Podcasts about financial accountability

On today's program, Baylor University voluntarily rescinded their acceptance of an LGBTQ research grant after receiving pushback. The school's president says their stance on biblical sexuality has not changed. We'll have details. And, is a membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability worth the cost? We talked with current and former members. Also, the adoption of A-I in church operations is now mainstream…but pastors aren't ready to use it for everything. Plus, a guide to giving to ministries helping with relief efforts in central Texas after floods devastated the area. First, a former member is suing John MacArthur's megachurch for how it handled church discipline. The producer for today's program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Jim Vertigo, John Seewer, Jessica Eturralde, and Christina Darnell. Until next time, may God bless you.   MANUSCRIPT:    FIRST SEGMENT Warren:                                                        Hello everybody. I'm Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina. Natasha: And I'm Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado, and we'd like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast. Warren: On today's program, Baylor University voluntarily rescinded their acceptance of an LGBTQ research grant after receiving pushback. The school's president says their stance on biblical sexuality has not changed. We'll have details. And, is a membership with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability worth the cost? We talked with current and former members. Also, the adoption of A-I in church operations is now mainstream…but pastors aren't ready to use it for everything. Plus, a guide to giving to ministries helping with relief efforts in central Texas after floods devastated the area. Natasha: But first, a former member is suing John MacArthur's megachurch for how it handled church discipline. Warren: In a complaint filed Thursday (July 3) in Los Angeles County Superior Court, lawyers for Lorraine Zielinski said she went to leaders at the megachurch in LA's Sun Valley neighborhood, where MacArthur is the longtime pastor, seeking counseling for her troubled marriage and was told her conversations would be kept confidential. According to the complaint, she told counselors she was afraid for her safety and the safety of her daughter, alleging that her then-husband was physically abusive. Her lawyers said church leaders pressured Zielinski to drop her request for a legal separation. When Zielinski tried to resign as a church member, pastors put her under church discipline for failing to follow their counsel, according to the complaint. They also allegedly told her to either come to a meeting with church pastors or details of her counseling would be made public to the congregation. Natasha: What happened? Warren: According to the complaint. “When Plaintiff did not attend the meeting, GCC made good on its threat and shared information gained through confidential communications relating to her marriage with GCC membership,” “GCC also misrepresented parts of these communications, painting Plaintiff as a bad actor in the marriage and the party at fault for the marital dispute. GCC also omitted Plaintiff's husband's desire to remarry and dissolve the marriage.” Natasha: Church members were also allegedly asked to pressure Zielenski to submit to church leaders and to reconcile with her husband, according to the complaint. Warren: Lawyers for Zielenski said the church violated her right to privacy and her right to free association, disclosed private facts, painted her in a false light, breached confidentiality and intentionally inflicted emotional distress. Grace Community Church did not reply to a request for co...

What's one of the biggest risks to the health of Christian ministries that often gets ignored? In this episode, Al Lopus sits down with Michael Martin, President of ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), to explore how trust, governance, and leader well-being are deeply connected—and why boards play a critical role in sustaining healthy, Christ-centered leadership. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/444michaelmartin Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2   By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus  | Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ | Email our host at al@workplaces.org

I'm sharing a personal journey of self-reflection on spending habits and prompting you to do the same. As I've grown my team to seven members, I've become more conscious of my financial decisions and the impact they have on my business.   I introduce two pivotal questions you should ask yourself when making significant spending choices: 'What if my team could see this?' and 'What if my customers could see this?' By contemplating these questions, you'll gain a new perspective on accountability and transparency in your financial decisions. Join me as I discuss the value of aligning your expenses with your business goals and values, and learn how these reflections can lead to smarter, more conscious spending.   What You'll hear in this episode: [0:45] Personal Spending Habits and Business Decisions [1:45] Reflecting on Financial Accountability [4:01] Team Involvement in Financial Transparency [6:25] Practical Exercise for Financial Reflection   If you like this episode, check out: How to Make Spending Decisions Smart Cash Management for Business Owners Best Practices to Control Employee Spending   Want to learn more so you can earn more?  Visit keepwhatyouearn.com to dive deeper on our episodes  Visit keepwhatyouearncfo.com to work with Shannon and her team  Watch this episode and more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMlIuZsrllp1Uc_MlhriLvQ  Connect with Shannon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/shannonkweinstein/   The information contained in this podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not individual tax advice. Please consult a qualified professional before implementing anything you learn.

Episode Notes Thanks for listening. Check out: Ramit's book here: https://a.co/d/6UXPu5x Ed Coambs, MBA, MA, MS, CFP®, CFT-I™ course here: https://corewellceu.com/event/home-financial-love

Financial Accountability, Junior Samples' Fish Tale & Easter Reflections. Introduction Welcome to another insightful episode of The Tom Dupree Show, brought to you by Dupree Financial Group, where we make […] The post Financial Accountability, Junior Samples' Fish Tale & Easter Reflections appeared first on Dupree Financial.

