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
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Monday Apr 08, 2024
Ron Bare is a financial advisor and the founder of Bare Wealth Advisors in Lancaster, PA. Raised on a fifth-generation dairy farm with a faith-filled family, Ron learned early in life the value of hard work, the biblical principles of stewardship, and the eternal impact of generosity. Those elements became the foundation of who he is and what he does as a financial advisor, or in his words, a “pastor of finance.” In this episode, Ron shares personal stories and many helpful thoughts to show the power of intentional generosity as a conversation with God, and how giving of your finances, giftings, and time can change a life, a community, and even affect people across the globe.
Major topics include:
- How Ron’s upbringing shaped who he is today
- The story of how Bare Wealth Advisors began
- How God prepared and called him to be a “pastor of finance”
- Implementing an intentional core value of generosity in his personal life and his business
- How Ron’s passion for good stewardship in finances led to his family’s financial and practical involvement in supporting young moms in their local community
- Advice for following the voice of God and your passions to know how to serve and where to give
- The value of tracking generosity and its impact
- Stewardship as a conversation with God
- The power of collaboration in giving
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
“Plan intentionally, give generously.”
“We are pastors of finance.”
“The biblical principle of stewardship isn’t about how much we have. It’s about being faithful with what’s in our hands, even if it doesn’t feel like a lot.”
“The more that our works and our treasures are flowing together, the more our hearts will flow.”
“The most important thing anyone decides with their finances is how they interact with generosity.”
“Giving isn’t something we have to do; it is something we are invited into with God.”
“We always need to be growing in generosity.”
“If we don’t answer the question ‘what is enough,’ it can limit the impact that we have.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Bare Wealth Advisors
- Ron Blue, Founder of Kingdom Advisors (see our past interview here)
- Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)
- Crown Financial Ministries
- Jim Wise, Financial Advisor (see our past interview here)
- John Rinehart, Author of Gospel Patrons (see our past interview here)
- Randy Alcorn (see our past interview here)
- Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman)
- National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
- Every Good Endeavor by Timothy Keller
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Matthew 6:21 | Treasure of the Heart
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
1 Timothy 6:17-19 | Rich in Good Works
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Luke 12:48b | Much Given, Much Required
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.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 | The Cheerful Giver
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
John 3:16 | For God So Loved the World
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
2 Corinthians 8:7 | The Grace to Give
But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace 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 Facebookand LinkedIn.
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Monday Mar 25, 2024
Ryan Skoog is the CEO of Venture, a non-profit that serves war refugees, trafficked people, oppressed children, and the unreached in the most difficult places in the world. Being raised as a “spiritual mutt” in a mission-minded and entrepreneurial household, Ryan began a company alongside Venture, funding the administration of the ministry with the profits, and freeing up the investments of givers to fund church planting and community development projects in unreached places across the globe.
Cameron Doolittle is a veteran in the generosity space. He is senior advisor to the Maclellan Foundation, executive director of Practicing the Way, co-founder of Generosity Path, and a founding CEO of Jill’s House, a ministry for kids with intellectual disabilities. With a background as a political advisor, Cameron now consults with organizations his family loves, including The Bible Project, Desiring God with John Piper, and many more.
Together with Peter Greer, Ryan and Cameron co-authored the newly released book, “Lead with Prayer” after years of studying how Christian leaders pray. They will share more about their personal stories, what God is doing in the nations through Venture, how “Lead with Prayer” came about, and many insightful keys to prayer and generosity as a great adventure with Christ.
