The Finish Line Podcast

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.

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.

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 Eternal Perspective Ministries Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn Randy’s 19 Questions to Ask Before You Give Operation Mobilization Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand Voice of the Martyrs The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom 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 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.

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 Ron Blue The Life God Rewards by Bruce Wilkinson God Pocket by Bruce Wilkinson Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Operation Mobilization George Verwer The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving Halftime by Bob Buford The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Mattaboutmoney.com Trusted: How to Teach Your Kids about Money Cru Sound Mind Investing Focus on the Family Be the Parent (book) Crown Financial Ministries Randy Alcorn Good Sense Movement Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Compass Financial Ministries Master Your Money (see our interview with author, Ron Blue) The Social Dilemma (documentary) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren Running Down Your Dream, by Joe Sharp Kingdom Crossroads Live with Purpose Coaching Live with Purpose Church Living for God’s Glory Never Thirst (see our interview with CEO Matt Letourneau) Charity Water The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Partners in Ministry Renew World Outreach (see our interview with founders, the Paluskys) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Gospel Patrons (see our interview with author John Rinehart) Endowment 24:14 The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Water Mission Halftime by Bob Buford Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Life Shape Lead Like Jesus Mission Drift (see our interview with author Peter Greer) Rooting for Rivals (see our interview with author Peter Greer) American Bible Society Living Water Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Global Water Center The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Christian Stewardship Network Crown Financial Ministries Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Financial Peace University Dave Ramsey Larry Burkett Freed Up App Compass Ministry Andy Stanley The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group 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.

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 Excellence in Giving The Kingdom Giving Fund Crown Ministries Halftime by Bob Buford Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Ben Carson Reading Rooms Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Rick Warren Compassion International 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.

Mario Zandstra is the President and CEO of Family Legacy. Mario’s journey from humble beginnings to his success in commercial real estate, and now to his current leadership in ministry demonstrates the power faith has had in his life. He discusses his personal journey, the connection between faith and business, transitioning from business to ministry, and the impact of his current ministry, Family Legacy, in Zambia. Mario’s faith guided his career in commercial real estate, where he upheld integrity and honorable work. His colleagues weren’t surprised when he later transitioned to ministry, inspired by “Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance.” He first led Pine Cove, one of the largest Christian summer camp programs in the U.S. and achieved remarkable growth, with 30,000 children coming to Christ. He emphasizes the ripple effect of generosity and the profound impact several key experiences had on his faith and future. Currently, he leads Family Legacy, which supports thousands of children in Zambia, empowering them through education and providing a safe haven through the Tree of Life residential facility. Over 20,000 students have been educated, entire communities have been transformed through Family Legacy’s continued work. Major topics include: Mario’s personal journey and the transformative power of faith. The impact of Mario’s faith on his career in commercial real estate and his commitment to integrity. Transitioning from business to ministry and the unexpected opportunities that arose. Stories of generosity and the ripple effect of giving. The significance of expressing gratitude and acknowledging the influence of others. Family Legacy’s founding, and the ministry today. Empowering children in Zambia through education, trade certifications, and holistic support. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I think about where I am in life, and I can’t imagine anything better.” “What’s stopping you from trusting Jesus?” “I turned my life over to Christ. And that was the beginning of a crazy adventure.” “Pull together a group of people that really know you well, and give them the right to ask you the tough questions.” “We leveraged, we took the principles of business that God has allowed to be created over the course of time, and we apply those into the organization.” “You just don’t know what happens in life.” “Be careful what you’re willing to go meet about because you might end up running a ministry in Africa.” “We believe in empowering, equipping, and encouraging kids to live up to their God-given potential.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Family Legacy Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) Halftime: Moving from Success to Significance by Bob Buford Pine Cove Christian Camp Redeemer City to City and Tim Keller Momentous Institute The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 2 Corinthians 5:21 | Christ’s Sacrifice For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. Psalm 139:14 | Fearfully and Wonderfully Made I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Philippians 4:6 | Don’t Be Anxious Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 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.

Lance Wood is a retired certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Area Director for the National Christian Foundation (NCF). Lance shares his journey from a successful career as a numbers-driven tax partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers to finding fulfillment in helping generous Christians maximize their giving through tax-efficient strategies. We explore the transformative power of generosity, the importance of combating materialism, and the intersection of faith, generosity, and tax savings. Lance’s expertise and personal experiences provide valuable insights into unlocking the potential of charitable giving and making a lasting impact. Throughout the interview, Lance highlights the power of donor-advised funds as a platform for charitable giving. He explains how leveraging appreciated assets, such as businesses or real estate, can significantly increase the impact of donations while providing tax advantages. Lance emphasizes the benefits of gifting before a transaction occurs, allowing donors to maximize tax savings. We also delve into the concept of fractional interest giving and how it offers control, tax advantages, and increased giving potential for businesses and real estate. Topics covered include: Leveraging donor-advised funds as a platform for charitable giving Unlocking the potential of appreciated assets to maximize tax benefits and donations Gifting before a transaction occurs for significant tax advantages Fractional interest giving for businesses and real estate Understanding the abundance-mindset and responsibility that come with wealth Participating in God’s unfolding plan through generosity Addressing the massive needs in the world QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Generosity is not just about benefiting others, it’s about transforming our hearts” “You have to surround yourself with people who are generous” “Generosity moves people towards Jesus.” “Long-term capital gains tax is an optional tax” “God is moving right now. And we have a choice. Are we going to step into God’s plan?” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Faith Driven Entrepreneur Faith Driven Investor Henry Blackaby Helping Hands Charitable The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 | Building on the Foundation of Jesus For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. Matthew 14:13-21 | The Fish and the Loaves 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.

Mike Miller is a seasoned financial advisor and partner with Ronald Blue Trust as well as long term host of the Talking Money radio show. Mike shares his inspiring journey from growing up in a family of faith to establishing his own financial planning business, Plan First, which has since become part of Ronald Blue Trust. Mike highlights the importance of integrating biblical principles with financial advice, stewarding God’s resources wisely, and several helpful giving strategies. Major topics covered include: Mike’s early experiences with money Integrating biblical principles with financial advice Overcoming challenges and building relationships in the financial planning industry Balancing faith and professionalism as a Christian financial advisor Trusting God when everything is not clear QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Don’t let money use you, and use money properly.” “Spend less than you make and do it for a long period of time.”’ “You’ve got to be open to the fact that God may be leading you in a direction that you may not have considered yourself.” “Satisfy the needs of the people, the rest will take care of itself.” “Keep your life free from the love of money and be content with what you have” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Talking Money Radio How Good is Good Enough by Andy Stanley Letters to a Young Progressive by Mike Adams Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Jim Wise, financial advisor (see our interview here) David Campaigne, financial advisor (see our interview here) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Jeremiah 33:3 | Call To Me Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Hebrews 13:6 | The Lord is my Helper So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper;I will not fear; what can man do to me?” Psalm 36:7-8 | Never Let Children Go Hungry How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. Matthew 25:24-30 | Not Investing Because of Fear He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 2 Timothy 1:7 | No Fear For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. Philippians 4:6 | Do Not Be Anxious Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 1 Timothy 6:10 | Love of Money For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 1 Timothy 6:18-19 | Be Generous and Ready to Share 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. 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.

Julie Wilson is the president of Women Doing Well, which encourages women towards a live of joy-filled generosity. Julie studied journalism in Boston and came to know Christ the same week she landed her dream job at NBC while living in New York. She later went on to work with Cru and then Generous Giving. It was during her time at Generous Giving when she began to realize the need for more community and guidance to support women givers. Women Doing Well was birthed out of a survey of over 7000 women about generosity. In that survey, 94% of women reported not feeling confident in their giving, desiring community and support in their generosity journey. Since that time, Women Doing Well has grown to meet women in that desire, providing comprehensive and immersive experiences to deepen women’s purpose and joy in generosity and facilitating community to encourage them in the journey. Julie had much to share on topics like: Findings from the survey of 7000 women The goal and purpose of Women Doing Well Women’s capacity for generosity What motivates women to give Barriers women face in giving generously Common misconceptions about generosity The importance of having a two-word purpose QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Money is just a tool, it’s one of the ways you can be generous.” “Community is key, without community, women can’t access their full generosity.” “Money is more than just what it can buy, it’s what it can make you be.” “Women look for spiritual transformation around generosity.” “Purpose is a crucial part of generosity.” “If you are not in the world, some part of the Kingdom is going to lose out.” “Comparison is the total enemy of generosity.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Womendoingwell.org Cru.org Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) On Purpose Partners – Purpose test Yale Science of Wellbeing course The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Ephesians 4:6 | One God One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Acts 4:32 – 34 | They Shared Everything They Had All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among 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.

Lane Kipp is the founder of All Access International, a pooled giving fund focusing on high impact projects addressing spiritual and physical poverty. Many givers struggle knowing where to give and which organizations to trust. All Access has developed a 5 step screening strategy to select high impact projects all over the world through a variety of partner organizations. When Lane started out, his goal was simply to better understand how to be a wise steward and impactful giver himself. However, after consulting with multiple major research institutions, Lane began to realize there was a little more of a science to effective giving. An initial trial run through a repeatable screening process on a project in India yielded results were orders of magnitude more effective than most giving today. It was this process that laid the framework for All Access International. Lane had plenty to share on topics including: Patterns among the giving data he’s seen What makes nonprofit organizations effective His 5-step screening process for All Access International Accountability in the field Physical and spiritual poverty Listen now to hear all he had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Some of the most sustainable methods of alleviating physical poverty are also spiritual.” “Spending is a reflection of what we are really passionate about.” “All people deserve access to the Gospel.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW All Access International When Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert) Joshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner) Walking with the Poor by Dr Byrant L. Myers Uncharitable by Dan Pallotta 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.