Financial accountability is more than tracking money—it is the compass that keeps our business heading toward the right destination. Evidently, without clear direction, we risk getting lost in daily chaos. However, when we embrace responsibility for our numbers, we take control of our journey.Planning With PurposeFirstly, running a business without financial accountability is like setting off on a road trip without a map. Secondly, although we may eventually arrive somewhere, it likely won't be where we intended to go. Consequently, we must define our goals, plan our route, and prepare for the unexpected.Moreover, our financial story plan becomes our guide. Besides being our route map, it keeps us honest and focused. Furthermore, just like a personal trainer tracks our fitness, our plan helps track profit targets, expenses, and resources. Hence, it must stay visible, current, and part of our weekly and monthly routines.Reviewing and Reflecting RegularlyUndoubtedly, we must check our dashboard—our digital accounting system—frequently. Accordingly, we can monitor whether sales match forecasts, expenses stay within limits, and profits align with projections. Additionally, when things go off course, we do not panic. Instead, we reroute, reflect, and readjust.Certainly, unexpected events will happen. Nevertheless, strong financial accountability helps us respond with clarity. Specifically, reviewing metrics like cashflow weekly, or even daily, gives us real-time control.Building Habits for Long-Term SuccessEmphatically, our financial plan is not a one-off task. Instead, it lives and breathes with our business. Previously missed goals become future milestones. Additionally, celebrating small wins keeps motivation high. Lastly, asking reflective questions helps identify blind spots and improve decisions.Keep Moving ForwardAltogether, financial accountability gives us power, direction, and peace of mind. It may not guarantee a smooth ride, but it ensures we keep moving toward our goals. Therefore, let's stop guessing and start owning our path.If this episode sparked new thoughts or gave you something to act on, then keep the momentum going. Listen to the I Hate Numbers podcast for more practical insights, guidance, and tools to help you take charge of your finances. Let's keep building smarter, stronger businesses—together.

Today I'm joined by Teddy Pierce, author of Dethrone Davos: Save America, to discuss the shocking waste, fraud, and abuse that the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been uncovering. From reckless spending to blatant money laundering, we're breaking down how our government has been misusing our hard-earned tax dollars—and why this corruption must be stopped. Transparency and accountability aren't just buzzwords; they're essential for restoring actual integrity to our system. Tune in as we expose what's really going on behind the scenes and why this fight matters for all of us.—Buy Teddy's book, Dethrone Davos: https://www.amazon.com/Dethrone-Davos-America-Theodore-Pierce-ebook/dp/B0D5NKGGNC—https://www.thebrandsunday.com/collections/all

The rollercoaster story of the battle in the US (the world's biggest global financial secrecy offender) over the implementation of a beneficial ownership register, the attempts to stop it and the (many) lessons learned from the UK's registers. The US's Corporate Transparency Act seemed to be on track. Until it wasn't... "Everything is bigger in Texas, that's what they like to say! And as we've learned, even court orders are bigger in Texas." Meanwhile, we take a look at UK company registration progress, since the days when "you could just set up a company for 12 pounds and say you were Mickey Mouse with a shareholder Donald Duck and no one asked any questions." (Spoiler alert: there's still a long way to go) Guests include: Zorka Milin and Ian Gary of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition, Cynthia O'Murchu Financial Times Investigative Reporter, Graham Barrow, financial crime sleuth and podcaster, the Dark Money Files, campaigner and author Oliver Bullough Hosted and produced by Naomi Fowler, co-produced by Leo Schick. Transcript of this episode: https://podcasts.taxjustice.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Transcript_Feb_25.pdf  Further reading:  What is beneficial ownership? https://taxjustice.net/faq/what-is-beneficial-ownership/ How to fix beneficial ownership frameworks, so they actually work https://taxjustice.net/2023/12/20/new-report-on-how-to-fix-beneficial-ownership-frameworks-so-they-actually-work/  Ownership Transparency https://thefactcoalition.org/issues/ownership-transparency/ Beneficial ownership registration around the world, 2022: https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/State-of-Play-of-Beneficial-Ownership-2022-Tax-Justice-Network.pdf  US Judge Lifts Last Beneficial Ownership Roadblock https://lnkd.in/gNYN6nrg  Biden's DOJ just asked the Supreme Court to do a huge favor for Donald Trump https://www.vox.com/scotus/393540/supreme-court-garland-texas-top-cop-shop-nationwide-injunction  Supreme Court Allows Enforcement of Major Anti-Corruption Law to Resume, FACT Coalition: https://thefactcoalition.org/supreme-court-allows-enforcement-of-major-anti-corruption-law-to-resume/ US company database remains on hold, despite Supreme Court decision https://www.icij.org/investigations/fincen-files/us-company-database-remains-on-hold-despite-supreme-court-decision/  Supreme Mess: The Beneficial Ownership Interest Reporting Controversy Lands At The U.S. Supreme Court https://www.forbes.com/sites/jayadkisson/2025/01/15/supreme-mess-the-beneficial-owne[…]interest-reporting-controversy-lands-at-the-us-supreme-court/ The Corporate Transparency Act is Constitutional, Government and “Friend of the Court” Briefs Make Clear https://thefactcoalition.org/the-corporate-transparency-act-is-constitutional/ How overseas territories are being used to bypass UK transparency rules https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/politicsandpolicy/how-overseas-territories-are-being-used-to-bypass-uk-transparency-rules/ Owners of 53,000 properties still unknown https://www.lawgazette.co.uk/news/owners-of-53000-properties-still-unknown/5115054.article Who paid £139 million for a Regent's Park mansion? Nobody knows. https://www.the-londoner.co.uk/the-regents-park-mansion-mystery/ How Do Judges Become Judges? Here Are Five Main Ways (US) https://www.democracydocket.com/analysis/how-judges-become-judges/     