Major topics include:
- The difference between investing in the Kingdom and giving to the Kingdom
- How prayer is fueling the explosion of the global church
- Investing financially in prayer as an asset
- A look into the prayer lives of many church leaders around the world
- More leadership calls for more prayer time
- Friendship-first prayer
- Building prayer “bells” or triggers throughout your day
- How generosity and prayer work together
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
“The global church is exploding and it is a sight to behold! We get to live in some incredible times.” Ryan Skoog
“What if we just said, this is enough!” Cameron Doolittle
“There’s something about the number 51. Once You’ve crossed that rubicon, you’re giving more than you’re keeping.” Ryan Skoog
“There’s three reasons people give – to look good, to feel good, or to actually do good, even when it doesn’t look good or feel good.” Ryan Skoog quoting Jay Yacov, Economist
“You give to feel good or look good, but you invest because you want to see a return on your investment. You want to do good, even if it doesn’t look good or feel good.” Ryan Skoog
“What if we stood at the feet of the global church and asked them to teach us how to pray?” Ryan Skoog
“If prayer is the thing that’s fueling what God’s doing around the world, then how come we’re not talking about it more?” Ryan Skoog
“You can’t create a culture of prayer without being a person of prayer.” Cameron Doolittle
“When Jesus’s ministry was the busiest, the scriptures say he withdrew more often, not less.” Ryan Skoog
“Whenever you’re being generous, you’re going to say a lot of noes in order to say some big yeses.” Cameron Doolittle
“Prayer develops gratitude. And gratitude is the foundation of generosity.” Ryan Skoog
“Prayer is a key to having an adventure of generosity versus just an experience of giving.” Ryan Skoog
“Learning to obey the Holy Spirit in your giving opens the opportunity to have an adventure with your Friend Jesus on giving.” Ryan Skoog
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Lead with Prayer
- Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer)
- Venture
- MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines)
- Jill’s House
- Praxis
- Generosity Path
- Practicing the Way
- Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson)
- International Justice Mission (IJM)
- Echo (prayer app, Echo+ for ministries)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Matthew 6:21 | Treasure of the Heart
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
2 Corinthians 10:4 | Spiritual Warfare
For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.
Acts 3:1 | The Hour of Prayer
Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.
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.
Luke 5:15-16 | Increased Ministry, Increased Prayer
But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.
Psalm 100:4 | Thanksgiving and Praise
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
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.
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Monday Mar 11, 2024
Dr. Rich Rudowske and Dr. Tilahun Mendedo are the CEO and Associate Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators. Rich’s passion for the written Word of God took root when, as a small child, his parents gifted him an NIV Bible. Tilahun’s life was changed at the age of 15 when a German missionary gave him the greatest treasure of all – a Bible in his own Ethiopian language.
They each have an extensive background in Bible translation and a great passion to see the Word of God printed in every person’s mother tongue through the work of Lutheran Bible Translators and other translation organizations worldwide. LBT has some particularly unique strategies blending entrepreneurship with translation in projects that fund themselves. They will share their personal stories, how God led them into Bible Translation, and about some incredible momentum happening today.
Major topics include:
- Tilahun’s gripping backstory of being surrounded by death and struggling for a will to live, but finding life and hope through meeting Christ in the Word
- Rich’s inspiring journey from the world of finance into the call of God, bringing his wife and five children with him
- The history of LBT and how their unique approach to Bible Translation evolved
- What is a “ministry entrepreneur” and how do these self-funded missions work to expand the Kingdom and engage local communities in Bible translation?
- The profound spiritual impact of hearing the Word of God in your mother tongue
- How Bible translation and language development improves quality of life as a whole
- The story of how God miraculously provided for their pilot project, the Helge Center, to be built during the pandemic lockdowns
- An update on the incredible leaps happening now in the Bible translation world and the great need that still exists
- How you can get invested, financially and through prayer, in this eternal endeavor
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- Tilahun – “Bible translation isn’t something that I talk about, it’s something that I am because I am the result of Bible translation.”
- Tilahun – “What I need is just something that makes a difference. If I could be anything that would make a difference to millions, then here I am.”
- Rich – “As many different folks there are with that mission drive, there are as many different stories and details of how they go about getting it done. But the common denominator is the drive to know that there’s a better future for their people or for the neighboring people around them and the drive to put pieces together to make to happen.”
- Tilahun – “When you see the Word of God in your mother tongue, it means God is speaking to you. God has come all the way down to your language and is talking to you!”
- Tilahun – “Bible translation is tough, hard, and full of struggles, but at the end of the day, it’s worth dying for. It’s a noble cause. There is nothing better than connecting the Incarnated Word to this generation and the generations to come.”
- Rich – “We’re at an unprecedented level of understanding where those needs may be, and an unprecedented level of both collaboration and innovation in reaching out to those language communities.”