Peter Greer is the CEO of HOPE International, an international microfinance organization that equips people and families facing poverty to launch small businesses to support themselves and their communities. HOPE uses Christ-centered micro-loans and small savings groups to provide people with the temporary capital and the knowledge they need to successfully support themselves and their communities through businesses. Since inception, HOPE has provided more than $1.5 billion dollars to more than 2.5 million small business owners across 24 countries in the form of microfinance loans in order to empower them to break their own cycle of poverty with the gifts God gave them. Peter shares powerful testimonies of how micro-loans and small savings groups are fostering incredible fruitfulness and transforming communities all around the world in a sustainable process infused with the gospel. He also challenges us to cultivate a heart of generosity by changing the way we see people facing poverty and recognizing that we have nothing that we ourselves haven’t been given! Listen now to hear all he had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER Just because someone is poor speaks more to the circumstance that they are living in more than their capacity as an individual. The Generosity movement is not a North American movement. It is a global movement for anyone who recognizes how much we’ve been given. A woman is the heart of the home. Lottery preys on individuals that have no hope and creates a trap that keeps people stuck. Have eyes to see the capacity and the dignity of every single individual What do I have that I haven’t been given? LINKS FROM THE SHOW Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt) Mission Drift, by Peter Greer & Chris Horst Peterkgreer.com Created to Flourish, by Peter Greer & Phil Smith The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Corinthians 4:7 | What Do You Have That You Haven’t Been Given? For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it? 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.

Heather Tuininga is the founder of philanthropic consulting firm 10|10 Strategies and lives in Washington with her family. Heather began her career in politics with a desire to spark change, but quickly found that the political sphere did not always lead to the movement she desired to see. From there, Heather pivoted into the philanthropy space with the Gates Foundation, working with the Gates family directly to vet and analyze philanthropic opportunities around the world. After several years with the Gates family, she went on to work for a smaller family foundation in order to broaden her experience. Heather launched 1010 Strategies in order to offer the same level of service to families and businesses who sought philanthropic guidance but weren't large enough to hire someone full-time to manage their giving. Since that time, she has been able to help many families and businesses multiply their impact and joy in giving. Heather has a particular passion for spontaneous generosity. In 2017, during a presentation on generosity, she gave 400 women in the audience each a $20 bill to give to someone else, what later became known as her $20 Challenge. Since then, she has passionately encouraged others into acts of generosity and had many stories to share. Listen now to hear what Heather had to say on topics like: Why generosity is always linked to joy How she thinks about philanthropic strategy The power of small acts of generosity How to hear God’s prompting in generosity Leveraging Joy by giving to others so that they can give again Countless stories of spontaneous and strategic generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “A life lived for others is a life well spent.” “When you are thinking about whether to share or give away or not, ask the owner, because He is the owner” “Giving is supposed to be sacrificial and cheerful” “When our giving is done well, both the giver and the receiver get life to the full.” “You can leverage joy to multiply joy” “Generosity and joy goes hand in hand” LINKS FROM THE SHOW 10|10 Strategies Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Gates Foundation I Like Giving, by Brad Formsma The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 2 Timothy 2:21 | Instrument for Noble Purposes Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable,[a] he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. Psalm 24:1 | Earth is the Lord’s The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein John 10:10 | Life to the Full The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 2 Corinthians 9:10 | Seeds to the Sower He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 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.

Matthew Hendley serves as a generosity ambassador with National Christian Foundation (NCF), coming beside givers, financial advisors, and nonprofits in order to maximize the joy and impact of giving. Matthew lives in Georgia with his wife and five children. Growing up in a Christian home, Matthew didn’t have much skin in the game until God got his attention through a powerful experience at his high school. As Matthew leaned deeper into his faith, God quickly grew in him a passion for generosity. Matthew and his family have a particular knack for hearing God in the moment, and he had story after story of seeing God move after responding to that quiet prompting. He also shares some of the challenges of hearing that voice and the disappointment of missed opportunities. If you want to better learn how to follow God’s lead in the moment, then this episode is for you. Matthew also has a financial finish line and shares about how his family went about the process as well as how it has changed their outlook. Matthew shares on topics including: Hearing God’s prompting to individual acts of generosity How he decided to set a financial finish line His process for setting his initial finish line Stories of families he’s worked with through NCF Obstacles that hold people back from radical generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “God is going to give you as much as you can handle as soon as you are ready to handle it.” “Listen well and obey quickly” “Money matters are heart matters” “If you won’t be generous with $5 you won’t be generous with $5 000” “The love of money is what grips our heart” “Greed is a matter of the heart, not a matter of what’s in your bank account” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Journey to Generosity (JoG) Generous Church (see our interview with founder Patrick Johnson) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Faith & Finance, by The Chalmers Institute (see our interview with founder Brian Fikkert) The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author, Randy Alcorn) Simplifying the Money Conversation (see our interview with author, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Ephesians 4:28 | Have Something To Share With Anyone Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 1 Timothy 6:10 | Love of Money For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. 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.

Brian Grasso is the CEO and founder of Simple Charity. When he was in high school, Brian was drawn to the intersection of the gospel and global poverty. He, along with a number of other high school students, set a goal to raise $100,000 through a variety of fundraisers to fuel organizations working in that space. That effort continued to grow into the nonprofit that Brian leads today, which operates at college campuses across the country. Simple Charity inspires Christian students to grow in solidarity with people experiencing poverty and injustice through multiple creative programs and initiatives. And deeply entwined with their message is the invitation to radical generosity. Brian had plenty to say on topics including: The challenges and benefits of reaching college students with the message of generosity The opportunities that exist today in reaching students How Simple Charity approaches vetting ministries How to stay grounded and energized when working in the nonprofit sector How he stays rooted in the Word QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We have a God who is generous towards us who wants us to live the good life of grace and abundance, and part of that life is caring for the poor.” “It’s such a wonderful blessing to do meaningful work with people that you enjoy” “The word of God has the power to transform our hearts” “God wants us, rather than what we can do for him.” “There is always enough time to do the things that are most important. What changes is what is most important.” “Every seed that’s planted is an opportunity to see God work.” “The most important thing is seeking the Kingdom of God” “Solidarity with the poor starts by learning from the poor, by seeing their abundance.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Crazy Love by Francis Chan Heart for Africa (see our interview with COO Janine Maxwell) Biblingo The Great Opportunity Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving All Access International (see our interview with founder, Lane Kipp) When Helping Hurts (see our interview with coauthor Brian Fikkert) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 25:35-40 | I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you and when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. 2 Corinthians 8:9 | He Became Poor For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. Proverbs 31:10-31 | The Woman Who Fears the Lord Matthew 5:3 | Blessed are the Poor in Spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” 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.

David and Stephanie Palusky are the founders of Renew World Outreach, which provides innovative technology to missions organizations to enable the gospel to reach the hardest to reach places. David, an electrical engineer by training, and Stephanie first dove into the technology realm on the mission field to reach a specific people group that God had laid on their hearts. They realized that solar power could allow them to reach this particular remote Amazon tribe with the Jesus Film. From this small seed, they began to develop more solar projectors to provide to other agencies. As Renew continued to grow, they began to develop other products, such as the LightStream, which acts like a local wifi hotspot to distribute the bible, audio, and video in crowds and large public places. While Renew started out as a for-profit company, David and Stephnie later went on to give up ownership in order to expand the impact of the organization. And God blessed their generosity by multiplying the impact of Renew across the world. In addition to the power of technology, David and Stephanie share countless stories of faith. They have seen God work in incredible ways and we were amazed at some of the things they have seen. David and Stephanie had plenty to say on topics including: How technology had radically changed the missions landscape Many of the specific devices that Renew has developed What technology looks like in action with plenty of stories from the field The impact of ministry partnerships in hastening the spread of the gospel The remaining barriers to bringing the gospel to everyone everywhere Listen now to hear all they had to share, you won’t want to miss this one! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “This Jesus did not just come for the Hispanic, did not just come for the white man, he came for our people too.” “Trust God for one step at a time” “There is a seamless, frictionless ability to virally spread the word of God which in 2000 years has never been available. “ “When you get to a point of giving where you have to risk something – that’s when you see the windows of heaven open. That’s when miracle after miracle happens.” “It’s like oxygen to think about the works of God” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Renew World Outreach Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Jesus Film Project App The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 2:8 | I Will Give You The Nations As Your Inheritance Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. Isaiah 43:1 | I Have Redeemed You But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. Matthew 28:19 | Disciples Of Many Nations Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit John 10: 27 | My Sheep Hear My Voice My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. Psalm 23:1 | The Lord Is My Shepherd The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want Matthew 16:25 | Try To Find Your Life You Will Lose It For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 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.

Dan Scribner is Director of the Joshua Project, which he has helped lead since 1995. Dan began college with the typical American dream to have a good job, 2.3 kids, and a white picket fence. However, God got his attention through a campus ministry that began constantly praying for different unreached people groups. As his heart for unreached peoples grew, God began to redirect the rest of his life plans. Dan and his wife joined Frontier Ventures early on and have been on staff now for 35 years. The Joshua Project, part of Frontier Ventures, was birthed out of the AD 2000 and Beyond movement. The purpose of the project is to create a detailed map of where the gospel is known and where it is yet to be heard. Dan and his team have watched and mapped some incredible movements of God over the duration of the Joshua project and few people have as wide of a bird’s eye view of how the gospel has moved and how it is moving today. The Joshua Project provides integral information to many of the other ministries we have featured who are in the field working, and everything is accomplished through partnerships. Dan had plenty to say on a variety of topics including: How missions have evolved over the last 30 years The barriers to the spread of the gospel today Factors accelerating reaching the remaining people groups How the Joshua Project maps the current work remaining How Dan defines the Great Commission How God is unifying the church towards one common goal around the world Listen now to hear all he had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “It’s not about a check list, not about a task… it’s the fact that the creator of the universe is not being worshiped by his creation in a way that is full and complete.” “Missions exist because worship does not” “Glory of God has to be at the center or else it turns into a task.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Frontier Ventures Joshua Project Commissioned, by Marv Newell Let the Nations be Glad, by John Piper Global Media Outreach (see our interview with CEO Jeff Gowler) The Timothy Initiative (see our interview with CEO, Jared Nelms) Global Alliance for Church Multiplication (see our interview with President Bekele Shanko) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Finishing the Task (see our interview with FTT Global Church Planting Strategist Dan Hitzhusen) AD 2000 and Beyond Billion Soul Harvest Transform World Vision 59 Empowered 21 Unreached of the Day (app) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 28:19 | Make Disciples Of All Nations Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit Matthew 24:14 | Gospel Proclaimed Throughout World, 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. 1 Corinthians 12: 4,12 | Many Gifts But One Spirit, Many Members But One Body 4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. Romans 11:11-12 | Salvation For Gentiles To Make Israel Jealous 11 So I ask, did they stumble in order that they might fall? By no means! Rather, through their trespass salvation has come to the Gentiles, so as to make Israel jealous. 12 Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean! 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.

