual disciplinesPowerful insights on prayerWhat businesses and ministries can learn from each otherHow to pass leadership and generosity on to the next generationQUOTES TO REMEMBER“I was trying to derive meaning from the work instead of bringing meaning to the work. It’s really God’s perspective of the work that infuses our work with meaning.” – Barry“If we haven’t figured out how much is enough, we are by default lovers of money.” – Barry “We stay in prayer until God unites our hearts in decisions.” – Linda“We’ve never made a major financial decision or contribution without coming to a consensus. And the process of talking through it is often as valuable as the end decision.” – Barry“Prayer is an anchor.” – Linda“If we give God the time to speak to us, then He will meet us right where we are. God is the Great I Am, and I must meet Him just as I am.” – Barry“We are made for the benefit of others.” – Barry“Nothing is wasted in God’s hands when we offer it with open palms.” – Linda“God is inviting us to live an integrated life under Him, and as we do, our work is not something that stands in the way of faith, but rather an expression of faith.” – Barry“It starts with surrender.” – Barry“At this stage in our lives, we have nothing to prove, we have nothing to fear, and we view our lives as an act of total generosity.” – BarryLINKS FROM THE SHOWGod and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines)The Spiritual Art of Business by Barry RowanWorld VisionThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWColossians 1:27 | The Hope of Glory
To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Ecclesiastes 5:10 | The Love of Money
He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 | The Gift of Enjoying Wealth
Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.
Luke 12:48b | An Expected Return
Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
Luke 14:33 | Full Surrender
So therefore, any one of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple.
Jeremiah 29:11 | Plans for Your Good
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Mark 10:18 | Only the Father Is Good
And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.
Galatians 2:10 | Remember the Poor
Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Acts 28:31 | Teaching with Boldness
[Paul lived] proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Dawn Hynes Esposito—entrepreneur, business owner, and author—always aspired to become a corporate executive, and her journey seemed to be right on track as she climbed the ranks within a Fortune 500 company. Yet, despite reaching the heights of her career dreams, Dawn realized she was missing a deeper sense of fulfillment. That’s when God captured her attention.
In a profound moment of transformation, Dawn fully rededicated her life to Christ, embracing the gospel with a renewed passion and a heart for bold witness. Since that time, she has devoted her time, talents, and resources to spreading the gospel as widely as possible, witnessing God’s powerful work in the lives of others. Dawn brings valuable insights into integrating faith and profession, offering inspiration on being creatively generous with all that God has abundantly provided.
Major topics include:
Dawn’s inspiring journey into a life of full surrender to GodGrowing in boldness with evangelismGenerosity as a form of worshipFollowing the Spirit into starting her businesses to build the KingdomHow she and her husband hear from the Holy Spirit to make decisionsDawn’s faith journey in writing her bookLeveraging your profession to build the Kingdom of GodQUOTES TO REMEMBER“Evangelism is like building a muscle. The more you do it, the more comfortable you become speaking about faith with co-workers and friends. And then you start to get a supernatural boldness.”“Financial generosity is a natural outgrowth of understanding how Christ freely gave all. And there’s nothing we can give in return except our lives, our heart, our talents, and our treasure. It’s really just a form of worshiping the King.”“Whatever we give, God gives back to us in multiples.”“The Lord prompts us to do things that don’t make sense to the natural mind, and as we submit to Him and follow His leading even though we don’t know where He’s going, He just blows our mind with the outcome.”“Our’s is to act obediently; His is the outcome and the results.”“Through our minute generosity, God has demonstrated His great generosity in blessing us so that we can be a greater blessing.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWGod of My Every Day by Dawn Hynes EspositoCampus Crusade (Cru)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWZechariah 4:6 | By My Spirit
Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.
