The Finish Line Podcast
 

The Finish Line Podcast

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Kealan, a surgeon, and Cody, a financial advisor, discuss the intersection of faith, generosity, and personal finance. They’re joined by a variety of guests, including pastors, financial advisors, radically generous givers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders to explore one central question: How do we best steward God’s wealth? On The Finish Line Podcast, you’ll hear challenging and inspirational stories of tremendous generosity. You’ll also learn from experts in multiple fields about topics like setting a financial finish line, giving efficiently and effectively, and teaching generosity to your children. More than anything, though, you’ll see how God is constantly at work redeeming the world He created and loves. Visit the website at www.finishlinepledge.com to learn more.

Episodes

David Wills, President Emeritus of NCF, on the Evolution of the Modern Generosity Movement (Ep. 86)

7 days ago

7 days ago

David Wills stands as a beacon of philanthropic leadership and financial wisdom, carving his niche as the President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation (NCF). A luminary in shaping generosity, David co-founded Generous Giving, an organization dedicated to fostering a culture of charitable living. Under his guidance, NCF has flourished, disbursing over $18 billion to charitable causes, reflecting an unparalleled commitment to transformative giving. He adeptly navigates the complexities of donor-advised funds, turning the concept into a strategic tool for streamlined and impactful philanthropy. David’s innovative approach is evidenced through his advocating for ‘finish lines’ in financial planning, ensuring wealth serves as a tool for good, not a master.

Merging financial stewardship with spiritual growth, David is a pioneer in impact investing, where charitable dollars yield social and spiritual dividends. His stirring personal journey from litigator to philanthropic strategist is a testament to living a faith-driven life. David’s insights are not just theories—they’re lived experiences that promise to resonate with listeners, urging them to explore the joy and responsibility of giving. Tune into The Finish Line Podcast for a profound dialogue with David Wills, where financial acumen meets the heart of generosity.

Topics include:

  • What inspired the creation of the National Christian Foundation, and how has it evolved since its inception?
  • Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool of generosity and faith?
  • How do finish lines contribute to a sense of liberation and freedom?
  • What is impact investing and how does it intersect with generosity?
  • Who should have a donor advised fund, and how is it used effectively?
  • What motivated the start of Generous Giving, and what role does transformational heart change play in the conversation around generosity?
  • How has the modern generosity movement evolved over the past several decades?
  • How is the growth in generosity aligned with movement in the Great Commission and what progress has been made?
  • How can acts of spontaneous giving enrich family and community ties and demonstrate the joy of generosity?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “There’s this extraordinarily large group of people that actually have the gift of giving, the spiritual gift of giving.”
  • “This year, we will, for the first time, have over a billion dollars worth of complex assets contributed to NCF.”
  • “Generosity is contagious when people are transformed.”
  • “When you grow in the how and the where, your giving will grow arithmetically. You’ll feel better about it. You’ll be more strategic. But when you get the why question right, your giving can grow exponentially.”
  • “If you’re well planned, you will give more and you will give more wisely. Part of the planning process are finish lines.”
  • “If a trustee starts to get confused about their role and they don’t have any parameters around how they’re dealing with whatever it is that they’re stewarding, the stuff will actually own them as opposed to them stewarding the stuff.”
  • “All investing is impact investing. So what kind of impact are you having?”
  • “If you want to meet somebody in heaven that has never had God’s word in their native language, you better get on it right now because we’re running out of these languages”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES

Luke 16:9 | Making Eternal Friends

And I tell you, make friends for yourselves by means of unrighteous wealth, so that when it fails they may receive you into the eternal dwellings.

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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Randy Alcorn, Best-Selling Author, on Generosity and Eternal Rewards (Ep. 85)

Monday Nov 20, 2023

Monday Nov 20, 2023

Randy Alcorn is the founder and director of Eternal Perspective Ministries and a New York Times best-selling author of over sixty books, including two which hold a  particularly special place among listeners of this podcast: The Treasure Principle and Money, Possessions, and Eternity. His books sold exceed twelve million copies and have been translated into over seventy languages.

Considered by many to be a founding father of the modern Christian generosity movement, Randy is overflowing with wisdom and thoughtful anecdotes to tackle a variety of complex subjects, all backed by a solid biblical foundation. Listen as he shares his personal journey in generosity and addresses some of the more challenging questions we’ve received over the years.  In particular, Randy provides a picture for how eternal rewards work in the kingdom of God. We had all sorts of questions for him on the subject.