David Campaigne is Partner and Senior Private Wealth Advisor at Ronald Blue Trust and lives in Baltimore with his wife and two children. David’s parents had a massive impact in his life not only in teaching him what it means to be a follower of Christ but what it means to live a generous life. David thought he might end up in vocational ministry until God drew him into the business world. A few years after college David heard Jim Wise’s testimony, which drastically impacted his career. Not long after, Jim hired David to join him at Ronald Blue Trust. David and his wife Kristin are involved in many ministries where they give of their time, talents, and treasures, and get excited about encouraging others to do the same. They feel strongly that they are not only supporters, but ambassadors of the ministries they support. David shares about figuring out where to give as well as the need for accountability in your financial giving structure. He also shares about incorporating biblical wisdom on wealth into his job as an advisor as well as the unique and powerful effect a financial finish line has on your relationship with money. Listen now to hear all he had to say. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We are each born into someone else’s story” “Never underestimate the power of the ripple effect that each of us can have on other peoples’ lives” “Giving freely of our time, talents and treasures is the only antidote to selfishness, greed and materialism.” “A life well spent is a life that earns and uses money to buy time so that you can balance life in order to impact people, to be productive and Godly members of society and it’s a life that focuses on the eternal in the realm of the temporal so that when we get to the end of our lives, we’ll have been found faithful with what God considers important.” “Don’t just accumulate possessions, accumulate experiences. Possessions are a dime a dozen, it’s experiences that are the currency of a life well lived” “If you don’t set a finish line, you’ll never quit” “Do your giving, while you are living, so you’re knowing where it’s going” “A Change of place and a change of pace will give you a change of perspective” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Rethinking Success, by J. Douglas Holladay Master Your Money (see our interview with author, Ron Blue) Your Life Well Spent, by Russ Crosson A Trip Around the Sun, by Mark Batterson & Richard Foth The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) God and Money (see our interviews with co-authors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) The Circle Maker, by Mark Batterson The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens Win the Day, by Mark Batterson Article: National Christian Foundation January 2021 - 5 Reasons volunteering is good for you Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) See our interview with Jim Wise financial advisor with Ronald Blue Trust. Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 90:10 & 12 | Number our days 10 The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away. 12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Ephesians 5:15-17 | Understand the will of the Lord Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Leviticus 17:11 | Life of the flesh is in the blood For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it for you on the altar to make atonement for your souls, for it is the blood that makes atonement by the life. Luke 16:10-13 | 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. If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” 1 Corinthians 3 | God makes things grow I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. Matthew 6:19-21 | Layup treasures 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. 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, o

Jeff Rutt is the CEO and founder of Keystone Custom Homes, a Pennsylvania-based home building company that has built over 8000 homes. Jeff spent his early years growing up on the family farm, which became the focus of the early part of his career. However, after a series of No’s from God, Jeff eventually sold the farm and set out on a new path, that would eventually become Keystone Custom Homes. God got Jeff’s attention very early in his career, especially in the area of generosity. It wasn’t long after starting Keystone that Jeff launched the organization that would become HOPE International. Since inception, HOPE has provided more than $1.5 billion dollars to more than 2.5 million small business owners across 24 countries in the form of microfinance loans in order to empower them to break their own cycle of poverty with the gifts God gave them. Over the years, Jeff has used profits from Keystone to fuel HOPE’s mission. However, last year he took things another step further when he gave away 89% of the ownership of Keystone through the National Christian Foundation. Jeff shared about topics like how charity can become toxic, empowering those in poverty, giving your children purpose and mission, and the detailed process of how he gave his business away. Listen now to hear all he had to say! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Sometimes God doesn’t answer our prayers in the way we want them to be answered but it’s truly the best for us, best for Him and best for the Kingdom.” “Having kids work hard stay humble and understand what you can do for others not just what everybody else can do for them.” “If you don’t help your kids find a mission for their life, then they will find one themselves, and they aren’t always the best at finding that themselves.” “If God can get a hold of our hearts early on, that’s what sets the stage for a life of generosity.” “Hope dies last” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Hope International (also see our interview with CEO, Peter Greer) Tomorrow Club Keystone Custom Homes Created to Flourish by Peter Greer Discovering Your Genius by Michael Gelb 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.

Jared Nelms is the CEO of The Timothy Initiative (TTI), a missions organization dedicated to discipleship, church planting, and reaching the unreached. Jared’s father was a pastor, so he grew up around the church. But he wasn’t so sure what he believed until God got his attention on a mission trip in Zambia as a young adult. His experience eventually led him to a career as a missionary abroad. The Timothy Initiative was born out of the church Jared grew up in, however it quickly grew well beyond the capacity of one church body. TTI now works in countries all over the world with the goal of raising up 7000 pastors and planting 7000 churches. In particular, TTI focuses on empowering the local Christians in unreached regions to become leaders who train other leaders and to plant churches that plant other churches. Jared is also a founding member of the Coalition of the Willing, a collaboration of many missions organizations who have agreed to share all their tracking and mapping data to answer the question: “Where is the church now and where is the church missing?” This coalition has rapidly accelerated and quantified the work that remains in reaching everyone everywhere with the gospel. And according to Jared, finishing the task in our lifetime is certainly within reach. Jared had plenty to say about strategy in missions, the importance of indigenous leaders, adapting to different cultures, the acceleration of collaboration in the missions space, and the work that remains. Listen now to hear all he had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “When you can get behind strong local leaders, you can maximize the kingdom impact so much more quickly than if you are trying to do it on your own from scratch” “The key to reaching the world is not through trained missionaries and professionals, it’s through the average Joe and Sue and any other local person” “Most powerful testimony is the transformation from death to life” “We’re not going after the result, only God can change the heart of somebody” “The fruitfulness is in God’s hands; the faithfulness is up to us.” “Every is believer called to be a disciple, every disciple is called to be a disciple maker” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Timothy Initiative The Coalition of the Willing Church Planters Circle See our interview with David Johnson, founder and CEO of Doulos Partners. See our interview with Bekele Shanko, president of GACX See our interview with Jim Wise, financial advisor with Ronald Blue Trust The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 2 Timothy 2:2 | Entrust to faithful men, who will teach others And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. Matthew 10:16 | Sheep among wolves “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Matthew 9:37 | Harvest is plentiful, workers are few Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” Matthew 28:20 | Promise to be with us And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. 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.

Nate and Bailey Eller both grew up in the church, but didn’t come into a deep relationship with Christ until college. God filled their hearts with a passion for generosity well before they had much to give. They began their marriage asking God to enable them to give freely, and He has faithfully answered that, allowing them to give more every year that they’ve been married for the last 10 years. As their level of giving increased, they began to explore where they could give above and beyond what they were already doing. After a season of prayer, God introduced them to a team of native missionaries working in Uganda, which planted in them a passion for empowering local indigenous missionaries to carry the gospel to their own people. We had a number of questions for them about how they decide where to give and they graciously laid out their whole thought process for us. Nate and Bailey had much to share on topics like how to get started in generosity, how they stay aligned in their mission, and how they disciple their 4 children, including how they encourage a spirit of generosity. Listen now to hear all they had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Even your goodness, your righteous acts, are like filthy rags compared to him.” “I always wanted to be able to give, because many people had given to me and my family.” “We began making more money, certainly more than we felt we deserved, and our hearts grew to give more.” “Our money is not for us, it’s for Him, and to return glory and blessing back to Him.” “If God blesses us with money, it’s so we can bless others so that His name might be made great.” “We wanted to live freely. We wanted to be able to give to things that mattered for eternity.” “Generosity is like an invitation from God.” “We try to align our giving with our passions.” “It’s a privilege to give, not an obligation, an opportunity to be invited into God’s story.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW NeverThirst (see our interview with CEO Matt Letourneau) Radical (see our interview with CEO Chris Hunsberger) Compassion International Chase the Lion by Mark Batterson The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Isaiah 64:6 | We Are All Unclean We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. 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.