Isaiah 58:10-11 | God Is Generous with Those Who Are Generous
If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Micheline Ouedraogo, founder of Bridges to Burkina, grew up in a missionary family in West Africa with few resources. She learned from a young age what it looks like to completely depend on God for provision and guidance. While attending college in the US, she felt a call from the Holy Spirit to sponsor education for a handful of orphans in her home country, and despite her minimum-wage income, she stepped out in faith and obeyed. What began as a humble expression of generosity has bloomed into an amazing ministry.
Micheline’s inspiring dedication to live a life of submission and obedience to the voice of the Holy Spirit led her from one divine connection to another, and Bridges to Burkina was born. Now, Bridges to Burkina works with rural villages in Burkina Faso, Africa, combating poverty by training locals to use agriculture and livestock to create sustainable businesses, as well as providing education for their children.
Major topics include:
Choosing to obey God when it doesn’t make senseListening for the voice of the Holy Spirit in life and generosityBreaking the poverty cycle through education and business trainingBalancing a full-time career with serving in the ministryMicheline’s vision for growth in Bridges to BurkinaQUOTES TO REMEMBER“I’d rather take a risk and obey God than stay put and try to protect myself.”“I don’t want to just fix the today-problem and leave you with the tomorrow problem. What God has put on my heart is for transforming lives for today and the future.”“Everything we do has to be led by love. Then God will open the door for things to happen.”“I don’t want to do what I want to do, I want to do what you want me to do.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWBridges to Burkina The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWThe Book of Esther
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Actress Whitney Goin was raised in Orlando, Florida, immersed in a community, church, and family that modeled generosity as a way of life. Her father, a powerful influence, shaped her understanding of giving as a deeply relational commitment, leaving a profound legacy in his community through his wholehearted generosity. After his passing, Whitney felt compelled to pursue her own distinct path, discovering how to express generosity in a way that truly resonated with her.
A meaningful connection with our guest co-host, Julie Wilson, led Whitney to find a welcoming community in Women Doing Well—a network of faith-driven, generous women. This supportive circle helped her reignite her sense of purpose in giving, as she uncovered God’s unique design for her generosity journey. Now, Whitney uses her passion for acting and theater to inspire others, encouraging them to embrace their own distinctive calling to generosity in alignment with their purpose and passions.
Major topics include:
Her father’s generosity legacyLearning how God designed you to giveFollowing the voice of the Holy Spirit with joyThe blessing and tension of freedom from comparison in generosityHow to know and walk in your purposeIndividuality and diversity within the Body of ChristFreedom in spontaneous generosityQUOTES TO REMEMBER“God does not ask us to give of ourselves until He fills us to overflowing with what He’s asking us to give.”“I started realizing just how unique and special and diverse we all are, not only with how we give and where we give, but in the way we were created uniquely to give.”“I’m now on fire with joy! It’s truly an overflow rather than trying to scrap for a little energy to be generous.”“So much of our walk with the Lord is having the vulnerability to really get to know ourselves and let Him show us who we are. Stop trying to be who you think you’re supposed to be so you can truly be the hands and feet He’s created you to be.”“I pray everyday, ‘Compel me or constrain me according to Your will.’”“I don’t need to be any bigger than the influence He’s put right before me.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWJulie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman)A Land Remembered by Patrick D. SmithThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWMatthew 11:30 | Easy and Light
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
2 Corinthians 9:7 | A Cheerful Giver
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Psalm 31:7-8 | A Broad Place
I will rejoice and be glad in your steadfast love, because you have seen my affliction; you have known the distress of my soul, and you have not delivered me into the hand of the enemy; you have set my feet in a broad place.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Bruce Hildenbrand, raised as a pastor’s kid in rural Michigan, learned early on to rely on God for everything. So, when he faced uncertainty about his college major, he encountered the Holy Spirit in a powerful way, guiding him into the business world with one condition: that Bruce would dedicate all of it back to God.
Since then, Bruce has become a serial entrepreneur with a 35-year passion for operating from a profound relationship with God. His journey is one of steadfast obedience, producing abundant fruit for the Kingdom. He fully dedicates his talents, resources, and business endeavors to glorify God. Bruce brings valuable insights into recognizing the voice of the Holy Spirit in business, practicing generosity, and investing in eternity.