- Rich – “The number one strategy is prayer – lifting the need for Bible translation in hard to reach people groups before the Lord, asking him to give us wisdom collectively on how to move forward and be wise.”
- Rich – “Even now, data shows us that it’s not possible to meet the goals that we have in the next nine years. But data also shows us that we’ve closed the gap by about 100 years in the last five years. The last bit of it is going to be more difficult, but what looks impossible to us is not impossible to God.”
- Tilahun – “It’s every Christian’s responsibility to make sure his fellow humankind, who was created in the image of God and for whom Christ Himself died, has Christ in written form.”
- Tilahun – “Every person who supports Bible translation through prayers, funding, or advocacy is impacting the whole person.”
- Tilahun – “Don’t forget, we are here only for a time. Don’t take for granted that this is the world for you. We are here for a purpose and that purpose is designed by God so that we can live out that purpose and deliver it for generations to come.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Lutheran Bible Translators
- Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)
- SIL International (see our interview with Executive Director, Michel Kenmogne)
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Revelation 7:9 | Every Tribe, Nation, and Tongue
After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands,
1 Timothy 2:3-4 | God Desires All to be Saved
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
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.
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Monday Feb 26, 2024
Stephen Kump is the CEO and founder of Charityvest, a pioneering donor-advised fund platform merging technology and collaborative giving to make charitable giving accessible to all. Charityvest simplifies the donor-advised fund process and cuts down barriers to entry, inviting individuals from all walks of life to partake in the joy of giving with ease and impact.
Stephen shares numerous creative strategies that push the boundaries of donor-advised funds, fostering community giving and encouraging creative generosity. He addresses tangible tactics for givers, including orchestrating a personal giving strategy and embracing collective generosity.
Topics include:
- What inspired the launch of Charityvest?
- What experiences shaped Stephen’s perspective on generosity?
- How is technology like Charityvest changing the generosity landscape?
- How do partnerships like Trust Bridge Global enhance Charityvest’s capabilities?
- What creative ways are donor-advised funds (DAFs) being used to foster generosity?
- How does collaborative generosity compare to individual giving, and what are its advantages?
- In what ways is God present in the broader movement of generosity?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “Generosity begets generosity.”
- “When people were generous to me, it would short-circuit my framework.”
- “When people give away a significant portion of their net worth, it shapes them.”
- “We had already allocated our income to our donor-advised fund, so all of the talking about giving was about where we give.”
- “If we are not willing to have a free donor-advised fund, then we need to get more creative.”
- “Generosity is in the image of God that is stamped on each of us.”
- “Generosity is a gateway to a deeper reality.”
- “All giving is relational.”
- “Giving is better as a team sport.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Charityvest
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- TrustBridge Global
- Praxis
- Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
Philippians 3:8 | Our Achievements Are Nothing Compared to Christ
Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ
Acts 17:23 | The Unknown God
For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.
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.
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Monday Feb 12, 2024
Gary Ringger is the founder and President of Lifesong for Orphans. His journey from struggling business owner in the food industry to the steadfast shepherd of Lifesong for Orphans is a testament to the heart of generosity in action. Following a profound personal “contract with God,” Gary’s life shifted from profit-driven enterprise to purpose-driven stewardship, shaping a legacy of impact.
Amidst the crucible of business challenges, Gary’s faith-inspired pivot directed millions in business proceeds to fuel an innovative approach to orphan care. Today, Lifesong thrives on sustainable and impact business strategies, all rooted in Gary’s spiritual journey and entrepreneurial grit.
Major topics include:
- What led to Gary’s “contract with God”?
- How did Gary transition from business to ministry?
- How has careful, intentional listening prayer shaped many major decisions in Gary’s life?
- How can givers align their time and energy with their financial giving?
- How does Lifesong for Orphans serve orphans and families around the world?
- What is a giving engine and how do they provide ongoing support for ministry?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “We’re gonna get rich, retire at 40, and live the American Dream.”
- “God used that brokenness to change my paradigm.”
- “My prayer life went from a discipline to my favorite time of day.”
- “If we hadn’t written it down, the entire journey wouldn’t have happened.”