Jim Wise lives in Florida and is a senior partner and financial advisor for Ronald Blue Trust. He has also authored multiple books and resources regarding biblical stewardship. Jim did not grow up in a Christian home and from a very young age had the desire to accumulate wealth. He studied finance and went from working in retail to working as a financial advisor where he found his niche. As he progressed in his career and became more successful, Jim began to seek out higher and higher levels of material wealth: more money, new cars, and new houses every few years. However, it was in this place that God finally got Jim’s attention. After Jim and his wife separately came to Christ in the same week, their lives changed dramatically. To start, Jim studied the biblical principles of money and finance for the first 6 months of his new faith. However, it was putting these principles to the test by stepping into generosity that really fueled Jim’s faith as we saw God respond over and over. These early experiences challenged him to connect his faith with his work as a financial advisor, eventually leading him to join Ronald Blue Trust. Jim had much to say on topics like why money can never satisfy, true financial freedom, and the enormous wealth transfer of trillions of dollars that is going to take place in the next few decades. In particular, Jim is passionate about encouraging others to think critically about how they handle inheritance for their children. He is also deeply motivated by the Great Commission to see the gospel brought to every tribe, nation, and tongue. In fact, he has done significant research to show that our generation of Christians already has all the financial resources needed to finish all the work that remains. Listen now to hear all Jim had to say. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Financial freedom will always and only be a function of how much money we are able to give away.” “Biblical stewardship wasn’t just something we read about in a book, it wasn’t just a Bible study, it became a part of who we are.“ “Being generous is the only thing that can lead to financial freedom.” “Figure out what God is passionate about and direct your resources there.” “A Biblical study on what is on the heart of God, that we should be giving to is a very helpful in building a giving strategy.” “We are called to make disciples not converts.“ “How much to the Kingdom and how much to the kids.” “It is very difficult to be consumed by God’s word every day and not have that automatically cultivate God’s missional heart inside you.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) See our interview with Mark & Sharon Taylor, who attribute the deepening of their generosity to Jim’s guidance Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Master Your Money (see our interview with author, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Romans 10:17 | Faith Comes from Hearing So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Matthew 28:19-20 | The Great Commission 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Acts 1:7 | Times and Dates Set by the Father He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.” 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.

April Chapman is the CEO of Generous Giving, which seeks to create a safe pressure-free atmosphere for Christians to discuss deep-rooted biblical generosity through short overnight retreats and annual conferences. Few organizations have impacted the generosity movement in the U.S. more significantly over the past 20 years, and Generous Giving continues to be a powerful force of generosity today. April and her husband Craig began their careers as software engineers with Microsoft. Early on, God blessed them with two major windfalls that really launched their journey into generosity, eventually leading them to give away half of their earnings. April shares how generosity and faith begin with surrendering our will to God to make room for Him to fill us with His own power and direction, and that has certainly played out in her life. April shares on a variety of topics including managing windfalls, donor advised funds, impact investing, and choosing where to give. Listen now to hear all she had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Give of your LIFE: Labor, Influence, Finances, and Expertise.” “In obedience, if we really start listening, God has some things to say to us.” “We look for opportunities where we can give of our labor, our influence, and our expertise alongside our money.” “There came a point at which we realized that surrender was key for both of us.” “How do we figure out not how much do we give, but how much do we keep?” “The vision of Generous Giving is to have God’s generosity put on display through His people.” “God has been so generous with us – how do we share that generosity with the world?” “How different would the world be if we were all as generous as we could be?” “I truly believe generosity is one of the best evangelism tools we have.” “People want to grow in community.” “I want Him to fill be with His power, but the only way I can do that is if I empty myself first.” “Impact investing became an engine to fuel our donor advised fund.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills) Generous Giving's Journey of Generosity Groups and Celebration of Generosity Conference Mover of Men and Mountains, by R.G. LeTourneau (free audio here) Focus on the Family Cru (Campus Crusade) Mercy Ships WorldVision and the WorldVision Innovation Fund National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Praxis Labs Impact investing at the Impact Foundation The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Malachi 3:10 | Put Me to the Test 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. 1 Chronicles 4:10 | The Prayer of Jabez Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked. 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.

Andy Geleris is a neurologist from California and author of Money & Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way. Though he didn’t grow up in a Christian family, there were several strong experiences of generosity that had a lasting impact on him at a young age. After becoming a Christian at age 17, Andy was fortunate to find a strong, faithful church where the gospel was preached. It was in that church community where he heard that growing in discipleship always requires growing in generosity – a message that has shaped his trajectory since that time. Since that time, Andy has continued to grow a deep heart for generosity, not just for the impact that it has on those around us, but for the way it radically shapes our own hearts. Andy has written and spoken extensively about the importance of a generosity-filled life and shares his thoughts on topics like giving anonymously, the mistakes organizations make when fundraising, why a generous lifestyle is just as important for the poor, and eternal rewards as they relate to generosity. Listen now to hear all he had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I hope that this message of a financial finish line will start being preached in pulpits across this country.” “Luther famously said their are three conversions everybody needs: the first is the head, the second is the heart, and the third is the wallet.” “One of the most important ways I can see if I believe is how I spend my money.” “What Jesus cares about is not how much money we give, but how much lifestyle.” “It’s almost like I have a little nuclear reactor of joy in the pit of my stomach.” “I think God cares more about my giving than about how effective that giving is.” “Every time Jesus talked about money, he talked about why giving was important for the soul of the person to whom he was talking.” “We are robbing poor people by not showing them how valuable spiritually it is for them to give even small amounts.” “Poor people have a tremendous advantage in earning eternal rewards.” “It turns out having wealth is not just working hard. It’s not just being smart. It’s not just taking advantage of god opportunities. It’s something as fundamental as having simple, good physical health.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Andy's book, Money & Salvation: An Invitation to the Good Way Money, Possessions, and Eternity (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Operation Mobilization Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Eternal Perspective Ministries (see our interview with founder, Randy Alcorn) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Romans 10:9 | How to Be Saved If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Matthew 7:22-23 | I Never Knew You 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ 23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ Luke 21:1-4 | The Widow’s Offering 1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” Proverbs 30:8 | Poverty and Riches Give me neither poverty nor riches Deuteronomy 8:18 | The Source of 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. Matthew 6:33 | Seek First the Kingdom of God 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added 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.

Colby Gilmore is a financial advisor for Ronald Blue Trust with a particular passion for helping clients explore generosity. Colby’s passion for generosity began during a class he took at Biola University called God and Money. His experience in that course led him and his wife to make the largest gift they had ever made up to that point, one with significant consequences not only for the recipient, but for Colby and his wife as well. Colby’s career in accounting and later financial advising eventually led him to Ronald Blue Trust, where he finally found the freedom to openly share his passion for generosity with the clients he works with. Colby shares on topics like how generosity can radically impact your marriage, why we’re called to challenge others towards generosity, and stories of lives he’s seen changed from his perspective as a financial advisor. Listen now to hear all he had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Generosity will never be off the table” “God doesn’t need our money, He wants our heart. But He can do incredibly impactful things with whatever we give.” “You can’t fail with God on your side.” “God is compounding returns for eternity.” “We think about emotional intimacy, or spiritual intimacy, but we often don’t think about financial intimacy.” “Couples that incorporate generosity free themselves to have a lot more fun, financial intimacy, and success.” “Every client that comes in here, God has brought here.” “How do you know when you’ve won the game? How do you know when you’ve reached the finish line?” “I don’t know if I want to be comfortable. How do we put ourselves in situations that make us uncomfortable?” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Biola University Center for Marriage and Relationships Kiva Microfinance The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) What Makes a Leader Great by Russ Crosson Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) John Rinehart (see our interview with John here) The Finiancial Finish Line Calculator The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Timothy 6:10 | The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. Mark 4:30 | 30, 60 and 100 fold But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold. Matt. 6:24 | You Cannot Serve God and Money No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 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.

Patrick Johnson is the founder of Generous Church, which catalizes biblical generosity through global church and ministry networks. Patrick started his career in the finance industry for 10 years before God got his attention through Randy Alcorn’s book, the Treasure Principle. From there, he spent time on staff with Generous Giving during it’s formational early years as well as the National Christian Foundation, where he developed an extensive network of generosity-minded leaders. In 2011, Patrick left NCF to launch Generous Church with the goal of empowering church leaders to catalyze movements of gospel-centered generosity in their congregations. During those years, he surveyed over 40,000 Christians about their giving beliefs and practices with some absolutely fascinating conclusions. Armed with the knowledge from his extensive experience and research, in 2019 Patrick brought Generous Church to the rest of the world. Through GC’s Generosity Design Lab, Patrick’s team empowers leaders of church and ministry networks all over the world to design generosity training that is completely customized and contexualized to best reach their own country and culture. What’s the result? In just 3 years, Generous Church has helped networks in over 74 countries start generosity movements that have spread like wildfire. Few people have a better bird’s eye perspective on what it takes to communicate the power of generosity. Listen now to hear Patrick’s thoughts on topics like the core motivations of the most generous people, why money is so dangerous for our faith, and why the U.S. in particular struggles so much with creating a culture of generosity. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “What really drives me with the message of generosity is the gospel.” “I am a wanderer by heart, and God never let’s me go. He always brings me back.” “Money can be dangerous.” “Money has a particular power to it, which is dangerous.” “Money is a particularly effective idol because you can count it, you can store it, and it keeps its power when you keep it in the dark.” “The narrative of scripture is not about investing, it’s not about saving, it’s not about debt – though those are in there. It’s about generous giving.” “Why don’t you take scripture face up for what it is and sit with God and ask Him what He would have you do with it.” “Generosity is about discipleship.” “We were created in the image of a generous God to be generous.” “Don’t think you can be a disciple of Jesus and leave generosity off the table.” “One of the common characteristics of the most generous people I’ve met is that they all set a spending finish line.” “I see in every generous person I know that they have a deep, abiding relationship with Christ that’s real and tangible.” “By far, the people who are motivated by the gospel and by grace are the most generous people from a financial perspective.” “You have to have margin, and you have to be intentional about margin early on.” “The two biggest leverage points are what house you live in and what car you drive.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Generous Church Generous Church's Generosity Design Lab The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) 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) LeaderSource The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt 10:17-23 | The Rich Young Ruler 17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23 And Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it will be for those who have wealth to enter the kingdom of God!” Matt. 6:24 | You Cannot Serve God and Money No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 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.