Major topics include:
Bruce’s supernatural encounter in the middle of a business lectureThe necessity of a relationship with the Father as a businesspersonGod’s view of wealth vs. the pharisaical viewFocusing on EROI (Eternal Return on Investment)The heart posture of a generous giverKeys to hearing from the Holy SpiritHow you can start serving your community todayQUOTES TO REMEMBER“You can’t do anything if you don’t have a relationship with the Father.”“If you are going to exercise spiritual gifts, you need God’s protection because you will be under spiritual attack.”“God, don’t prosper my bank account before You prosper my soul.”“God wants all the credit. He wants you to say, ‘God, You get all the credit for everything I do.’”“Riches are not the divine approval for your life.”“You can fool man, but you can’t fool God.”“Don’t violate God’s principles and expect Him to prosper your business.”“A relationship with God must be consistent, persistent, and tenacious.”“God’s first definition of a generous giver was a poor widow.”“It’s not about how much we give, it’s about our heart condition.”“Write the check and get out of the way. Let the Holy Spirit to His work.”“As a businessman, if you really understood the Bible and you really understood where you’re going to end up forever, you would be plowing every dime that you have into your eternal account.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWTreasures in Heaven, Part 1 by John MacArthur (YouTube Video)Treasures in Heaven, Part 2 by John MacArthur (YouTube Video)YouVersionThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWDeuteronomy 8:17-18 | God Gives Wealth
Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.
Isaiah 48:17 | God Teaches How to Profit
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the LORD your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you in the way you should go.
John 15:5 | Abide in the Vine
I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Proverbs 18:11 | Strong City, High Wall
A rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his imagination.
Proverbs 23:4 | Don’t Toil
Do not toil to acquire wealth; be discerning enough to desist.
Proverbs 10:22 | Riches with No Sorrow
The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.
Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasure in Heaven
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Mark 12:41-44 | The Widow’s Offering
Matt 6:3 | Giving in Secret
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Zenet Maramara is the founder and president of Christian Stewards in the Philippines. After Zenet became a born-again Christian in her thirties, she enrolled at a seminary where she stepped into a fundraising role. Wanting to master the art of fundraising, Zenet attended Regent University and there experienced a “second conversion” into biblical stewardship, understanding the principles of managing God’s money for His Kingdom purposes in a way that is transformational to the giver, not just transactional.
Zenet became passionate about advancing biblical stewardship education and has since built a multi-dimensional platform to empower the Filipino Church with generosity champions across the realms of business, ministry, and the local church. Christian Stewards has become a beacon of generosity in the Philippines and beyond, and Zenet had much wisdom to share.
Major topics include:
How Christian Stewards beganThe difference between transactional and transformational fundraisingArticulating your theology in fundraising and stewardshipIntentional integration of generosity and discipleship trainingEmpowering business owners to share the gospel by integrating business and faithSteward-leadership theologyCore beliefs for a conversion as a biblical stewardThe blessing and challenge of collaborationQUOTES TO REMEMBER“Whose money are you fundraising? Isn’t it all God’s money?”“It’s not just about money. It’s about the heart.” “Giving is a barometer for our spiritual condition, and money is a great way to test if we are fully surrendered to God.”“Fundraising is as spiritual as giving a sermon, a prayer, or going on a mission because you’re helping people understand who they are and how to relate with the resources that God has entrusted to them.”“My vision is that every one of the 92,000 evangelical churches in the Philippines would have at least one generosity champion who will coordinate the teaching of generosity in their church.”“Business is the new ‘Roman Road’ for the Gospel because we’re in the marketplace more than we’re in the church on Sunday.”“The steward-leader theology and practice is an upside-down leadership. Most leaders have the power, but a steward-leader shares the power, shares privilege, and shares in the purpose of the organization or company.”“If we hold lightly the material things that God has entrusted to us, then it is easier for us to listen to God when He calls us to move that resource to where it is most needed.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWChristian StewardsThe Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri NouwenJourney to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)Stations of Generosity from the MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines)Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson)Faith Driven EntrepreneurRooting for Rivals (see our interview with author Peter Greer)Lausanne MovementThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Helen Schmid was very young when her family immigrated from China to the US with their eyes set on the American dream. She strove to be the best that she could be in all that she did to earn her place in life. Coming to faith as a student at New York University, Helen began to understand that her salvation was based on faith, not works.
