Christian Economic Forum Podcast

On this episode of the CEF podcast, Vince Birley shares his thoughts on the uncertainty of the economy and what Christians and business leaders should do in times like this. He and Grant Webster discuss biblical perspectives on investing, interest rates, and central banks. Don't miss this timely and insightful conversation with the founder of Vident Financial.  Member Profile

In the latest CEF Member Profile podcast Chuck had the privilege of interviewing Mike Sharrow who serves as the CEO of C12. Mike has a wonderful story and vulnerably shares his journey on how the Lord continues to prune and grow him as he strives for scalable and sustainable impact that changes cities and countries.

In this episode of our CEF Member Profile podcast series, Chuck Bentley has the privilege of introducing John Watkins to the CEF community. In 1982, John began his career of 38 years of working in China as a “tentmaker,” a minister in the marketplace. This was at the forefront of the cultural revolution and the massive economic growth China experienced. To John, there is no secular/sacred division in the marketplace; the ministry is the business. He discusses how he is currently able to apply his vast cross-cultural business experience to the huge divides in the U.S.: rural and urban, black and white, rich and poor—to name a few.

In the most recent Christian Economic Forum podcast, Chuck Bentley interviews economist Jerry Bowyer. Jerry and Chuck dive into numerous current events, beginning with the war in Ukraine and the West's role in it. They discuss the destabilization of global inflation and the courage needed to normalize interest rates. Find out if Jerry thinks there is a plausible risk for a genuine debt and currency crisis. Jerry examines gold and crypto and what roles they each may play in the future. As things feel like they're unraveling, listen as Jerry poses these questions: What role do Christians play in all of this? Are we just observers, or can we enact solutions? What are we going to do about it?

Chuck Bentley has the privilege of introducing Dana and Bill Wichterman to the CEF community. Dana and Bill, both with extensive backgrounds in the political and economic arena in Washington D.C., discuss how God is currently leading them to engage in His Kingdom work. Seeking to pursue Truth in a world where absolutes are extremely blurred, they share their insight into how Christ-followers are to die to self, serve an audience of One, and be extremely generous with their time, talents, and treasures.

In this episode of our CEF Member Profile podcast series, Chuck Bentley has the privilege of introducing Tom McGehee to the CEF community. As an expert facilitator, Tom has spent most of his life teaching others how to collaborate, strategize, and work together. Having lost his oldest son in a motorcycle accident about 12 years ago, Tom discusses how God spoke to him in the midst of this very real tragedy. His walk with God and the perspective he gained through this heartbreaking experience has helped him come alongside others in a unique way, as he leads them to live out God's plan for their lives.

This week on the Christian Economic Forum Podcast, we had the privilege of chatting about authentic leadership with CEF member Dan Owolabi. In this episode, Chuck Bentley and Dan Owolabi discuss how to overcome the insecurity that many leaders face, as they delve into the best practices of truly authentic leaders. Dan shares his incredible insight on how to lead others who are different from oneself and what it looks like to be a servant leader.

This week on the CEF Podcast, we move into part 2 of our mini-series on macro-economic trends called Gray Swans, with special guest David McAlvany. In this episode, Chuck Bentley and David McAlvany discuss Digital Currency and Fragile Networks, and the possible effects these trends have on our economy. David shares his knowledge on devaluation, cryptocurrency, predictions for the economy under a Biden administration, and what the individual can do to prepare for these changing systems.

In this episode of the CEF Podcast, we kick-off the first episode in our new mini-series on macro-economic trends called Gray Swans. Chuck Bentley examines this idea in his upcoming book, 7 Gray Swans: Trends that Threaten Our Financial Future. The term Gray Swan is used to describe a potentially very significant event, which if were to occur, could make a huge impact on the world, economy, and stock market. In this episode, Chuck talks about three of the Gray Swans he has identified: Modern Monetary Theory, Universal Basic Income, and American Democratic Socialism. 

We are excited to share the story of CEF Member Tim Eaton on today's podcast. Tim shares his incredible journey from missionary pilot in the jungles of Peru to founding nutraceutical company NutraMedix which gives 50% of its profits to support missions. Tim provides great insight on building and scaling a successful business founded around biblical values while having an impact in the lives of customers and employees, in the communities where they source their products, as well as through generosity with profits.