Mark and Sharon Taylor own a successful real estate company in Florida. However, halfway through their career, God gave them a wake up call that completely changed their priorities. Since that time, Mark and Sharon have become passionate about the advancement of the gospel around the world and using the wealth and success God has given them to fuel that mission. Not only has God dramatically changed their focus and trajectory, but He has challenged their children too. Mark and Sharon frequently involve their kids in their business ventures and giving decisions and have learned a lot along the way. More recently, Mark and Sharon have been walking through the process of giving away a large property that they own. They worked with the National Christian Foundation to navigate their complex gift and broke down what the process looks like from the inside. Mark and Sharon had plenty to say on topics like being generous with a fluctuating income, handling windfalls, thoughts on legacy and inheritance, giving as a family, and making complex gifts of property and appreciated assets. Listen now to hear all they had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We began to measure our business against a biblical standard.” “It just seemed like when we were honoring God, He was standing right there with us.” “You get so much more out of giving than you do out of getting.” “Money was never the thing that drove us in what we did.” “It’s important to know how to finish life well.” “There’s a difference between being a Christian who is a financial advisor, and being a financial advisor who advises his clients as to what their Christian responsibilities ought to be.” “We don’t have an income finsih line, we have an asset finish line.” “I think 2022 is going to be the year that we give more than we earn.” “I thought it would be really easy to give money away, but it’s hard!” “I want to make as much money as I can possilby make, and give it all to the kingdom.” ‘I want to take money out of the world and put it into the kingdom.” “Now I have a purpose for the money I try to earn.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Celebration Conference with Generous Giving The Treasure Principle (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) Ronald Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) God and Money, by Greg Baumer and John Cortines (see our interviews with John and Greg) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt 6:3 | Giving in Secret 3 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 Facebook and LinkedIn.

Jeff Thomas is the founder of Arkos Global Avisors, author of Trading Up: Moving From Success to Significance on Wall Street, and cohost of the Generous Business Owner Podcast along with Alan Barnhart and Jeff Rutt. Jeff comes from a ministry family, but never quite felt called to vocational ministry. Rather, even at a young age, Jeff knew he was called into the business world. Over the years, Jeff worked his way up the ladder as a financial advisor, eventually becoming a top 1% producer on Wall Street. However successful he appeared on the outside, he found himself empty and purposeless on the inside. Through a series of events, God finally got Jeff’s attention. Since that time, Jeff has become an outspoken advocate of generosity, including writing his book, Trading Up, and launching the successful Generous Business Owner podcast. He also founded Arkos Global Avisors to give him and his team the freedom to infuse a biblical foundation of wealth into his client relationships. Jeff had plenty to share on topics like staying aligned with where God is moving, building a team that is aligned towards one vision, how to think about inheritance, and how to steward advisor-client relationships well. Listen now to hear all he had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “On the exterior, everything was fine. But I was just totally empty.” “I’m just making rich people richer. I don’t know what my purpose is, but that can’t be it.” “Daily study of the bible changed my life forever.” “I was chasing worldly success more than I was chasing Him.” “I was just operating on the wrong scorecard for awhile.” “I finally realized that God owns it.” “Ask God for the plan and do whatever He says – it’s so much more fun!” “I used to ask how much of my money God wanted me to give. Now I ask how much of God’s money He’s going to allow me to keep. Totally different mindset.” “You can’t take clients somewhere you haven’t been.” “My joy meter went off the charts.” “How much is enough for you. How much is enough for the next generation. And what are you going to do with the excess?” “I don’t think you get credit for giving money away when you’re dead. By the way, it’s not very fun.” “It aint about the money. And we make it way too much about the money.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Generous Business Owner Podcast with Jeff Thomas, Alan Barnhart, and Jeff Rutt Jeff's book, Trading Up: Moving From Success to Significance on Wall Street The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel Bible Study Fellowship Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Celebration Conference and Journey of Generosity with Generous Giving Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Sacred Pace by Terry Looper The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt. 6:24 | You Cannot Serve Two Masters 24 “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. 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.

Andy DeWitt is an oral surgeon and author of the book Radical Giving: How Remarkable Generosity Can Set You Free. As Andy struggled with whether to go into private practice or full time missions work, he finally found is answer in a financial finish line. From the beginning of his career, Andy and his wife knew how much they planned on spending on their family. And everything else, they left to God’s direction. Through the years, Andy has learned a lot along the way. Listen to his thoughts on topics like combatting personal legalism, alligning yourself with your spouse, the importance of community, and involving your kids in the process. In more recent years, Andy has become passionate about helping others share their stories through writing coaching and ghostwriting. He shares the experience that changed his mentality from giving in secret to sharing his own story. Listen now to hear all he had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “How do you draw closer to Jesus through your ministry of giving?” “We became deeply involved with a small number of organizations.” “These other reputable people are giving and they’re giving generously, so I can give too.” “It’s not blowing a trumpet on the street corner saying ‘Look how great I am’. It’s saying ‘Come on guys, lets give well together.'” “When we tell stories well, it gives others an opportunity to learn from mistakes and to say ‘That’s what I’m doing with my life.'” “Sharing your heart of generosity helps others to have a heart of generosity.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National 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) Celebration Conference with Generous Giving Journey of Generosity (JOG) with Generous Giving Andy's book Radical Giving Crazy Love, by Francis Chan Andy's website at www.andydewittwrites.com Andy's free gift at www.andydewittfree.com The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt 6:3 | Giving in Secret 3 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 Facebook and LinkedIn.

Curt and Chris Chaffin set a financial finish line early in their marriage and have experienced many of the joys and challenges that come with it. Their story begins soon after Curts medical training during an extended missions trip abroad. After struggling significantly over whether to pursue full time missions, Curt and Chris ultimately found themselves led to remain in the states, using much of their income to fuel other’s work abroad. The Chaffins share a candid perspective on the freedom they’ve experienced through generosity, as well as the difficult decisions they’ve made along the way. Listen now to hear their take on topics like adjusting to a budget, staying on the same page, finding encouragement from others, sharing generosity with your kids, and the challenges of living differently than those around you. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Yes, there are needs here in the U.S., but overseas there are tremendous needs.” “We were already used to the idea of arbitrarily limiting how much we spent.” “As we were given resources, we knew immediately that these probably should not be spent on us.” “God had been preparing our hearts all along.” “Why are we trying to figure out how much to give away when it should be how much should I keep?” LINKS FROM THE SHOW When Helping Hurts by Brian Fikkert (see our interview with Brian here) Steve Scalici (see our interview here) Neverthirst (see our interview with CEO Matt Letourneau here) Jay Dykstra (see our interview here) ROI Ministry (see our interview with Founder, Tim Barker here) 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.

John Rinehart is the author of Gospel Patrons: People Whose Generosity Changed the World and founder of GospelPatrons.org. John started his career in the business world before returning to seminary. However, it was on a 132-day trip around the world that God introduced John to the concept of a gospel patron. In his book, John vividly describes the lives of three individuals whose generosity changed the world: Humphrey Monmouth, a successful cloth merchant in the 1500s who personally funded William Tyndale in the translation of the first English bible Lady Huntingdon, a wealthy aristocrat in the 1700s who sacrificed much to partner with George Whitefield, the leading preacher of the Great Awakening and John Thornton, one of the wealthiest businessmen in England in the late 1700s who funded John Newton’s hymnbook, which brought us “Amazing Grace” Since authoring Gospel Patrons, John has become an influencial speaker and founded GospelPatrons.org, which serves as a home to empower a generation of gospel patrons. On the website, John and his team have countless interviews with current day gospel patrons, short films and stories, and other resources to encourage those seeking to step out in faith to advance the gospel through generosity. John had plenty to say about topics like common themes among gospel patrons, the best ways to get started, and how generosity is critical to faith. Listen now to hear all he had to say! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Why do I work? What is money for? What’s the role of business people in the Kingdom of God?” “Behind every great movement of God, there is always going to be a behind-the-scenes generous, professional person who says: I’m in!” “The work of the Kingdom of God is not just for pastors or missionaries.” “No matter what gift you have, you can bring it to the table and God wants to use it.” “I think the historical patronage partnerships were significant because they unlock the way God works.” “Tithing isn’t the finish line of Christian giving, it’s the starting line.” “God is going to introduce you to people who need your support.” “Every great step of faith we’re ever going to take is preceded by 100 tiny little steps of faith that lead us to be ready for those moments.” “You will be ready to step into your moment because you’ve already stepped into 100 smaller moments.” “If we want to have great faith, we’ve got to use it.” “You grow in giving by giving.” “Gospel patrons who live lives of radical, inspiring generosity are people who first and foremost have understood and grasped the gospel.” “We become like that which we worship.” “One of the themes I see among great gospel patrons is that their true and pure genius is obedience. They’re gifted is all sorts of ways, but when God speaks, they move.” “The generous life is the most joyful life there is.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Gospel Patrons (the ministry) Gospel Patrons (the book) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 8:1-3 | The Patron Women Accompanying Jesus 1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means. 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.