For over a decade, Helen led high-growth marketing teams at Walmart, Amazon, and L’Oreal. But in 2020, Helen and her husband felt dissatisfied with climbing the corporate ladder and were drawn to engage in purposeful, Kingdom-building work. They set a financial finish line and began to learn what generosity looked like, not only in finances, but with their skillsets and in all facets of their life.
Today, Helen is the founder of My Strategy Mentor, a successful marketing and growth consulting firm that works heavily with ministries and businesses to equip missional, faith-driven leaders so that they can grow their organizations confidently and strategically. She also serves as a board member for Women Doing Well with our special guest co-host, Julie Wilson. Helen has much to share about meaningful work, a holistic approach to generosity, and the joy of living a life surrendered to God.
Major topics include:
Discovering a counter-cultural faith in her early twentiesHer journey from financial generosity to whole life generosityFinding purposeful work beyond the corporate ladderMaking generosity about glorifying God, not performanceHow she encourages her children in generosityNavigating when generosity feels difficultThe impact of serving as a board member at Women Doing WellQUOTES TO REMEMBER“If God owns my whole life, as in my possessions, my time, and my treasure, I need to understand what that means in terms of what I have to give.”“What might God have for me beyond climbing the corporate ladder?”“Understanding biblical stewardship and generosity has given me a shift in mindset and values where success no longer looks like more.”“The more we surrender, the more we see the goodness and the faithfulness of God, and that allows us to then take more risks.”“We think of generosity as partnering with God to serve His Kingdom and make an outward impact.”“I don’t really view myself as a generous person. That feels like an achievement or a trophy. I just feel like I’m learning the boundaries God has for me, and I’m learning to listen and trust in Him more.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWMy Strategy MentorJulie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here)Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)The Money Wise Adventures For Kids by Concepta Akinyi Otieno, Gabriela Awino Otieno, and Daniella Aloo OtienoThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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An affluent family with multiple homes and a successful business, Bruce and Sue Osterink were living the American dream. But God used one trip to Russia in the early nineties to begin a cascade of events that would bring a dramatic shift in their lives. The Osterinks began to hear a calling to simplify their lives and belongings so that they could be available to love others and be generous with their money, their time, and their relationships.
Over the last thirty years, Bruce and Sue have taken some radical steps of faith and obedience that have led to some amazing stories. They are no stranger to suffering, and their journeys have impacted countless college students, young couples, and givers of many kinds. You won’t want to miss all they had to share!
Major topics include:
Setting a financial finish lineLearning to be available to love othersLiving simply to give generouslyImportant lessons from serving as house parents to college studentsMaking big decisions in radical obedience to GodThe relationship between generosity and faithQUOTES TO REMEMBERBruce: “What God needs is people who are available to love others.”Bruce: “Our generosity started with our money, but as we began to understand what God was calling us to more and more, we understood that it wasn’t just our money. It was our time, it was our life. It wasn’t only what we gave away, but what we did with what God allowed us to hold on to.”Bruce: “Unity isn’t compromise, it’s finding what God wants for us.”Bruce: “It’s been interesting to be able to look back and see that had we made a plan, we would have had nothing in our plan of what was God’s plan.”Sue: “Why say ‘no?’ That’s kind of our philosophy. We tend to say ‘yes,’ very seldom say ‘no,’ as long as we feel it’s a good investment in the Kingdom.Bruce: “We would much rather give our money away than spend it.”Sue: “Pick your lifestyle before you make any money.”Bruce: “Pray about your lifestyle. And whatever lifestyle God calls you to, you don’t change it because you get a raise. You change it when God tells you to.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWThe Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)Young LifeGenerous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWActs 4:32 | Unity Among Brethren
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Christopher Beth, founder of The Bucket Ministry, spent most of his life as a business consultant and thought he would retire from that line of work. But a radical encounter with God deep in the Amazon turned his life upside down and from that experience, The Bucket Ministry was born. The Bucket Ministry widely disperses water filters and the gospel all around the world using an advanced digital mapping platform to guide their work.