Listen for topics including:

  • Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool for generosity?
  • How can we approach giving in times of scarcity?
  • What questions should we ask ministries before giving?
  • How can we reconcile the call to “give in secret” and the call to “let your light shine”?
  • What are eternal rewards as laid out in the Bible?
  • How can there be such a thing as eternal rewards if we are all saved by grace?
  • What exactly are the rewards people may experience in eternity?
  • Will there be any sensation of lack or scarcity in heaven?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “There is nothing we could do with that money that would bring us as much joy as giving it away”
  • “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.”
  • “Don’t assume that you’re supposed to leave 100% of your money when you die to your kids who may be as wealthy or more wealthy than you”
  • “If you don’t hear people’s giving stories, you won’t become as great a giver as God wants you to be”
  • “He has made us to do good works, but none of the works we do are in any way earning our salvation”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Matthew 5:16 | Let Your Light Shine

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-20 | Treasure in Heaven

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6:1-4 | Giving in Secret

Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.

Daniel 7:18 | The People of God Shall Reign Forever

But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, forever and ever.

Matthew 25:21 | Parable of the Talents

His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’

Isaiah 65:17 | New Heaven and New Earth

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth

Luke 16:1-9 | The Parable of the Dishonest Manager

Ephesians 2:8-9 | Saved by Grace

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians 2:10 | Created for Good Works

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 Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Andy Serafini, Financial Advisor, on Leaving a Legacy of Faith and Generosity (Ep. 84)

Monday Nov 06, 2023

Monday Nov 06, 2023

Andy Serafini, a seasoned financial advisor with over 37 years of experience, is a true advocate for the power of generosity. His deep-rooted Christian faith has fueled his passion to help individuals understand that money is merely a tool, and true happiness lies in using it to express love and glorify God.

Andy’s commitment to generosity extends beyond mere financial planning and retirement strategies. Through his personal anecdotes, he shares how his own experiences have shaped his understanding of the profound impact that giving can have on both the giver and the recipient.

From supporting missionaries in Africa to rescuing children from the horrors of sex trafficking, Andy demonstrates the transformative power of financial support. By sharing stories of the missionaries he personally supports, Andy shines a light on the incredible work being done around the world and underscores the importance of ongoing giving throughout one’s lifetime.

With a humble and gracious approach, Andy emphasizes the joy of being a part of God’s work and encourages listeners to lean into generosity as a means of storing up treasures in heaven. His insights and wisdom in navigating the intersection of faith, personal finance, and giving make this episode a must-listen for anyone seeking to discover the true meaning of financial stewardship.

Topics include:

  • What are some practical ways to incorporate giving into our financial plans?
  • How can we leave a financial legacy that honors Christ?
  • How can financial advisors introduce the concept of generosity to clients?
  • How can we think through inheritance from a faith perspective?
  • What are some strategies for efficient and tax-wise giving?
  • How can faith play a role in financial decision-making as a couple?
  • How can we ensure long-term funding for causes we care about?
  • How can supporting kingdom work draw us closer to God?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • Somebody supported the people that reached out to me back in the day. Okay. So why wouldn’t I do that?
    The reality that I challenge myself with is how much is enough?
  • They’re ready to go in the mission field, but they can’t because they don’t have the funding.
  • When it comes to taxes, you should pay everything you owe, but not a penny more.
  • You worked too hard to let that retirement money fallow. Give it away, do something with it, and do it in a way that can impact eternity. And get the joy while you can.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Ephesians 6:4 | Wisdom for Parents

Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Matthew 6:19-20 | Lay Up Treasures in Heaven

Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Acts 20:35 | Better to Give

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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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Matt Mancinelli, Managing Director at Generous Giving, on Living with Reckless, Joyful Generosity (Ep. 83)

Monday Oct 23, 2023

Monday Oct 23, 2023

Matt Mancinelli serves as the Managing Director at Generous Giving, where he harnesses his profound passion for generosity to empower individuals and unveil its transformative power. With unwavering dedication, Matt has committed his career to inspire others to embrace and embody the joy and liberating freedom that accompanies a life of giving.

From a young age, Matt fostered a fervent enthusiasm for generosity, willingly enduring diverse circumstances to expand his capacity to give. Even during periods marked by minimal resources, he reminisces about experiencing boundless joy in the act of giving.

In addition, Matt candidly shares about transitioning into married life and how he and his family, including their children, have embraced a lifestyle of radical generosity. Matt’s life brims with captivating narratives of witnessing divine intervention through moments of unwavering faith and audacious generosity, contagiously igniting excitement within others.