How is AI revolutionizing financial crime detection? In this informative episode, host Nicole Jansen engages in a deep conversation with Peter Reynolds, the visionary CEO of ThetaRay. As an industry leader in AI-powered anti-money laundering, Peter and his team are on a mission to reshape financial crime detection. Dive into this episode to understand how AI is transforming the banking sector by accurately detecting illicit activities while ensuring financial inclusion in developing nations. Peter provides a captivating exploration of Theta Ray's cutting-edge solutions as he demystifies the complexities of AI technology for listeners who may not be tech-savvy. Discover how AI is utilized to streamline processes, reduce false positives in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance, and enhance the way institutions handle financial transactions on a global scale. This episode will equip business leaders and entrepreneurs with the knowledge they need to embrace technology ethically and effectively. Learn about real-world implications from TD Bank's case and the inefficiencies of legacy systems and gain insights from Peter's journey at the helm of an innovative tech company. Key Takeaways Theta Ray's mission in AI-powered anti-money laundering. How legacy systems are failing in detecting financial crimes. The benefits and future potential of AI in money laundering detection. Impacts and lessons learned from TD Bank's recent financial sector fines. Simple explanations of how AI differentiates between normal and abnormal transactions. How small-to-medium businesses can benefit from AI technologies. Peter's transition from law to fintech and leadership strategies. Regulatory considerations and AI's integration in various markets. The evolution of AI blending cognitive understanding with machine learning. Country-specific challenges in implementing AI-driven solutions. Podcast Highlights 0:00 - AI Revolution in Financial Crime Detection 6:17 - AI Enhances Financial Crime Detection 9:55 - Legacy Systems in Banking 12:36 - Bank Inaction Despite Resources 15:06 - Streamlining Remittances with AI Technology 20:38 - Navigating Regulatory Compliance in AI 23:08 - AI Reduces AML False Positives 24:30 - Human-AI Collaboration for Decision-Making 30:53 - African Business Expansion & Compliance 33:40 - Understanding Fraud Prevention Insights 36:00 - Expand Your Perspective Favorite Quotes Mission and Vision: "Our mission is to reshape the future of financial crime detection and AML." - Peter Reynolds Legacy System Issues: "Banks have to assume something's bad all the time because they don't know it's good." - Peter Reynolds AI's Potential: "AI is really good now at being able, in a very cost-effective way with great cloud computing software, to actually identify things like financial crimes." - Peter Reynolds Episode Show Notes: https://leadersoftransformation.com/podcast/business/528-reshaping-financial-crime-detection-with-ai-with-peter-reynolds/   Check out our complete library of episodes and other leadership resources here: https://leadersoftransformation.com ________