The mission of The Bucket Ministry is to share God’s love through the gift of safe, clean, drinking water. While The Bucket Ministry started out in the Brazilian Amazon, it is now actively evangelizing and providing water filters all over the globe. Christopher has an incredible story as well as lots of great advice on effective ministry and data tracking. You won’t want to miss what he had to share!
Major topics include:
The impactful story of how The Bucket Ministry beganStartling statistics about drinking water access throughout the worldWater filtration as a vehicle to practically share the gospelTransitioning from business to ministryNavigating the tension between profession and callingLeveraging technology for ministry management and accountabilityChristopher’s vision for scaling to reach more people faster in the next five yearsQUOTES TO REMEMBER“I had no idea that at the age of 56, I would think more about fishing for men than fishing for fish.”“The water in my toilet bowl is cleaner than 785 million people have access to around the world.”“Our focal points are Jesus, water, and discipleship. We don’t do anything else.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWThe Bucket MinistryJoshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner)SawyerJesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWActs 4:13 | God Uses Common Men
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Aimee Minnich is co-founder of the Impact Foundation, a donor-advised fund platform that enables givers to invest in world-changing companies with social, environmental, and spiritual impact. Aimee began her career in law followed by years of experience in the donor-advised fund space with the National Christian Foundation before eventually launching the Impact Foundation to enable streamlined impact investing with charitable dollars.
Aimee has been a central pillar in the impact investing space as it has rapidly grown over the last decade. She has a solid foundation in the full scope of what is available today as well as where impact investing is headed in the next 10 years. You won’t want to miss this one.
Major topics include:
A primer on impact investingThe story of the Impact FoundationDifferences between impact investing strategy and traditional investingRisk vs impact in the context of investingMeasuring success in impact investingThe interplay between inputs, outputs, and outcomesThe future of impact investingQUOTES TO REMEMBER“The God of the universe is glorified when you and I are functioning at our best.”“God created us to be generous because He is generous.”“To be truly generous, you have to know God well.”“Business people can be used for more in the Kingdom of God than just giving money away.”“The currency of the kingdom of God is relationships.”“The right way to handle risk starts with ‘OK, God. What I have is yours. How would you lead us to steward this for your glory and the good of your people?’ And then go from there.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWImpact FoundationGet Started with Impact FoundationK LifeWhen Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert)God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines)The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)Heaven by Randy Alcorn (see our past interview here)Bill High, Legacy Advisor and founder of The Signatry (see our past interview here)National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)Faith Driven InvestorFaith Driven EntrepreneurPraxis Mutual FundsEventideThe ChosenHope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer)Best Christian WorkplacesLaunch Capital PartnersFaith at Work MovementIn the Name of Jesus by Henri NouwenThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWJohn 13:3-16 | Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet
Isaiah 30:21 | Step-By-Step Obedience
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.
1 Corinthians 3:6 | Doing Your Part
I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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JD Bauman is the Director of Effective Altruism for Christians (EACH) and founder of Christians for Impact. Born to missionary parents, JD was rooted in a Christian upbringing that emphasized the importance of generosity to see real change throughout the world for the Kingdom of God.
JD provides insightful perspectives on the principles of effective giving and the practical implications for believers who seek to harness their resources for maximum impact, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and how the ITN (Importance, Tractability, Neglectedness) framework can help individuals prioritize their charitable efforts, guiding them to tackle the most pressing issues in society effectively.