- “Don’t just give it away, get involved with something.”
- “Once you’re a steward, God opens and closes doors in ways you could never imagine.”
- “If you want to experience God, look for where He’s working and join into that.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Lifesong for Orphans
- Radical Business, by Gary Ringger
- The 6 Types of Working Genius by Patrick Lancione
- The 13 Attributes of God (PDF) by Bill Bright
- Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
- Ronald Blue Trust, now Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue)
- National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
- Halftime by Bob Buford
- The Mystery of God’s Will by Chuck Swindoll
- Impact Foundation
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW
2 Timothy 1:7 | Spirit of Fear
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
James 1:27 | Pure Religion
Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.
Matthew 25:23 | Parable of the Talents
‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much.’
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.
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Michel Kenmogne is the Executive Director of SIL International, a major bible translation agency currently involved in over 1,300 language communities across 98 countries, representing almost one billion people in need of access to God’s Word.
Michel shares his powerful testimony of growing up in the context of traditional African religion before hearing the gospel in through a ministry in his high school years. From there, God planted the seeds that would eventually lead Michel into the challenging work of bible translation.
Michel shares an inside look into the current bible translation landscape and the work that remains to reach the all-access goals of 2033: aiming to make God’s word accessible in the heart language of all people by 2033. He also shares about the IllumiNations impact alliance which has brought the major translation agencies together, rapidly accelerating translation progress around the world.
Topics include:
- Michel’s powerful testimony growing up in Cameroon
- SIL International’s inception story
- The current bible translation landscape
- Translating languages with no active believers
- Translating for oral languages with no written alphabet
- The role of AI in Bible translation
- The illumiNations Impact Alliance
- The work remaining to make scripture available to the entire world
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “I was impressed by the difference I could see in the lives of believers.”
- “People can flourish by getting to know God, and understanding their identity as a people created by God.”
- “Language is the platform through which people are valued.”
- “We are always advocating for the need of the people who use or speak minority languages to have access to God’s word.”
- “Bible translation is actually about allowing God’s light to shine into places where darkness has prevailed.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- SIL International
- Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut)
- Intervarsity
- American Bible Society
- Lutheran Bible Translators
- Every Tribe Every Nation (ETEN)
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
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.
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
Kate Gardner is a trailblazer in the realm of next-generation philanthropy. With a transformational journey that began with receiving a significant wealth transfer on her 21st birthday, Kate redefined her life’s trajectory to align with her faith and a profound dedication to generosity. She has since supported approximately 60 missions teams across 20 to 30 nations, nurturing lasting relationships with the teams she supports.
As the co-host of the Ascendants Podcast and co-founder of Magnify, Kate illuminates the paths of fellow inheritors, helping them navigate the complexities of wealth stewardship with purpose and joy. Her deep-seated passion for holistic generosity extends beyond financial giving—she actively champions creative giving through real estate and hospitality and empowers the next generation to write their own generosity narratives.
Topics include:
- How can next gens navigate the pressures of inheriting wealth and maintaining family legacies?
- In what ways can inheritors find individual purpose in the midst of pre-established paths of philanthropy?
- What are effective strategies for wealth givers to involve their children in the conversation about inheritance?
- What is the role of community in shaping the philanthropic journey of Christian inheritors?
- How should givers think about any wealth transfer to their children?
- How can next gens develop financial literacy and character before receiving wealth?
- What challenges do next gens face in relation to their mental and emotional health, and how can faith inform their coping strategies?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “I also like to think of prayer as a form of generosity. It’s not about you.”
- “Your calling is where your greatest joy meets the world’s deepest need.”
- “I seek to support people financially, relationally, and spiritually with prayer.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Magnify
- The Ascendants Podcast
- Gospel Patrons (see our interview with founder John Rinehart)
- Kate’s Profile in the book 31 Gospel Patrons by John Rinehart
- Cross Conference
- Kore Venture
- George Mueller Autobiography
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
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.
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Monday Jan 01, 2024
Ron Blue is a venerated pioneer in the field of Christ-centered financial planning and a luminary in the greater generosity movement. With a storied career spawning the establishment of the 56th largest CPA firm in the nation, and a financial advisory firm now with over $60 billion in assets, Ron has impacted countless lives through a unique blend of financial acumen and spiritual wisdom.