In this episode:

  • What are common obstacles that people face when it comes to being more generous?
  • How do we wrap our kids into lives of exciting generosity?
  • How does giving impact our faith and relationship with God?
  • How should we balance strategic, planned giving with joyful, spontaneous giving?
  • How do we continue to grow in generosity?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • The whole mission is to encourage people to be generous.
  • Do I still actually believe that having more will make me happier?
  • I got to spend a lot of years encouraging people to be generous without a hook.

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Ephesians 6:16 | Shield of Faith

In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasure in Heaven

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust[a] destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Acts 20:35 | Better to Give

‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

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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Matt Bell, Author and Father, on Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management (Ep. 82)

Monday Oct 09, 2023

Monday Oct 09, 2023

Matt Bell is an accomplished author and father who has dedicated himself to helping parents prepare their children for a lifetime of god-honoring money management. Through his book, Trusted: Preparing Your Kids for a Lifetime of God-Honoring Money Management, Matt emphasizes the importance of teaching kids about generosity and stewardship from a young age. He believes that every financial decision is a spiritual decision, and instilling the mindset of stewardship in children can have a profound impact on their future.

Matt’s own journey in teaching his children about generosity has been enriching and inspiring. He shares stories of children who have selflessly given their savings to those in need, like a six-year-old girl who donated her entire $30 savings to a coworker of her father who had lost his home in a fire. Matt also understands the power of compounding generosity, as he explains how developing habits of generosity early on can shape a person’s entire life, bringing joy and meaning to all relationships.

Matt draws from his personal experiences and spiritual growth to guide parents in their own journey teaching their children about money and generosity. He emphasizes the importance of being a role model and taking on the role of teacher, rather than outsourcing financial education. Matt’s insights and practical advice make him a trusted and invaluable resource for parents seeking to raise their children with a godly approach to money management.

In this episode:

  • What role should parents play in teaching their children about personal finance?
  • How is teaching personal finance from a biblical perspective different from other methods?
  • What are some practical habits and practices that can help children develop a mindset of stewardship?
  • How does generosity impact our relationship with money and our overall sense of joy and fulfillment?
  • What can parents do to encourage generosity in their children, even at a young age?
  • What are some practical ways parents can introduce their children to the concept of interest and banking?
  • What can you do if you feel unqualified or overwhelmed at the idea of teaching your kids about money?

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “You can’t help but develop a relationship with Christ and not be drawn to living generously.”
  • “God will one day take an account of what I did with the resources he blessed me with.”
  • “Every financial decision is a spiritual decision because it all belongs to God.”
  • “We have to let kids do real things with real money and make some real mistakes.”
  • “We want to raise our kids with the identity of a steward or a manager.”
  • “Kids seem to catch a vision for generosity more quickly than adults.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

John 3:16 | For God So Loved

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Genesis 4:1-16 | Cain and Abel

Matthew 6:21 | Where Your Treasure Is…

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Colossians 3:23 | Do It For the Lord

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,

Jeremiah 29:7 | Prosperity for Your City

Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.

Proverbs 21:5 | Hastiness Leads to Poverty

The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.

Proverbs 21:20 | The Wise Man and the Fool

Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.

Luke 16:10 | Faithful in Little

One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

1 Timothy 5:8 | Providing for Family

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Matthew 25:14-30 | Parable of the Talents

Luke 12:13-21 | The Rich Fool (Bigger Barns)

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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Joe Sharp, Entrepreneur, Author, and Pastor, on the Freedom that Comes from Obedience (Ep. 81)

Monday Sep 25, 2023

Monday Sep 25, 2023

Entrepreneur, author, and pastor, Joe Sharp, discovered his faith through a challenging season in the early 2000s. From that moment on, he has been on a constantly evolving journey of radical generosity and purpose. About 15 years ago, Joe was challenged by the Spirit to work towards a reverse tithe, giving away 90% of his earnings and keeping only 10%. While he had no idea how that would be possible at the time, God has progressively opened the doors necessary for him to do that.

As Joe’s businesses have multiplied, God has stretched him to new levels of generosity. One of these encounters led Joe to acquire a large building complex where he lives in Pennsylvania. That complex, now named Kingdom Crossroads, is now home to a thriving community of ministries and businesses including a church that he pastors. And Joe continues to see new fruit year after year.  

Joe’s life is a shining example of the thriving, adventurous life available for those willing to walk in simple obedience one day at a time to the call and prompting of the Spirit. His entire interview is saturated with stories of God’s divine intervention, opening doors that never seemed possible. Indeed, that has become one of Joe’s passions – helping others find a deeper level of purpose through reckless obedience and faith.   