Bekele Shanko leads the Global Church Movements division of Cru and is the President of GACX, the Global Alliance for Church Multiplication. Bekele’s life started out in a small Ethiopian village without a school, clinic, or running water in a family dedicated to animism. By age 5, he was already an apprentice to a witchdoctor. When Bekele’s family miraculously came to Christ, they became a powerful conduit for God’s saving power and grace to Ethiopia and the rest of the world. Bekele’s people group, the Kambaata tribe, was completely unreached when he was young. That same people group of 1.5 million people today consists of 97% born again believers. As Bekele continued working to reach the unreached, he eventually came to found Cru’s global church planting division in 2011. That same division today is now working in 152 countries and has 2500 full time staff leading church planting movements. Bekele also leads GACX, a global collaboration of church planting ministries, now with over 115 partners, with the focused goal of planting a healthy multiplying church for every 1000 people distributed worldwide. And they want to do it by 2033. Since it’s founding in 2011, GACX partners have planted 2.4 million churches globally. And according to Bekele, the level of collaboration and resource sharing between ministries today is unparalleled in history. There are some incredible things going on in the missions frontier and you will not want to miss this episode. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I’ve experienced the power of God. The Gospel has transformed me. And that’s why I’m so passionate about reaching people who are lost without Christ and sharing the good news that has the power to transform lives.” “Missiologists believe that the center of Christianity has shifted from the global north (the western church) to the global south (Africa, Asia, and Latin America).” “There is a sense of lukewarmness in the church, a sense of spiritual apathy. We have many Christians, but not many committed disciples.” “I had this faith in God that I can ask God for anything as long as it is in His will.” “I asked God what he wanted me to do for him and God just opened my eyes to trust him for what we would call impossible.” “Whatever you ask God to do for His glory and for the advancement of His kingdom, He is able and faithful to do it. But sometimes we limit what God will do because we don’t believe and we aren’t asking God for great things. So I always encourage people to ask God for something bigger than themselves, for something they cannot do themselves.” “When there is clear vision, people are attracted to that vision.” “We want every planted church to become a great grandmother church, giving birth to a new church which gives birth to a new church.” “How can we help the 2 billion self-identified Christians to be part of God’s vision?” “We all believe that there is one church, one body, one kingdom, and one King.” “How can we work together for the glory of God, so God’s glory is at the center, and fulfilling the Great Commission is our motivation? One kingdom, one body is our philosophy.” “We are closer to the end times than yesterday.” “Prayer is so powerful. When we pray, we are aligned with God’s heart.” “Write down what you are praying and see if God answers those prayers.” “God is calling you to fulfill his purpose, and there is limited time.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Campus Crusade for Christ (Cru) Global Church Movements, Cru’s global church planting division Global Alliance for Church Multiplication (GACX) Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director, Josh Newell) iShare church planting mapping software Finishing the Task (see our interview with Global Church Planting Strategist, Dan Hitzhusen) Bekele’s book, Never Alone The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Revelation 7:9 | Every Tribe and Nation 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, 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.

Brian Helstrom is the Executive Director of Jesus Film Harvest Partners and has been with the ministry since it began in 1997. JFHP was formed when the Jesus Film Project, a ministry of Cru, approached the Church of the Nazarenes, a protestant denomination, about partnering to bring the Jesus Film to new areas around the world. Beginning with 200 sixteen millimeter projectors from Jesus Film in 1997, JFHP has witnessed incredible evolution and innovation in the missions world over the last 25 years. Today, JFHP supports nearly 1000 teams working all over the world to introduce new people groups to Christ and connect them with regional churches to carry on the ongoing work of discipleship and church planting. We have talked to leaders from many incredible ministries on the podcast, including Jesus Film, Faith Comes by Hearing, Wycliffe, Seed Company, and Finishing the Task, and Brian gave us a unique and up close look at how the work of all these ministries are linked together through partnership with boots on the ground. He also shared about some of the cutting edge technology that is changing the missions landscape today and enabling missionaries to reach people that were previously completely unreachable. You won’t want to miss this one. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The unengaged and unreached people groups, especially those who have yet to even hear Jesus name after 2000 years, are in areas where they are unreached for a reason” “In the pandemic, we thought we were going to lose all our teams, but all it did is cause them to grow.” “Because of this technology and because of these partnerships working so close together, everybody’s best stuff is helping us to go into places we never thought we’d get to this quickly.” “We’re really good at taking everybody’s best products, putting them in a backpack, and efficiently going to the next place that needs Jesus.” “Our efficiency of ministry only works because we partner not only with our denomination, but with other kingdom ministries.” “Pioneer donors who help start ministries are willing to bleed and die for this new baby that they’ve started.” “Most people have more of their wealth in what they own rather than in cash.” “We’re leaning into every new piece of technology we can get.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Jesus Film Harvest Partners Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) Finishing the Task (see our interview with Global Church Planting Strategist, Dan Hitzhusen) Evangecube from E3 Partners Bible Story Cloth from the International Missions Board Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with Vice President, Morgan Jackson) Christian Motorcyclist Association – Run for the Son LightStream Device (by Renew World Outreach, see our interview with founders, the Paluskys) Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO, John Chesnut) Seed Company (see our interview with Chairman Emeritus, Todd Peterson) ROI Ministry (see our interview with Founder and Executive Director, Tim Barker) Joshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Mark 12:42-44 | A Widow’s Offering 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” 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.

John Chesnut is the President and CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Wycliffe began over 80 years ago in an effort to see the bible translated into the heart language of every people group, and now consists of over 100 partner organizations working around the globe. However, in the last few years, the bible translation landscape has changed dramatically with unprecedented levels of collaboration between organizations. John lays out the foundation of the IllumiNations Impact Alliance as well as the exponential growth that has taken place since then, all with the goal to translate God’s Word into every known language by the year 2033. IllumiNations started as a collaboration between 5 financial partners and 3 translation agencies and has grown to include 11 major translation agencies today. The purpose of the alliance is to coordinate, reduce redundancy, and share resources in order to accelerate the work of making God’s Word accessible to every person on Earth. In addition to the work of IllumiNations, John shares about the challenges ahead in reaching the remaining languages, quality assurance in translation, and stories of financial partners who have come beside Wycliffe over the years. John has a unique birds eye view into the work happening globally to make God’s Word accessible everywhere, and you won’t want to miss what he had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “This God of yours, if He is so big, why doesn’t He speak our language?” “It used to be common for a New Testament translation to take the life career of a missionary family.” “Now today, more and more translation is being carried out by people from these communities.” “God is bringing together different partners to carry out His work in ways I don’t know if we’ve ever seen in the history of the church.” “What would it look like for the Great Commission to be fulfilled in our lifetime?” “We’ve seen collectively more resources come in working in an open handed posture in that way than what we could have done individually, by far.” “The unreached people groups of the world are unreached for a reason. If it were easy, they would be reached. But those that are unreached are literally at the ends of the earth.” “Where outsiders are not allowed in, God is raising up people from within these communities.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Wycliffe Bible Translators SIL International (see our interview with CEO Michel Kenmogne) Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director, Josh Newell) Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Finishing the Task (see our interview with Global Church Planting Strategist Dan Hitzhusen) 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.

Jay Dykstra is a practicing radiologist and founder of the website BlessBig.org. Jay’s financial journey started in med school and residency where he and his wife learned to live with a modest lifestyle. As they looked ahead to the large income jump Jay would experience as a practicing physician, they realized they didn’t need any more to be happy. And thus began their financial finish line. As Jay explored giving and generosity early on, he developed a passion for the global church and for giving where the impact would be highest. By changing where you give, your impact can be up to 10,000 times greater in some cases. It was from this passion that Jay founded BlessBig, which aggregates data and research from over 20 major charity evaluators to list the highest impact organizations working in a number of different impact categories. Jay shared about a wide variety of topics including: Why he thinks it’s better to give now rather than later How giving to the local church fits into generosity Why it’s so important to reach young adults with the message of generosity and effective giving And why where you give is probably more important than how much you give Listen now to hear all he had to say. If you'd like to reach Jay, text him at 616-610-3412 or email him at [email protected]. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Just set aside an unspendable chunk of money that feels a little sacrificial and is something you cannot spend.” “Get used to the mindset of having something you cannot touch, that’s going to be used for something else.” “It was huge for us to be able to learn those principles while we were still in the financial formation phase so that when we did have more to give, it wasn’t at all difficult for us to decide where to give or how to give because we had already been doing that.” “Jesus knows that what we do with our money is really more of a heart issue than a how much you give issue.” “It ends up being where you give that ends up being far more impactful than how much you give.” “Is our heart truly somewhere where we want to give, or is death the only thing that is going to succeed in separating our money from ourselves. Death should never be more generous than we are.” “Money is just another resource to use as an expression for how we are aligning ourselves with God.” “In developed nations, we’ve solved all the problems that money is good at solving. And all the problems that are left are problems that money is not good at solving.” “Give time to those around you, that’s what empathy is for. But give cash to the world’s lesser served and you’ll heal 10,000 more.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Effective Altruism movement BlessBig.org ROI Ministry (see our interview with Founder and Director, Tim Barker) GiveWell.org Calvin Edwards and Co. (see our interview with Founder, Calvin Edwards) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Mark 12:42-44 | A Widow’s Offering 42 And a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which make a penny. 43 And he called his disciples to him and said to them, “Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box. 44 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” Matthew 13:8 | The Fruit of a Seed Other seeds fell on good soil and produced grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 7:16-20 | Know a Tree by its Fruit 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits. Acts 4:34-35 | There Were None Needy Among Them 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had 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.

Matt Farmer is the President of the Heartland Office of the National Christian Foundation. Matt has a broad background which including time in the NFL, airforce service, seminary, and work in both the business and nonprofit sectors before taking over leadership of NCF Heartland. Early in his career, Matt and his wife Jenna were the recipients of an incredible act of generosity that set the tone for the rest of their lives. Now, in his role with NCF Heartland, Matt is able to pave the way for many other families to explore generosity in some incredible ways. Matt shares stories of several impactful NCF givers as well as insight on topics like the power of non-cash giving, kingdom giving collaborations, and the great wealth transfer – the anticipated transfer of 60-80 trillion dollars between generations over the next several decades. Listen now to hear all he had to share (including a particularly creative Manager Minute at the end of the episode). QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Generosity is its own witness. It can be an apologetic itself.” “In the next few years, we are going to be experiencing the worlds greatest stewardship opportunity.” “In the last few years, we’ve seen a record level of giving happen through the pandemic.” “We are watching an unprecedented amount of resources go back out after an unprecedented amount of resources coming in.” “Our mission is to mobilize resources through inspiring biblical generosity.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) NCF Heartland Hope Center Kansas City The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Acts 20:35 | Better to Give than to Receive (MSG version) You’ll not likely go wrong here if you keep remembering that our Master said, ‘You’re far happier giving than getting.’ 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.