We are excited to share the story of Brian Peterson on today’s podcast. Brian shares with us how God opened his eyes to the possibilities of loving and serving the needy and homeless near his home in California. He recently took a leap of faith, leaving a successful career in automotive design, to scale a solution to serve the poor and needy in cities throughout the US and around the globe.

Today on the CEF Podcast Chuck Bentley has a fascinating conversation with David McAlvany of the McAlvany Financial Companies. David shares many wise insights on the global economy ranging from gold to national debt and beyond. 

Today’s CEF Podcast guests are Jared and Marissa Baragar, a husband-wife team serving in the Finance and Apparel industries from Jakarta, Indonesia. Jared and Marissa have a well-rounded global and biblical perspective on the pandemic and global crisis. We hope that you will be encouraged by their trust in the Lord as they share how they are navigating complex challenges and demonstrating God’s love within their organizations.

Today on the CEF Podcast Chuck Bentley addresses one of the major challenges of our time: injustice towards different groups of people and the social unrest stemming from it. There are many voices and confusing messages about what our response should be to this important issue but very few from a Biblical perspective. In his brief, 14-minute devotional today, Chuck takes us back thousands of years in history and introduces us to the world’s very first Anti-Racist.

Chuck Bentley CEO of Crown Financial Ministries and the founder of the Christian Economic Forum shares five defining principles of God’s economy and how they contrast with the world’s economy.

Today, Dr. Suparno Adijanto joins us on the podcast to remind us of the importance of generosity and kindness during these challenging times.

Dr. Robi Sonderegger, a world-renowned psychologist, offers practical and encouraging ways to cope with the overwhelming feelings many of us are encountering as we face an uncertain future.

CEF Member Johan Du Preez joins us from Cape Town, South Africa to talk about frameworks for navigating the COVID-19 crisis, the power of hope, and practical tips for how business leaders can exercise wisdom during challenging times.

CEF Member David Wills sheds light on the opportunities that organizations and corporations have to engage with their employees, communities, and board members during the COVID-19 crisis.

In this podcast episode, we’re joined by long-time friend of CEF Luke Roush, who shares his ideas, concerns, and wisdom to a conversation about when and how we need to restart our economy.  

In this podcast episode, economist Jerry Bowyer offers his perspective on the various economic and cultural responses to COVID-19.

In this podcast episode, CEF Member Henry Kaestner responds to some of the most frequently asked questions of business leaders and entrepreneurs in light of the current economic crisis.   Highlights from this episode include: Henry’s near-death experience last year, and how it’s impacted his perspective on COVID-19 The 3-part strategy Henry recommends to entrepreneurs about running their businesses in this environment Observations from Silicon Valley during the crisis Henry’s response to 4 possible economic recovery scenarios Stories of faith, hope, and love in the midst of hardship

Tim Macready gives his perspectives on the macro-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. Tim Macready is chief investment officer at Christian Super, an Australian pension fund, and Brightlight Impact Advisory, its sister organization focused on helping investors to develop impact and faith-driven investing strategies.

Craig Deall shares about what it's like to lose everything and how Christians can flourish and glorify God in the midst of hardship.

In Seon Hwang is based in New York City; he is the CEO and Co-Founder of Ascend Partners. Ascend’s mission is to build thriving communities by investing in entrepreneurs and companies that improve access, affordability, and quality of healthcare to vulnerable, underserved populations while delivering attractive rates of return to their investors. In Seon previously worked at Warburg Pincus, where he led the firm’s investment activities in the global healthcare, consumer, and retail sectors.

Two CEF members joining us for this podcast episode talk about their businesses, families, and finding hope in the midst of the overwhelming challenges faced by many during the COVID-19 crisis. Their friendship is a testimony of hope during this difficult time. 

Christian Economic Forum Founder Chuck Bentley interviews Vident Financial CEO Vince Birley on the economic impacts of Covid-19. With over 30 years’ experience in the personal and institutional financial services industry, CEF member Vince Birley co-founded Vident Financial. Previously, he was the Chief Strategy Officer and Chairman of the Investment Policy Committee for Ron Blue and Company and led the effort to develop a Principled Reasoning investment philosophy. We hope you enjoy this podcast episode with Vince.