In this episode of the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast, we're discussing the controversial topic of commissions for fundraisers: are they legitimate? Tune in to find out! Join us as we discuss why the idea of commission-based fundraising sparks so much debate in the nonprofit world today. From the legal and professional standards nonprofits must navigate to ethical concerns and relational risks, we're talking about everything you need to know to protect your organization's reputation and build trust with your partners. Learn the 5 critical standards every nonprofit needs to consider. Find out what some governing bodies like AFP or ECFA have to say on this important topic. Uncover the legal ramifications of paying your fundraiser on a commission basis. And discover our 6 alternatives to commission-based fundraising. So whether you're curious about our opinion on this controversial topic or searching for ethical fundraising alternatives, this episode is for you. Remember that in the end, what truly matters is the interests of your partner. Your reputation is worth far more than gold. Don't forget to subscribe to our channel for more Biblically-based nonprofit development training. ASK US A QUESTION: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/fundraisingmasterminds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ NEED HELP WITH YOUR NONPROFIT? Most nonprofits are under-funded. Even if you think your nonprofit is doing well, we've found you could be doing much better. However, most nonprofits don't have a clear development strategy that keeps them grounded. As a result, they "get creative" and "try new things" based on what is popular or trending, or they get comfortable with where they are at and don't realize the dangers they will be facing in just a few short years. The Perfect Vision Dinner Course is a 20-week "live video" course that addresses this problem head on. The course was developed by Jim Dempsey after 38+ years as a Senior Development Director at Cru. After Jim had personally done over 2,500 vision dinners in his lifetime and raised over $1 billion worldwide, Jim and Jason have partnered together to bring you Fundraising Masterminds. Our first course, The Perfect Vision Dinner is a time-tested proven formula that will introduce our development system and grow your nonprofit to its maximum potential. The course includes 20-hours of personalized development coaching from Jim Dempsey and Jason Galicinski and also includes a real-time community group where you have access to everyone attending the course and also our Masterminds throughout the course. The goal for this course is to fully equip you with a Biblical basis for Development so that you can Win, Keep and Lift new partners to higher levels of involvement with your nonprofit. → ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://FundraisingMasterminds.net⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: → Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/fundraising.masterminds⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠→ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://facebook.com/fundraising.masterminds⁠⁠⁠ Episode Keywords: Association for Fundraising Professionals, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, contract work, nonprofit governance, fundraising ethics, nonprofit fundraising strategies, nonprofit compliance, professional fundraising, nonprofit motivation, donor protection, nonprofit regulation, development experience, nonprofit board members, commissions for fundraisers, commissions for fundraisers are they legitimate, are commissions for fundraisers legitimate, is it legitimate to pay fundraisers commission, fundraisers on commission, commission-based fundraising, nonprofit standards, professional standards nonprofits, nonprofit ethical concerns, build trust with your partners, standards every nonprofit need, standards for nonprofits, afp, ecfa, afp standards, ecfa standards, ethical fundraising, nonprofit development.

Send us a textWant to boost profits and accountability across your organization? In this episode of Business Strategy, Steve shares proven methods from decades of turning around million and billion-dollar companies.Discover two powerful approaches—macro and granular—for assigning financial responsibility across your team. Learn how to transform financial statements into actionable insights through monthly strategy reviews.Ready to drive results and build a culture of ownership?Listen now and take the first step toward higher profits.Disclaimer:The views expressed here are those of the individual Coltivar Group, LLC (“Coltivar”) personnel quoted and are not the views of Coltivar or its affiliates. Certain information contained in here has been obtained from third-party sources. While taken from sources believed to be reliable, Coltivar has not independently verified such information and makes no representations about the enduring accuracy of the information or its appropriateness for a given situation.This content is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be relied upon as legal, business, investment, or tax advice. You should consult your own advisers as to those matters. References to any securities or digital assets are for illustrative purposes only, and do not constitute an investment recommendation or offer to provide investment advisory services. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendations. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. Please see https://www.coltivar.com/privacy-policy-and-terms-of-use for additional important information.Register for the free Measure What Matters Webinar here: https://www.coltivar.com/measure-what-matters-webinar Support the show

Are your finances as secure as they should be? In this thought-provoking episode of the Spartan Leadership Podcast, Josh Kosnick sits down with Christine Brunner, a seasoned forensic accountant with over 23 years of experience in litigation support and financial investigations. Known as the "brains behind the operation," Christine shares invaluable insights on safeguarding your business against fraud, maintaining financial accountability, and understanding the red flags that could save your business.What we discuss:[00:01:00] Why Christine believes people are good by nature despite financial crimes[00:03:00] What forensic accounting REALLY is (Hint: It's not CSI!)[00:09:00] Top red flags for fraud in your business[00:12:00] How small businesses can leverage QuickBooks auditing features[00:28:00] The truth about PPP fraud and what it means for YOU[00:47:00] Why forensic accounting is a career worth exploringWhether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, or simply curious about forensic accounting, this episode is packed with actionable insights, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on financial accountability.

At their weekly meeting yesterday, the AS Senate passed a new resolution to support financial accountability relating to campus organizations who get their funding from student lock-in fees. KCSB's Joyce Chi has more.

In this episode of the Nonprofit Bookkeeper, host Aishat discusses the implications of trustee payments in light of the disqualification of Naomi Campbell and Bianca Helmick from being charity trustees or holding senior management positions in a charity for a combined period of 14 years. The conversation delves into the legal framework surrounding trustee payments, the findings of the Charity Commission's investigation, and the governance failures that led to a finding by the inquiry of significant financial mismanagement. Aishat emphasizes the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to charity regulations, providing valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders to prevent similar issues in their organizations.KEY TAKEAWAYSTrustee payments must align with the charity's governing documents.Documentation of expenses is crucial for accountability.Charity trusteeship comes with serious legal responsibilities.EPISODE RESOURCESCharity Inquiry: Fashion for Relief - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)'I was not in control': Naomi Campbell defends her role after she was banned from being charity trustee | Ents & Arts News | Sky NewsNaomi Campbell orders a new investigation into her charity after trustee ban | ITV NewsABOUT YOUR HOSTAishat operates her own bookkeeping and accounting services practice – BAnC Services which focuses primarily on serving non-profits. Before founding her practice, she dedicated over two decades to the non-profit sector.With her podcast, Aishat shares practical insights and expertise to streamline financial management for non-profits; and shines a light on the often unseen & unheard efforts that uphold the delivery of a non-profit's mission.Beyond her professional endeavours with non-profits, Aishat is deeply committed to supporting single mothers with navigating financial management challenges and is the author of "Money Solutions for Single Mums". She also champions financial literacy among young black adults and thrives in discussions about money management.Work with Aishat: www.bancservices.co.ukCONNECTInstagramTikTok