Todd Peterson started his career with 13 years in the NFL, but has since become a powerhouse in fueling the bible translation movement and encouraging others towards radical generosity. When Todd was drafted by the NY Giants in 1993, he was initially distracted by the excitement of a substantial income. However, God got Todd’s attention with a dramatic wake-up call after his rookie year. From that point on, Todd and his wife Susan dedicated themselves to the exciting adventure God had in store for them. Throughout his NFL career, Todd and Susan delved deep into their generosity journey and began drawing others into that journey with them. Since he retired from the NFL in 2006, Todd has become significantly involved in many organizations in the generosity and bible translation spaces. From 2008-2013, Todd served as Chairman of Seed Company, one of the leading bible translation ministries. And through his involvement, he was able to participate in the formation of the IllumiNations impact alliance between 11 major bible translation organizations. Because of that collaboration, it is anticipated that the bible will be accessible to every language spoken on Earth by the year 2033. In Todd’s words, “The last bible translator is alive today.” Todd has served on numerous other boards including Global Generosity Movement, Passion Conferences, the Young Life Foundation, and Pro Athletes Outreach and has a depth of wisdom in living out radical generosity. Todd shared plenty of wisdom on topics like honing your giving focus and how to do more than write a check. Even more interestingly, Todd shared his unique insight into the relationship between givers and ministries, having spent significant time on both sides of the field. Listen now to hear all Todd had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We very early on saw the NFL as a mission field and we were very highly compensated missionaries in a sense.” “You can’t really be a man of humility until you’ve been humiliated.” “I’m never going to make another penny before we give to God first.” When the income really started to come, we were better prepared for it because we had made a decision that we were going to give first.” “As our income increases, our lifestyle doesn’t have to grow with it.” “My NFL career, all 13 years, felt like God had a plan for my life.” “At the end of the day, what we’re supposed to be doing with our lives is giving them away.” “We want to life full and abundant life and experience all God has for us. And the best way we knew how to do that was to hold things loosely.” “Football was one thing that God gave me a talent for, but it wasn’t the only thing he created me to do.” “We are people who really want to be invested in every sense of the word. We don’t want to simply write a check to an organization.” “All ministry hinges on the power of the gospel in the language of a person.” “Could there be a greater injustice than not having access to the Gospel in your language?” “By 2033, we can eradicate bible poverty, meaning every language on Earth has access to at least some portion of the scripture translated.” “We believe in the bible translation world that the last bible translator is alive now.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Safely Home (see our interview with author Randy Alcorn) The IllumiNations Bible Translation Collaboration Finishing the Task (see our interview with FTT Global Church Planting Strategist Dan Hitzhusen) Seed Company The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matt. 16:25 | Whoever Seeks to Save His Life For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Isaiah 55:8 | My Thoughts Are Not Your Thoughts For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. Ephesians 2:10 | We Are God’s Workmanship For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. 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, 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.

Josh Newell is the Executive Director of the Jesus Film Project. The Jesus Film started in 1979 as a ministry of Cru and is a film based on the gospel of Luke. Within 10 years of its creation the Jesus Film was the most translated and most watched film in the world, now reported to have been translated into over 2000 languages and seen by over 3 billion people in almost every country in the world. Jesus Film is a richly collaborative ministry partnering with a vast assortment of ministries in the bible translation, evangelism, and church planting spaces. Today, 90% of the Jesus Film projects final results come from their church planting partners in the field. Josh joined Jesus Film in 1998 as a film translator and has remained with the organization up to today, where he now serves as Executive Director. Josh has developed a deep and thoughtful perspective of the global missions landscape and the work that remains ahead to reach every person everywhere with the gospel. Listen now to hear all he had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I find it humbling to be a part of a project that can be a catalyst to see cross-denomination cross-traditions work together in a way that is collaborative and to see spiritual fruit.” “We want to be creating a faithful translation of the Jesus Film that accurately reflects the Word of God in a given people group. And to do that, you need to work with bible translators.” “For us, the mission hasn’t changed. It’s all about getting the gospel to everyone everywhere.” “If the map of where the church needs to go has remained the same for nearly 2000 years, why hasn’t it gone?” “The Spirit of the Lord seems to be moving is such a way to bring about collaboration on a radical level where churches and organizations are throwing everything into the middle of the table and saying ‘We’re all in’ to reach everyone everywhere. It doesn’t matter who goes, let’s just make sure that we do!” “We get to be a catalyst for partnership.” “Where is the task and what will it take to get us there?” “About 75% of the 6 billion unreached people live in just 12 countries.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Jesus Film Project Watch the Jesus Film Cru (Campus Crusade) Biblica Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) Elijah 21 Joshua Project (see our interview with Director, Dan Scribner) Finishing the Task (see our interview with FTT Global Church Planting Strategist Dan Hitzhusen) 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.

Jonathan Reynolds is the CEO of Titus Talent Strategies, an innovative company in the recruiting and hiring space. Jonathan was raised in a strong culture of generosity and that theme has continued on through his life. And Jonathan has infused that same generosity culture into his company’s very foundation. One way Jonathan has done that is by creating a company giving fund. Any employee can recommend an organization that is doing work in the community, and Titus Talent will help support that organization from their giving fund. In this way, Titus has contributed millions of dollars to support the community with an ultimate goal to give away 30 million dollars by 2030. And they’re ahead of schedule! While Jonathan is a passionate Christ follower, and believes generosity is baked into our original human design before the fall, he also talks about how generosity actually makes perfect business sense. He goes as far to say that he would recommend a strong culture of generosity even for a business leader with no background in faith. Jonathan shared not only the amazing fruit he’s seen from Titus’s generosity culture, but also the challenges that have arisen too. He had thoughtful insight into how to navigate some of these challenges and recommendations for those who don’t even know where to start. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Whatever you do, just do it for the glory of God. And live in such a way as to hasten his return.” “God is the ultimate priority and he is the one I want to please. And I am a steward of his resources.” “If I was an ungodly person who wasn’t living for eternity, I would actually choose the generosity route as a strategic business position. It just works. It’s magnetic and creates a sense of unified meaning.” “Is generosity a part of your life today? Because it won’t be later if it isn’t today.” “I want to stay in the business world to take people on that journey with me rather than get out as fast as I can.” “Even through the pandemic when the bottom fell out from most of our businesses, our first reaction was how do we keep meeting our giving goals?” “Generosity is contagious. It’s the most amazing experience and you want others to experience it too.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Titus Talent Strategies Homes of Hope, a ministry of Youth with a Mission (YWAM) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community on LinkedIn 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.

Calvin Edwards is the founder of the philanthropic advisory firm Calvin Edwards and Company, a consulting firm that helps philanthropic donors perform due diligence for ministries they might seek to support and to help determine the quantitative impact these organizations are having. Calvin started his career with 20 years in the nonprofit world working for a number of ministries including Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. He then pivoted to spend several years in leadership at the Ronald Blue & Co. accounting firm before going off to launch Calvin Edwards and Company. In addition to sharing all about how his firm evaluates ministries, Calvin had much to say about what “being a good steward” actually entails. In his words, no giver is off the hook for how they invest their giving dollars and philanthropy is a responsibility that should be taken quite thoughtfully. Calvin also had plenty of helpful guidance for new givers or those seeking to ramp up their giving. Listen now to hear all Calvin had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Charitable organizations have trouble telling you what their strategy is.” “Good stewardship pushes through supporting kingdom work to supporting kingdom work that is carried out in a positive manner.” “It’s interesting that in scripture, fruitfulness is praised.” “God does care what our giving achieves.” “Good stewardship goes beyond the ‘I gave it away’ to ‘to whom did I give it to and what was accomplished?’.” “I don’t think good stewardship can be outsourced. I don’t think you can let someone else be your good steward for you.” “When we give, we should sense God’s pleasure.” “What is it that upsets me or gets me going? Maybe I should help people that are addressing that problem.” “It is the work of the giver in their relationship with God to work out where they should give.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Calvin Edwards & Company, Calvin's philanthropic advisory firm Walk Thru the Bible Ministries Ronald Blue & Co. (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 25:14-30 | The Parable of the Talents 14 “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. 16 He who had received the five talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five talents more. 17 So also he who had the two talents made two talents more. 18 But he who had received the one talent went and dug in the ground and hid his master’s money. 19 Now after a long time the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 And he who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five talents more, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me five talents; here, I have made five talents more.’ 21 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.’ 22 And he also who had the two talents came forward, saying, ‘Master, you delivered to me two talents; here, I have made two talents more.’ 23 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.’ 24 He also who had received the one talent came forward, saying, ‘Master, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you scattered no seed, 25 so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’ 26 But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? 27 Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. 28 So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. 30 And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 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.