Major Topics Covered Include:

  • Living with an open handed posture
  • Hearing the Spirit in every day decisions
  • Generosity in business
  • Crossover between business and ministry
  • Joe’s real estate project: Kingdom Crossroads
  • Legacy planning for sustainable ministry

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “By the grace of God, He saved me and clarified the purpose that I had for my life.”
  • “It gave me a passion to really help other people identify their God-given passion and purpose in their lives, and then walk it out.”
  • “If you continue to say yes, if that remains your constant answer, the Holy Spirit will lead you on a wild ride until you get to be home with Jesus.”
  • “The blessing of God follows obedience.”
  • “Don’t hold on to your dreams with a death grip, because they might be yours and not God’s.”
  • “A lot of people don’t actually want to be obedient all the time. They want to be obedient when they want to be.”
  • “I think the spirit of the Lord is asking the men and women of God to rise into these moments.”
  • “You ain’t ready until you’re uncomfortable.”
  • “You can’t outgive God.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Malachi 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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Bobby and Nan Bullard, Directors of Partners in Ministry, on Stepping Into a Much Greater Story (Ep. 80)

Monday Sep 11, 2023

Monday Sep 11, 2023

Bobby and Nan Bullard are Directors of Partners in Ministry, a missions partnership ministry that provides fuel to empower indigenous missionaries who are reaching their own neighboring unreached people groups. 

While God is still using the Bullards in the professional sphere, He has led them to channel much of their energy and resources over the years to accelerate the work of passionate believers abroad who live in close proximity to people groups who have never been exposed to the gospel.  Their stories express the joy of generosity and how they have been able to step into a much greater story through the work they are involved in. They also share how the strategy and work of Partners has grown and evolved over the years, paving the way for incredible impact in years to come.

Major topics covered include:

  • Bobby and Nan’s transition into ministry involvement
  • Generosity as a lifestyle rather than an action
  • The effectiveness of empowering indigenous missionaries
  • Stories of God’s miraculous provision and the importance of trusting His plan
  • Creating a global community of gospel patrons to fuel the Great Commission
  • The Endowment 2414 initiative, sustaining ministry for decades to come

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “I want you to know that the Lord is getting ready to widen that highway.”
  • “But a wiser man is he who knows himself eternally, and sees his value not in his life, but in his Lord.”
  • “We’re not in the middle of this blue ball in the middle of the universe for no reason. There is a purpose for our lives.”
  • “Ministries all over the world are coming together around getting the gospel to every tribe and nation.”
  • “The body of Christ is not just my local church; it’s so much bigger than that.”
  • “The resources and finances to complete the Great Commission exist right now in the hands of Christians.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Matthew 24:14 | And Then The End Will Come

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Luke 12:13-21 | Bigger Barns

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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George Greene, CEO of Water Mission, on Engineered Water Solutions Paving the Way for the Gospel (Ep. 79)

Monday Aug 28, 2023

Monday Aug 28, 2023

George Greene, CEO of Water Mission, shares grew up in a faith-driven family, the son of two water engineers and entrepreneurs. After a devastating hurricane hit Honduras in 1998, his family began to lay the foundation for Water Mission, building and installing water solutions in the country. The calling eventually led them to sell their thriving family engineering consulting business to serve those with poor access to water around the world.

Water Mission has now served over 8 million people across 10 countries in 3 primary contexts: long term community development, disaster relief, and refugee camp stabilization. In each context, Water Mission partners with local churches to introduce the gospel and trauma-informed healing to those they serve. Every water solution also involves comprehensive community development and remote-monitoring technology to ensure longevity of each project.

Water Mission has a strong culture of generosity. Their strong engineering background has not only allowed them to build high quality, durable water solutions, but has also enabled them to serve as a free engineering resource to other nonprofits working in the water space, eventually launching the Global Water Center. Their engineering origins have also enabled them to form many corporate partnerships to acquire components at discounted rates, which they freely share with other ministries as a partner distributor.

Major topics covered include:

  • Water Mission’s origin story
  • Strategies for community development, disaster relief, and refugee camp support
  • The fusion of technical innovation and faith-based ministry
  • Sustainability through community financial models and remote monitoring technology
  • The power of collaboration on lasting impact

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “We use water as an opportunity to build relationships with people that ultimately allow us to talk about who God is”
  • “Our mission is to honor God by developing, implementing and sharing best in class safe water solutions, that transform as many lives as possible as quickly as possible”
  • “As you look at Jesus’s model for ministry, it was both word and deed, it wasn’t one or the other.”
  • The one thing that none of us ever had any control over is where we were born, and who we were born to.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Mark 12:30-31 | Love Your Neighbor

30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Proverbs 22:29 | A Man Skilled in His Work

Do you see a man skillful in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before obscure men.