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In today's episode, we dive into a critical aspect of leadership—integrity and accountability. Our guest, Michael Martin, President and CEO of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), shares essential steps for building trust and maintaining accountability within your organization. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/404michaelmartin Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2   By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on X https://twitter.com/allopus  Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ Email our host at al@workplaces.org

A new MP3 sermon from Sovereign Grace Family Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: Financial Accountability in the Church Subtitle: 2 Corinthians Exposition Speaker: Dr. M. Keith Foskey Broadcaster: Sovereign Grace Family Church Event: Sunday Service Date: 8/18/2024 Bible: 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; 2 Corinthians 9:1-5 Length: 57 min.

The cancellation of the FCRA licence “has nothing to do with technicalities. It [the government] is weaponising FCRA and using it as a political tool against organisations that are critical of the government,” said Joe Athialy, executive director of the Centre for Financial Accountability. Last week, the FCRA licence of the CFA's parent entity, India Institute for Critical Action Centre, was cancelled citing “errors” in tax filings.In a conversation with Newslaundry, Athialy alleged that the government has “double standards” for civil society groups and India Inc. “Consider that a company had some erroneous filings. This doesn't mean that tomorrow the company will shut down.”Tune in. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

[00:00:00] Vonna Laue: I started working when I was 13 at Dairy Queen. And if you work at a fast food restaurant, at least at that time, more than six or nine months, you're in a leadership position and you've got a crew that works with you. So I had that opportunity. And one of the biggest things looking back on it, and I didn't actually realize that until our girls got involved, but 4H was huge in my life. And at the time it was fun. I used to horse show and did a lot of the competitions at the county and state level. But when I then took our daughter to a 4H meeting and realized, wow, this is where I learned a lot of my leadership skills. They operate with Robert's rules of order and the kids run the meetings and they're elected to positions. And so I had that opportunity at a really young age. +++++++++++++ [00:00:55] Tommy Thomas: Our guest today is Vonna Laue. Vonna is a distinguished leader in the nonprofit sector, particularly known for her extensive work with churches and ministries. Early in her career, she served as a partner for a national CPA firm specializing in audit, tax, and advisory services for the nonprofit sector. She later took on the role as Executive Vice President at the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, where she focused on enhancing trust within the church and ministry communities. Her experience is widely recognized. She has authored multiple articles, co-authored three books, frequently speaks at national and regional conferences, and in 2010, she was inducted into the Church Management Hall of Fame, underscoring her significant contributions to the field. [00:01:45] Tommy Thomas: Vonna, Welcome to NextGen Nonprofit Leadership. [00:01:48] Vonna Laue: Tommy, thanks for having me. It's great to be here. [00:01:50] Tommy Thomas: I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I first met you; I don't know how many years ago it was, but, Rich Stearns, the then President of World Vision had asked me to help him find some board members. [00:02:02] Tommy Thomas: He gave me some parameters and you were the one of the ones that identified. So, I guess that was our first encounter. [00:02:12] Vonna Laue: It was and that was 2016. [00:02:14] Tommy Thomas: In the words of Crosby, Stills, Nash Young, so much water has passed underneath the bridge since then. [00:02:24] Vonna Laue: Amen to that. [00:02:26] Tommy Thomas: Let's give us a few start up questions. I'm always curious, and I don't know these things about you. Before we get too deep into your professional career, take me into your childhood. What was childhood like? [00:02:39] Vonna Laue: I always enjoy telling people that think about birth order, that I'm a fairly complicated person because I was an only child and that automatically raises some red flags for some people. [00:02:53] Vonna Laue: And then when I was eight, my parents divorced and both remarried within about a one-year timeframe, and I became a middle child in two families. So, if you're gonna play the birth order game, I'm gonna give you a lot of information to mull over in that. [00:03:09] Tommy Thomas:  Where was your childhood geographically? [00:03:13] Vonna Laue: Absolutely. I grew up in South Dakota, which is one of the smallest populated states in the country. There were two stop lights in the town my mom was in and one stop  light in the town my dad was in. We may get into it more, but I had the privilege of going to a Christian school. And so, I tell people there were three in my graduating high school class. It was a definitely small-town America, and everyone knew what you were doing pretty much all the time. [00:03:46] Tommy Thomas: Now we've heard these stories; Even my parents who were raised in Alabama and Georgia, they didn't have the snow part, but they had the part about walking to school five to six miles a day uphill. In South Dakota, did you have to walk to school in the snow several miles a day? [00:04:03] Vonna Laue: I walked to the bus stop, and because I went to a Christian school, we wore skirts and dresses every day. And it didn't matter if it was 20 above or 20 below. And they also didn't have snow days when I was a kid. You went to school unless it was absolutely catastrophic. So yeah, I walked to the bus stop in the snow, in a skirt, many times, every winter. [00:04:30] Tommy Thomas:   Thinking back, what was the greatest gift you think your parents gave to you? [00:04:36] Vonna Laue: Actually, it was that very thing of