Major topics include:
Understanding effective altruismChristian perspectives on altruismCore frameworks for effective givingBalancing physical and spiritual needsPractical steps for giving effectivelyThe role of spontaneous givingConsidering the local church, global Church, and future Church in effective givingThinking about global problems with the ITN framework (importance, tractability, and neglectedness)Recommended charity evaluatorsInfluencing others through generosityHelping people pursue meaningful careers through Christian for ImpactQUOTES TO REMEMBER“I didn’t love economics, but I studied economics because I thought I could earn more money with an economics degree and give more money away.”“Effective Altruism is this idea: Use evidence and reason to find the best ways to do good, and then to take action on the basis.”“I want to love those God loves and I think God loves everyone, and when we’re more effective, we can help more people made in God’s image.”“Outcomes matter, good intentions aren’t enough.”“Jesus cares about the body and the soul. And we should too.”“I think we have really good reasons for thinking that a dollar goes a lot further globally. And if people gathering in Jesus’ name in West Bengal is just as important as them gathering in North Bethesda, then I think we should honor those faith communities equally. And I think we can, on average, promote a lot more growth in church communities globally than locally for the same dollar.”“All problems can be categorized by Importance, tractability, and neglectedness.”“If we want our charity to make a real impact in the real world, we need to be giving in ways that create a world that’s better than it otherwise would have been, that bring the kingdom of God into this world where otherwise it might have been broken.”“Let’s make it a new normal in the Church to give radically and effectively.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWEffective Altruism for ChristiansChristians for ImpactOperation MobilizationWycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)Society of Christian PhilosophersBlessBig.org (see our interview with founder Jay Dykstra)When Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert)GiveWellHappier Lives InstitutesAnimal Charity EvaluatorsCharity NavigatorROI Ministry (see our interview with founder, Tim Barker)All Access International (see our interview with founder, Lane Kipp)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWMatthew 6:28-30 | God Will Take Care of You
And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Matthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents
Matthew 13:23 | Bearing Fruit
As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.
John 10:10 | Abundant Life
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Dana and Bill Wichterman have a long history of generosity. From the onset of their marriage, Dana and Bill have practiced financial stewardship, always living below their means. Even in a one bedroom apartment with no vehicle to drive, they budgeted a specific amount they could use for spontaneous generosity, and trained their children in Spirit-led giving.
Their collective backgrounds in missions, politics, and poverty alleviation have given them a passion for impact investing, allowing God to use their money to see real change in the world. Recently the Wichtermans reached their net worth finish line, recognizing that they need nothing else for themselves. Yet the joy of giving drives them to continue in their careers simply to have more to fuel God’s Kingdom. Dana is a senior advisor to the Impact Foundation, and she and Bill had some amazing insights to share about giving, stewardship, investing, and the importance of Christian community in the generosity space.
Major topics include:
Their unique backgrounds and stories of coming to faithHow they learned financial stewardshipThinking through an accumulation finish line vs. an income finish lineA long term view of maximized generosityBudgeting in view of their callings together and individualWhat is impact investing and how they got involved How to look for impact an returns in your portfolioStrategically praying for your investments to change the world and bless peopleThe blessing of community among Christians stewarding financesThe importance of hearing other people’s storiesQUOTES TO REMEMBERBill: “The more you understand the nature of the Gospel and its implications for your life, the more you get the implications of generosity.”Dana: “Once we set a finish line, I entered into an abundance mindset.”Dana: “Now that we’ve reached our finish line, it makes our work that much more joyful. Now it’s like why would we ever want to retire? We want to keep generating this amount so that we can give.”Bill: “It’s so fun to help change the world with your money!”Dana: “You have your Holy Spirit radar up for needs that you couldn’t possibly anticipate, but you know you have to cash to give to that