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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Leo Sabo, President of the Christian Stewardship Network, on Shepherding a Congregation in Generosity (Ep. 78)

Monday Aug 14, 2023

Monday Aug 14, 2023

Leo Sabo is President of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN), which provides training and resources for pastors seeking to disciple their congregations in the area of wise stewardship. Leo shares his remarkable story, from growing up in Romania to a successful ministry as a stewardship pastor at a large church, to taking over as President of CSN. 

Leo struggled with finances early in his career, but hit a major turning point as God began to reorient his perspective. His personal experience led him to his future role in ministry, helping others reshape their relationship with finances and encouraging stepping into joy-filled generosity.

Leo is passionate about encouraging discussion of finances within the church. He addresses the hesitation pastors and other church leaders often feel in breaching the subject and offers wisdom and advice for those seeking to do so wisely. 

Major Topics Include:

  • The mission of the Christian Stewardship Network (CSN) to equip church leaders for stewardship teaching.
  • The need for senior leaders to prioritize teaching stewardship principles in their congregations.
  • The challenges of incorporating stewardship teaching into church culture.
  • Differentiating between obedience and heart-driven generosity.
  • Trusting God’s provision through financial offerings.
  • Aligning financial principles with biblical truths for heart change.

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “God, whatever you want to do, that’s what I want to do.”
  • “I quickly realized that it was not a money issue. It was a heart issue, a spiritual issue.”
  • “Generosity is a byproduct of being a good steward. If you’re managing God’s resources, then you’re going to do it his way.”
  • “You’re teaching people how to align their faith with their finances. And that’s a difficult thing.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW

Romans 1:16 | Unashamed of the Gospel

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 6:21 | Where Your Treasure Is, Your Heart Is

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

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.

Read more

Al Mueller, Founder and President of Excellence in Giving, on Generosity with Discernment (Ep. 77)

Monday Jul 31, 2023

Monday Jul 31, 2023

Al Mueller is the founder and President of Excellence in Giving, a transformative organization dedicated to guiding High Net Worth families in making impactful philanthropic decisions. Al shares his inspiring journey from a successful Wall Street career to his current impactful role as a philanthropic consultant.

Al’s faith played a pivotal role in shaping his life’s purpose and mission. Through prayer and reflection, he crafted his mission statement: to motivate Christians to give significantly and sacrificially with maximum efficiency to Kingdom activities.

This statement led him to take a leap of faith and establish Excellence in Giving, a transformative consulting organization that now serves over 40 High Net Worth families, guiding them in strategic giving decisions ranging from $1 million to $25 million annually to various causes both domestically and internationally.

Al also helped launch the Kingdom Giving Fund, a pooled grant-making organization that focuses on high impact projects that change the trajectory of well-proven ministries. Throughout his interview, Al emphasizes the importance of stewardship, a deeper approach to generosity, where discernment and wise decision-making play a crucial role in making a meaningful impact.

Major topics covered include:

  • Al’s journey from Wall Street to philanthropy
  • The need to go beyond simple giving and foster a deeper approach to generosity for a lasting impact
  • Al’s approach to highly effective giving
  • The importance of celebrating wins in generosity
  • Excellence in Giving’s approach to philanthropy
  • The Kingdom Giving Fund model and collaborative giving

QUOTES TO REMEMBER

  • “I felt like the Lord had a kingdom purpose for me that wasn’t helping wealthy people become wealthier.”
  • “Faith is definitely important. And the crown ministry allowed us to really rethink that.”
  • “Giving away money thoughtfully is a challenge.”
  • “If you’re not experiencing the joy of generosity, you’re not doing it, right.”
  • “Only the Lord has the capacity to deal with all the problems in the world.”
  • “Joy is a big part of what God promises in the world of generosity and stewardship.”
  • “Your passions have to be a subset of God’s passions.”
  • “There is really no substitute for doing your own homework in the area of giving.”
  • “When God breaks your heart, then figure out who’s championing that area and join them.”
  • “There should be things in our lives that break our heart.”
  • “When you have more money, you will just do more of what you’re already doing now.”

LINKS FROM THE SHOW

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