education. When my parents, even when they were still married and we were living in a small town, they wanted me to get an education. And the best way to do that in their mind was through the local Christian school. And so, while my parents were in a mainline denomination and didn't have a relationship with Christ, that's where I went to school. And those three years and the education and the relationships that the Lord gave me there were critical for me. [00:05:09] Vonna Laue: And then when life changed drastically and over the next four years, we moved multiple times and were in different education settings. I kept begging to go back to a Christian school. And so ultimately my seventh-grade year was able to do that, in a different Christian school. And again, they agreed to that because of the education that they felt like I would receive there, but it was through that I came to Christ. So, I'm a big proponent of Christian education. And subsequently, my parents, grandparents came to Christ.  They didn't know it at the time, they weren't doing it for that reason, but that was by far the biggest gift they gave me. [00:05:50] Tommy Thomas:  You turned out at least initially as a CPA, was that a dream from high school? [00:05:57] Vonna Laue: It wasn't. I don't remember, sometimes there are people that remember what they wanted to do in elementary school and that's what they did. We sponsored cadets at the Air Force Academy, and one of those wanted to be a fighter pilot from the time he was five years old, had every plane hanging in his room and to this day he is a fighter pilot. That wasn't me. I didn't have that idea when I was little. When I got into middle school, I was volunteering at a hospital and thought I'd go into nursing and then wasn't really wild about nursing. And so, when I initially started taking college classes, I thought that I would major in chemistry and physics. [00:06:37] Vonna Laue: And had a semester that I was able to go to Bible college in Minnesota and wanted to take that opportunity. I knew that I couldn't finish there, but wanted to go and take some foundational courses and take things that would transfer back to a state university in South Dakota. And when I went, one of the classes that I took was an accounting class. And I took that class and I thought, this is easy. And then I looked around and realized, not everybody in this class thinks this is easy. Maybe there's something to that. And so, it was then, and I to this day wish that I had gone back to that professor, and just let him know the way that changed the course of my career. [00:07:23] Tommy Thomas: Gosh, I remember my two accounting courses in graduate school. I couldn't say that they were easy. Probably the first one was easier. We were taught our first accounting course by the CFO of Coca Cola Bottling Company in Birmingham. He brought stuff from the office every day to the classroom at night.  I think that made accounting maybe a little bit more tolerable for me. [00:07:45] Vonna Laue: Yeah. Real world application, I think does make it at least a lot more enjoyable. ++++++++++++++ [00:07:50] Tommy Thomas: What's something that people are always surprised to find out about you? [00:07:53] Vonna Laue: I usually can pull a few of those out. I would say the one I would share with you and your listeners today is, I was apparently the nation's youngest emergency medical technician and always will be because they passed a regulation not long after I got licensed, but I was 13 when I licensed as an EMT. [00:08:14] Vonna Laue: So that usually surprises people. [00:08:17] Tommy Thomas: That's a good conversation starter. [00:08:21] Vonna Laue: I thought you might like that one. [00:08:23] Tommy Thomas: So, you're out of college now. You're in accounting. Can you think back to your first management job and when you had somebody reporting to you?  What can you tell us about that? [00:08:37] Vonna Laue: I'm thankful. I'm going to back up a little bit just in the leadership journey because I'm thankful for the opportunities I had even when it wasn't my career, if you will. I started working when I was 13 at Dairy Queen. And if you work at a fast-food restaurant, at least at that time, more than six or nine months, you're in a leadership position and you've got a crew that works with you. So, I had that opportunity. And one of the biggest things that looking back on it, and I didn't realize that until our girls got involved, but 4H was huge in my life. And at the time it was fun. I used to horse show and did a lot of the competitions at the county and state level. [00:09:23] Vonna Laue: But when I then took our daughter to a 4H meeting and realized, wow, this is where I learned a lot of my leadership skills. They operate with Robert's rules of order and the kids run the meetings and they're elected to positions. And so, I have that opportunity at a really young age. Obviously when I came into the CPA firm, I served there 20 years and over the course of that time, started as a staff accountant and just worked my way up from there into a senior role and a manager role, a partner role, and then ultimately when I left the firm, left as the managing partner at the time of the national firm, so a lot of opportunities and challenges along the way in that, but I think probably the biggest thing is just how important people are and the way that you treat them and the relationships that you develop with them, not in a way that you're manipulative. But in a way that you truly are investing in them, that will serve you and your organization well, but it goes with them wherever they go beyond there. [00:10:37] Vonna Laue: So I look at that as an opportunity to make an investment long-term in a person. [00:10:42] Tommy Thomas: So if we could go back to that last three or four years in the CPA world, and here you are the managing partner, and you let me come into your staff meeting one day and after about five minutes, we dismissed you and I was talking to the staff and I asked them, what's the most exciting thing about working for Vonna?  What do you think they would have said? [00:11:04] Vonna Laue: It's a great and scary thought all at the same time. I think that I would take them on the people journey with me, if you will.  