After rooting his own advisory firm, Ronald Blue Trust, in a biblical framework for financial planning, Ron went on to found Kingdom Advisors, a network of over 3,000 kingdom-minded financial professionals. Today, Kingdom Advisors provides comprehensive training and certification to help financial practices of all kinds solidly integrate their faith and financial advice.
Ron is also co-founder of the National Christian Foundation, which carries a similar mission to inspire and empower Christians to deeper generosity and effectiveness in their giving. Ron shared countless stories of generosity of all flavors as well as a unique picture of the development of the modern generosity movement over the last several decades.
Topics include:
- How can faith and financial planning be integrated in a meaningful way?
- Why is a financial finish line such a powerful tool?
- How do you introduce a new person to the idea of a finish line?
- How should someone think about legacy and inheritance from a biblical standpoint?
- How can parents pass on a spirit of generosity to their children?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- We help people manage their finances so they have more to give away.
- They don’t know how fine they’re doing and they don’t know how much they can give.
- If you want to give away a million dollars, I can help you do that.
- You can make good financial decisions using good biblical wisdom.
- Tithing is just the beginning point of giving.
- We get great joy from giving nondeductible gifts. The deduction is irrelevant.
- The more generous we’ve been, the more generous we tend to become.
- You can’t take someone somewhere you haven’t been.
- Generosity is symptomatic of transformation.
- When you say that God owns it, that is a life-changing decision.
- If you don’t have a goal, you’ll never get there. Where is it that you would like to end up?
- If you’re dependent on your money for security, you don’t have security.
- It’s really out of assets that great giving occurs.
- If I love my children equally, I will treat them unequally (regarding inheritance).
- Do your giving while you’re living so you’re knowing where it’s going.
- People give to where they have relationships and where they can share vision.
- Kids learn to manage money by managing money.
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Ronald Blue and Company
- Ronald Blue Trust (Blue Trust)
- Kingdom Advisors
- National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills)
- Master Your Money by Ron Blue
- Halftime by Bob Buford
- Splitting Heirs, by Ron Blue
- Cru
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
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.
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Monday Dec 18, 2023
Trevor Lui is the Chief Operating Officer of Global Trust Partners, an international ministry accountability organization. Trevor’s remarkable journey began in Hong Kong, where his family’s humble beginnings and the church’s pivotal support laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to Christian values and service. His education in business administration and information systems propelled him into the business world. It wasn’t long before Trevor’s passion for active business drew him back to Hong Kong to consult on management—yet his trajectory took an unexpected turn toward ministry with Global Trust Partners.
GTP works to help countries around the world develop ministry peer accountability organizations, similar to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) in the US. These organizations help raise the standard for nonprofits and ministries operating in these countries to better steward the resources entrusted to them. They also increase donor confidence in knowing they can trust the organizations they partner with. Topics include:
- What challenges and rewards come with transitioning from business to ministry?
- What does effective accountability look like for a Christian ministry?
- How does organizational accountability increase capacity for personal generosity?
- How can you find more information about the accountability of ministries based outside the U.S.?
- In what ways do church cultures vary internationally, especially in the context of generosity?
- What practical steps can individuals take to adopt an abundance mindset and effectively share their resources for a greater purpose?
QUOTES TO REMEMBER
- “When a ministry aligns itself with this standard and commits to independent, verified compliance, it sets a strong foundation for accountability.”
- “Accountability flows through transparency. And that gives the trust to the giver.”
LINKS FROM THE SHOW
- Global Trust Partners (GTP)
- GTP Peer Groups Directory (International Peer Groups)
- Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson)
- Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
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.
Monday Dec 04, 2023
Monday Dec 04, 2023
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
- National Christian Foundation
- Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman)
- Ron Blue
- Trustbridge Global
- Sovereign’s Capital
- Impact Foundation
- Eventide
- Ambassadors Impact Network
- Faith Driven Investor
- IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut)
- The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb)
- The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn)
- The Finish Line Community Facebook Group
- The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group
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.