when it comes.”Dana: “We can’t meet every need around us, but there are certain needs that have our name on it. And when our name’s on it and then God provides, there’s such a joy with that.”Bill: “Most of the time, you possibility for world change is greater with for-profits, especially in poverty alleviation.”Dana: “I believe that God made us all in His image to be creators. We’re either builders or backers, founders or funders. So if we’re all doing what God calls us to, the success of it isn’t so much on us. It’s the faithfulness that’s important.”Dana: “It’s to God’s glory that He’s transforming us from selfish, self-absorbed individuals into more of the Family likeness which is more and more generous.”Bill: “What do we have to boast about? We’re only giving what we’ve already been given.”Dana: “Sacrificial giving can actually become very joyful over time because it has become part of your DNA as God is transforming you, and then it doesn’t feel sacrificial anymore. His burden becomes light, but only over time.”Dana: “One person’s generosity doesn’t have to look like another person’s.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWImpact FoundationCrown Financial MinistriesNoble Story Co.Sunshine Nut Co.Scatter by Andrew ScottOperation MobilizationThe Steward Investor MasterclassThe GatheringNational Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman)Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)The Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWMatthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents
2 Corinthians 9:7 | A Cheerful Giver
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Bill High was brought up in a low-income family in rural Missouri and came to know Jesus at a young age. His generosity journey began as a teenager, faithfully tithing on everything he earned. Bill started the first half of his career in law before leaving to launch what would later become The Signatry, a donor-advised fund platform that connects “donors with doers” tackling some of the world’s biggest problems.
Through his work with The Signatry, Bill developed a passion for seeing individual families united by a clear and driving mission and vision that reflects God’s particular calling for them. In recent years, Bill has focused much of his efforts on consulting for and guiding families stewarding wealth through some of these considerations, and he had many practical considerations to share.
Major topics include:
His personal and faith backgroundBill’s professional path from practicing law to funding urban ministryHow God started planting seeds of generosity in his heart as a childWhat he learned about encouraging generosity in individuals and familiesLooking biblically and practically at dealing with wealth transfers and family legaciesThe importance of defining your vision, mission, and values as a familyGuidance for families looking for a cause that aligns with their valuesQUOTES TO REMEMBER“We wanted to write the last check to reach the last missionary group to take the gospel to the last unreached people group.”“Generosity was just a part of the conversation.”“Family is meant to be a multi-generational endeavor.”“Family generosity is the easiest way to live our vision, mission, and values.”“Sometimes I equate this finish line idea with ‘who’s the owner, you or God?”“The number one thing that changed people’s generosity, typically, is when they understood the generosity of God along with the idea that God was the owner and they were not.”“If you don’t teach generational values, you get generational drift. ”“The biggest wealth transfer issue is to not transfer wealth consumption, but to transfer wealth creation.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWThe Signatry (see our interview with CEO, Steve French)Bill High’s WebsiteLegacy StoneThe Generosity Bet by Bill HighNational Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)The Ten Second Rule by Clare De GraafYoung Americans BankContact Bill High at [email protected] Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWProverbs 24:3-4 | Wisdom Builds a House
By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.
Genesis 15:5 | Like the Stars in Heaven
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Matthew 6:3 | Humility in Giving
But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,
Psalm 78:5-7 | Generational Faith
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments;
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC, and a New York Times best-selling author. Mark grew up in the Midwest in a home that fostered faith and faithfulness in giving. His generosity journey started at a young age with some significant acts of faith, and some of those decisions have rippled through the rest of his life in ministry. National Community Church is overflowing with stories of generosity and radical steps of faith that have enabled them to support a wide array of other ministries and churches.