When I left and moved from our Colorado offices to the California offices, one of the things that really blessed me was one of the staff people that I worked with said, when you traveled with Vonna, she invested in the people in the hotel. When we would go to visit the same client year after year, the hotel clerks knew her because she would take time to visit with them and invest in them. I think sometimes that was annoying to people, and sometimes it was good, but created some interesting and maybe even exciting things along the way. [00:11:52] Vonna Laue:  We had a brand-new staff accountant one time, and we were driving back from an audit between Denver and Colorado Springs, and there was a wreck that happened right in front of us. And this poor staff accountant hadn't worked there for a week or two, and I pulled over and threw him the keys to the car and my cell phone and told him to call 911. And I just got out, and he had no idea what this accountant was doing. So I created some excitement, I think, just by the different ways that I would interact with people. [00:12:22] Tommy Thomas:  If I flip that coin, what would they say was the most challenging aspect of working for you? [00:12:29] Vonna Laue: I tend to do a lot of different things. I think you've come to know that about me over the years, Tommy. And I try very hard to let people know that my busyness is my problem and not theirs, but I think that people often are concerned that they're a bother or they're concerned they can't get time. So, I try to work with the people closest to me frequently on how best to manage. And I'm sure that's not an easy thing. [00:13:07] Tommy Thomas:   Successful people are often asked, what makes you so successful? I'd like to frame the question this way, what's a factor that's helped you succeed that people from the outside probably wouldn't be aware of? [00:13:20] Vonna Laue: I'll start off with the primary one beyond the obvious one and everyone's the Lord, right? And then, and I 100 percent agree with that. If God had only ever given me what I prayed for, I'd have sure missed out on an incredible amount of opportunity. So that is a given. Quite honestly. My husband is very instrumental in my success and a lot of people don't know that because Brian's behind the scenes and most people don't know him, but I talk about being raised in a small town and we still laugh about it to this day, but I was terrified to be around people. We went to a football game one time that had a couple thousand people at it. [00:14:08] Vonna Laue: And I said, would you go get me popcorn? And he said, you can get it yourself. And he wasn't being rude or mean. He just knew that I needed to grow. And I was like, no, I don't need it. And he's like go get your popcorn. And he just has had the foresight over the years to stretch and grow me. And now I think this year I will have probably seven international trips, have the opportunity to speak to hundreds of people at a time, just amazing opportunities and that's a big part of it. But on a personal front, I think that the key to that is being willing to be stretched. That's not easy. It's a lot easier to go with the routine, to go with the things that are known. But when you're willing to open yourself up to opportunities to be stretched, to take advantage of uncomfortable situations, you get a lot more opportunity that follows. ++++++++++++++++ [00:15:11] Tommy Thomas: I'm going to make the assumption here that you've had some good mentors in life. Can you take us down that rabbit trail? [00:15:17] Vonna Laue: I love to talk about mentoring. One of the things that I found throughout a good portion of my career was that it was really hard for me to find a mentor. And the reason that I say that is because I could find godly women who would invest in me personally and spiritually, but many of them had the perspective of a stay-at-home mom and that they didn't understand why I had the desire to have a career. I love my girls who are grown now, but always laughed that they would not have wanted me at home with them all the time because I don't care that you're two. You should be able to organize your closet by short sleeve, long sleeve, skirts, dresses, get it organized. So, I had that challenge, with those women that I wanted to speak into that portion of my life. And then when I looked for someone who professionally could invest and develop me, there was almost the opposite of that. [00:16:21] Vonna Laue: And it was, you got to give everything you have to the job. You're never going to get ahead if you try to balance family. Now, obviously both of those I'm saying to an extreme, but I just had a really difficult time for a long time finding someone who understood my faith and commitment to family, as well as my desire to be excellent in my career. And over time, I have done that. Tammy Heim has been a great mentor to me and a good balance of those things. And there have been others, but it has given me a commitment that we find that for other people. So, two things I would say, one is I have a distinction of my own between coaching and mentoring. Coaching I believe is professional in nature. [00:17:10] Vonna Laue: Men and women can work together in a coaching situation. I personally believe that mentoring often flows over into more personal aspects of your life. And it's a holistic approach to family and work and all of those things. And my idea with mentoring is that it should be the same gender, because I don't want to be talking about the difficulties I'm having at home with a male counterpart.  