Brian Fikkert is the Founder and President of the Chalmers Center for Economic Development as well as the co-author of the well known book When Helping Hurts. From an early age, Brian felt called to work in the area of poverty. Despite his formal training in economics, he felt early on that the prevailing understanding of poverty left much lacking. On one hand, economists tended to define people as entirely physical. On the other hand, the church tended to define people as purely spiritual. But the more Brian was exposed to the poor, the more he came to see poverty as a complicated blend of the two. Brian founded the Chalmers Center at Covenant College to guide the Church in it’s response to poverty. Their initial work with microfinance and local savings unions worldwide has gone on to large scale operations with organizations like Hope International and Five Talents. And their work in the U.S. has expanded to include jobs preparedness, welfare training, and financial literacy. A number of years ago, Brian and the Chalmers Center published the well known book When Helping Hurts, which has become a cornerstone on the core principles of poverty alleviation. Brian had a wealth of wisdom to share on topics like knowing when to provide relief, rehabilitation, and development as well as how to flip from a needs-based approach to an assets-based approach. He also had some insightful thoughts on the ways that donors and nonprofits interact with each other and how we as givers can most wisely steward the dollars given to us. Listen now to hear all Brian had to share! QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We tend to define poverty as a lack of physical things, hence our solutions tend towards providing physical things” “The poor tend to describe their condition in far more psychological and social terms.” “If you can actually get people working again, it has it’s own therapeutic effect.” “Most poor people in the world are not in a crisis, they are actually in a chronic condition.” There is a place for bringing in outside resources when the local resources are inadequate, but those outside resources should only be brought in when they compliment the internal resources rather than crush them.” “I think financial supporters have one of the most difficult jobs in the whole world.” “We’ve got to start moving into how God really works in the world, and most of us aren’t functioning out of that very well.” “We are functioning out of a theory of change that is more reflective of a Western individualism than of a proper understanding of what a human being is.” “There’s a better story for the poor, and there’s a better story for us, than the story of the American Dream of highly individualistic, highly self-centered, highly materialistic existence.” “God has wired us to be priest-rulers to extend his reign and his worship from the Garden of Eden throughout all of creation. “ “Every nonprofit is terrified of their financial resource partners.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Chalmers Center for Economic Development at Covenant College The Innovate course by the Chalmers Center Brian's book When Helping Hurts Brian's books Becoming Whole and A Field Guide to Becoming Whole Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Five Talents Compassion International Tear Fund Reconciled World Seed Effect First Fruit The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Peter 2:9 | The Royal Priesthood 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Revelation 5:10 | Kings and Rulers 10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth. 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.

Rod Brenneman has spent much of his career in agribusiness leading up to his role as CEO of Butterball. When he left Butterball in 2014, he wasn’t sure what he would do next. However, God certainly had some interesting plans in store for him. It was around that time that Rod was introduced to Gary Ringger, the founder of Lifesong for Orphans. As God began to develop their relationship, Rod began to wrestle with one particular question: Is there a way to blend business and ministry to support Lifesong’s work indefinitely? Since that time, Rod has developed a passion for what he calls giving engines. Giving engines are businesses whose profits are used to support the work of a ministry in an ongoing manner. Together with Lifesong, Rod has used his agribusiness experience to develop berry farms in Ukraine, Zambia, and Uganda. Today, these giving engines operate over 100 acres of berry producing land, employ 325 people, and generate over $600,000 annually to support Lifesong’s work with orphans. When they are fully operational, the berry farms will generate over a million dollars per year, all while employing many of the orphans they support. Rod is passionate about the idea of giving engines not only for their strategic effectiveness, but also for their ability to re-engage business minds when people are finishing up their corporate careers. Listen now to hear all Rod had to share. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Everything really belongs to God. We’re just called to be stewards of what He’s given us.” “A giving engine is simply a business that directs all or a potion of its profits to ministry helping to make that ministry sustainable.” “A giving engine represents an investment in economic, social, and spiritual transformation that provides ongoing sustainable support.” “We expect them to deliver adequate or market-rate returns to provide sustainable cashflow for ministry.” “I really want to challenge other people like me to think about finding ways to use their A-game skills for kingdom purposes.” “Dream big, so that when it happens you’ll know that it was God and not you.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Lifesong for Orphans (see our interview with founder, Gary Ringger) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Impact Foundation Neverthirst (see our interview with CEO Matt Letourneau) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 3:11 | Whoever Has Two Tunics And he answered them, “Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.” 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.

Dan Hitzhusen is the Global Church Planting Strategist for Finishing the Task. FTT was formed in 2000 to unify the global church and the many parachurch ministries towards the completion of the great commission of making disciples of all nations. In 2000, when FTT was formed, there were about 3,000 of the 12,000 people groups across the planet that remained completely unreached by the gospel. In 2018, that number was down to 1800. And in just the last few years, there are now fewer than 200 groups remaining to be reached. Dan has worked in over 100 countries, leading multiple major ministries including serving as International VP of e3 Partners and President of Global Missions Fellowship. He has seen lame men walk and blind men regain their sight. And he has a deep passion for unifying the body of Christ around his final command to make disciples of all nations. Dan laid out a spectacular birds-eye view for us of what God is doing in every corner of the world and what work remains. Even more exciting, he shared countless stories of how the gospel is moving forward at an unprecedented pace thanks to some major developments in recent years. Dan also explained Finishing the Task’s targeted approach to bringing believers, bibles, and bodies of Christ to all 12,000 people groups by establishing initial believers in every single group, translating the Bible into every language in the world, and establishing a church for every 1,000 people across the planet. And they want to do it by year 2033. Listen now to hear Dan’s incredible insight into how God is moving and what work remains. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “To unite the body of Christ to fulfill the Great Commission” “We began to see how to start churches that multiplied.” “The momentum right now, in terms of the body of Christ reaching people groups, is phenomenal, just in the last 4 or 5 years.” “Rick likes to describe the Great Commission with the 3 B’s: Believers, Bodies (of Christ), and Bibles.” “If this is such good news, why has it taken you so long to get it to our village?” “COVID has really opened a lot of doors for the gospel.” “People are around Jesus first, not their logos, not their organizations.” “The technology today gives us the capacity to reach everyone in the world.” “One of the biggest barriers right now is knowing where the church is and where the church isn’t.” “As you begin to give your treasure away, God tends to multiply it in phenomenal ways.” “There’s a lot of money tied up in foundations that isn’t out working now.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Finishing the Task Campus Crusade Josh McDowell E3 Partners Jesus Film (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) The Finishing Fund (see our interview with founder Doug Cobb) Rick Warren, Executive Director of Finishing the Task and author of the Purpose Driven Life Global Alliance for Church Multiplication (see our interview with President Bekele Shanko) Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) The Go Movement The Lausanne Movement World Evangelical Alliance National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Revelation 7:9 | Every Tribe, Tongue, and Nation 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. Matthew 28:19-20 | The Great Commission 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 10:18-20 | You Will Be Brought Before Kings 18 And you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. John 17:11 | Jesus’ Prayer for Unity Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. 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.

Tim Mohns is a seasoned financial planner who has had a financial finish line for the last 15 years after trying it out during a 6 month experiment. In addition to his advising career, Tim is heavily involved with the National Christian Foundation, a donor advised fund platform, as well as Kingdom Advisors, which seeks to equip financial planners to integrate their faith into their work. Tim shared an inspiring testimony of learning to walk in step with God, including experiencing the fruit of some impressively specific instructions from God. But even more than that, he shared through his own story how God is so much more interested in us giving with God rather than giving for God. In more recent years, Tim has been exploring giving away parts of the business he’s spent his life building with some exciting developments on the horizon. Listen now to hear Tim’s entire story. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Is this really all there is? … I’m doing everything I’m supposed to be doing. Why does it feel like I’m just eating paper? It’s tasteless!” “What really struck me was hearing the testimonies of people who had really tried generosity.” “I’m more of a save-a-holic than a spend-a-holic.” “Giving went from just another box to check as a good Christian boy scout to an invitation to do something with my heavenly father.” “The giving piece of it has been way more about me and intimacy with God and leading me back to what my heart’s desire really is, which is to have a great relationship with my heavenly father.” “I used to think that God needed me to ‘fund the kingdom’.” “I don’t think God’s heart is always about maximizing ROI, like somehow he’s going to run out of money.” “We don’t have to worry about the results, we just get to be a part of the process.” “You cannot take someone through something you’ve never done yourself.” “People talk about giving as something you ought to do, but I talk about it as an opportunity.” “I really want to come beside people and give them the freedom to take risks.” “Find a way to create a little bit of financial margin, and then get into a listening posture.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Fountain Wealth Management, Tim's financial advisory practice Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Journey of Generosity (JOG) experience through Generous Giving National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 6:19-21 | Store Up Treasures in Heaven 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust 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. 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.

For this episode, we’re taking a break from our typical interviews to cover a number of questions that have come in to the podcast. We’re lucky enough to be joined by repeat guest John Cortines to help us explore some of these ideas. John is the Director of Generosity for the Maclellan Foundation and past Chief Operating Officer of Generous Giving. He is also coauthor of the books God and Money and True Riches, along with another of our past guests, Greg Baumer. If you want to hear John’s full story, you can find it back on episode 13. The questions we covered in this episode are: [6:45] I live in an expensive part of the country. How would you account for this in setting a financial finish line? [16:56] If I set a finish line, how do I account for things like inflation, growing family, kids getting older (and more expensive), etc? [25:19] I recently received a large inheritance, although I am already in a decent financial position with a mortgage but no other debt. How would you handle that situation with a finish line in place? [33:47] God has really stretched me in giving out of my income, and that process has been very rewarding. My husband and I want to start giving out of our savings too. Do you have any advice? [38:36] Do you think that everyone should have a finish line? If you have a question of your own, there are a number of ways you can jump into the conversation. First, you can join our facebook group to find other likeminded people discussing all aspects of generosity and impactful giving. You can also check out the Finish Line Forum. If you’d prefer to send in your questions directly, you can reach us via our contract page. QUOTES TO REMEMBER “There’s nothing right or wrong about living in a high cost area.” “This is a matter of walking the adventure with the Lord, seeing what he’s called us to, and yeah, sometimes making tradeoffs.” “Your finish line will need some continuous tweaking. It’s not meant to be set in stone for the rest of your life.” “What are those dollars doing in an investment account that you don’t need versus what could those dollars do if they were injected into the kingdom?” “There’s a real pride in thinking you can out-invest God.” “I can figure out how much is enough income, but how much is enough security?” “Nobody stumbles into enough.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW God and Mammon by Andy Crouch at the Faith Driven Investor's Conference Larry Burkett's list of the 2300 Bible verses on money The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Acts 5:1-6 | Ananias and Sapphira But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” 5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. 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.