Mark highlights the importance of celebrating generosity and pushing the envelope to increase levels of giving, both personally and as a church community. He shares personal stories of the impact of small acts of generosity, encourages flipping blessings for others, and emphasizes living with holy anticipation. Mark discusses managing blessings wisely and finding joy and purpose through generosity. Major topics include:
Mark’s personal and faith backgroundHow a failed church plant prepared him for 28 years of pastoring in DCThe role generosity has played in his personal life and in the churchFostering a church culture of generosityThe need for business-as-mission to fund Kingdom causesThe amazing story of Ebenezers CoffeeHouse, a business-as-mission coffee house on Capitol HillLearning to “Flip the Blessing”QUOTES TO REMEMBER“We make a few major decisions and we spend the rest of our life managing those decisions.”“In our hearts, we plan our course, but God orders our footsteps.”“If you do little things like they’re big things, God will do big things like they’re little things.”“I’m a big fan of long obedience in the same direction.”“If you stay humble and stay hungry, there is nothing God can’t do in and through you.”“If you aren’t faithful with the little things, you won’t be faithful with the big things.”“God owns the cattle on a thousand hills and He owns the hills, so we have this mindset that It’s all from God and it’s all for God.”“Every business is owned by somebody who has a worldview or a faith matrix of some sort. So for us, we’re going to allow our faith to inform how we show hospitality, how we create a business model.”“As long as we’re caring for the poor and giving to missions, I’m never worried about our bottom line. If you’re doing what is near and dear to the heart of God, I think God’s got your back.”“We’re going to inch our way to greater and greater levels of generosity.”“It’s kind of fun living life in a place where you save and you give and you give and you save and you save and you give, but you do it in a way that’s generous. And I think the Lord has a way of honoring that.”“God doesn’t raise our income to raise our standard of living, but to raise our standard of giving.”“Your generosity is someone else’s miracle.”“Flip the blessing.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWMark Batterson’s WebsiteNational Community ChurchDouble Blessing by Mark BattersonEbenezers CoffeeHouseThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWPsalm 50:10 | God Owns It All
For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills.
Jeremiah 29 | Bless the City
7 But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Matthew 10:16 | Pure and Wise
Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.
2 Corinthians 9:16 | The Cheerful Giver
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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WHAT WE’LL COVER
Jim Rasmussen was raised as a pastor’s kid in a Lutheran church in Georgia, and his faith solidified in college as he involved himself in ministries that affected transformational change in many lives. After graduating with an accounting degree, Jim was led to a job with Chick-fil-A, first in accounting and later advising franchise owners on how to run their businesses more efficiently.
Today, Jim is a financial advisor and the co-founder of Pandowealth, an advising firm that provides personal finance guidance to franchise owners and other Chick-fil-A staff to empower them to more purposeful living and giving. Jim is a passionate teacher with powerful insights on financial stewardship, Kingdom-building generosity, and trusting God with big steps of faith.
Major topics include:
His personal and faith backgroundHis 20-year experience working for Chick-fil-AHow God led him from accounting to financial planningTrusting God with crazy steps of faithDealing with common barriers to generosityCopying others vs. doing what you’re called to do with your resourcesDeciding how much is enoughTools and framework to develop a written generosity planQUOTES TO REMEMBER“I’m not somebody who can sit behind a desk all day just doing debits and credits. I got the accounting degree so I could learn how numbers work and how I could move up and have more impact and influence in the world with the things that God’s given me.”“If you look around, all the people that have joy are generous.”“How do I remove the obstacles to my generosity? If I can remove those, then I can be generous and experience more joy.”“The company is about, ‘We grow wealth to empower purposeful living and giving.’ What’s better than that?”“What have you been given gifts for that God wants you to accomplish? If you can look at your life plan, then you can develop a financial plan that helps you to accomplish that.”“Don’t just look through the lens of the financial, I want you to look through the lens of the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual as well. Sometimes, it’s ok to give up a little bit of the financial stewardship to improve your personhood of emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual stability.”“Our goal is for 80% of our clients to have a written generosity plan.”“I’m now working to give, not working to live.”LINKS FROM THE SHOWRonald Blue and Co. (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. KiyosakiThe Eternity Portfolio by Alan GotthardtCharityvest (see our interview with CEO Stephen Kump)Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)SwitchboardThe Finish Line Community Facebook GroupThe Finish Line Community LinkedIn GroupBIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOWLuke 12:16-21 | The Bigger Barns Parable
20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
1 Peter 4:10 | Stewarding God’s Gifts
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace:
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
- Visa fler