That just isn't appropriate to me. So, I differentiate those two things based on that. And I know not everyone does, but over the last couple of years have had just the extreme privilege of starting some peer mentoring groups for young ladies. And each group is three young women in similar stages of life, but in different roles and in different organizations. [00:18:00] Vonna Laue: So, they don't come in and fix each other's problems by, oh, you need this software, or you need this vendor. They really listen and help each other problem solve. And then each group has a seasoned leader in it that can contribute maybe some of the stories that she's encountered over time, or even just to be the brakes like, but you could do that, but you might consider what could happen as a result. [00:18:25] Vonna Laue:  Two years ago, we started with two of those groups, we're just wrapping up the second year with five, and next month will start 10 groups committed for the following year. So excited about the opportunity to invest in other young women. [00:18:42] Tommy Thomas: So, let me take that just a little bit further and we may come back to it later. Board service has been a big part of your life, certainly in the last 20 years. In your mentoring, are you talking to these women about board service and the pros and cons and if you serve, what's your best contribution kind of thing and trying to give them some opportunities to do that, right? [00:19:09] Vonna Laue: The first board I served on was not World Vision.  I want to remind people, both young people who are getting into board service, get involved in a local community board, whether that is. I served our hospital in Colorado Springs on their governmental committee. Whether it's a local chapter of some organization, the church network and Christian Leadership Alliance served on some of those, taking the opportunities to get involved in that at a more local level and then work your way up just like you would in almost anything else you do. You don't take up woodworking and become a master craftsman overnight. You start small. So, encouraging them to do that and then encouraging boards and leaders to give young people opportunity and don't expect them to come in with 25 years of experience. [00:20:10] Vonna Laue: You open the opportunities for them to come in and the things that they will contribute to your board discussions you can't imagine. So, I'm excited about what the future looks like. [00:20:27] Tommy Thomas: So, going back to personal leadership for a minute, in the book, It's How You Play the Game: The 12 Leadership Principles of Dean Smith, leadership principle #10 is making failure your friend. Can you share something from your life where this has been in play? [00:20:45] Vonna Laue: Nobody likes to fail, but it absolutely is true and the things that you learn from that and I look back on my time as Managing Partner at the firm and what a blessing that was and how gracious those partners were with me, because I would say, at least one of my biggest failures was just in how I handled the people involved there. And I just got done saying I love people and I do, but I will say all of those leaders are incredibly successful people and, no, I don't mean anything bad by this for those that are in a professional service firm, but it is so true that it's like herding cats because they all have their own realm and their own domain. [00:21:33] Vonna Laue: And they're really good at that. And I wasn't really good at bringing them all together at times and helping us find a strategic vision to go forward in, in one direction where we were all pulling in the same way. And so when I hear that quote, that's one of the things that I think about. And that's been a benefit to me in the years after that to look at, how do we get people to pull in the same direction when they have vested interests in a number of different ways? And now I serve in a mission sending organization. And there's some similarity there when you've got global workers that have their own domain in many parts of the world. God used that to equip me for some of the decisions that have to be made in this setting. +++++++++++++++ [00:22:16] Tommy Thomas: Going back to your mentoring thing for a minute, are you introducing failure to these young women? [00:22:23] Vonna Laue: I would say what I have found is that they're introducing some of their own failures and learning from each other and encouraging each other and the opportunity that it provides those of us that are the season leaders is to say, hey, like this isn't a bad thing. This is difficult. And you would have wanted to avoid this, but this is part of your growing and part of your maturing as a leader and to provide some insights there and embrace it and let them learn from each other.  I would say that's probably been the best part of the failure within those groups. [00:23:03] Tommy Thomas: Frederick Wilcox said progress always involves risk. You can't steal second base with your foot on first. What's the biggest risk you've ever taken and how did it turn out? [00:23:17] Vonna Laue: One of the things that I have thought about over the years and comes from the lessons that I've talked about where I was glad, I didn't know, taking the Managing Partner role was a huge risk at the time. I remember vividly sitting with my husband and saying that if I take this role, there's no going back. Like you don't just leave that and go back into the setting where you were before. And we prayed about it and really felt like that's what we were supposed to do. And that was a huge blessing. [00:23:52] Vonna Laue: It was a challenge, like I've just said, but it was a huge blessing. And then, even bigger than that was the year that I left the firm and that was God saying, you've done what I've called you to do here, and now it's time to leave. And I had three arguments for the Lord, and Tommy, I don't know if you've ever argued with the Lord. If you haven't, I don't suggest it. You're not going to win. So just save your breath. But I had three arguments for him. Number one was I was a lifer. I've told everyone for years, I'm at this firm until retirement. I love it. I'm here. And he said, no. And I said, my second argument was this is economically stupid because he wasn't calling me to something. [00:24:42] Vonna Laue: He was calling me away from something. And he reminded me of that cattle on a thousand hills. And I was like, ah, yep. He's got that too. And then my third argument was just a little more logistical and operational. And that was that our oldest was headed to college, but our youngest was headed to high school. And I just said to him, Lord, you can interrupt. My husbands in my life, but let's not mess with our daughter going into high school. Give me four more years and maybe, and he said, no. And so, without having a job, I was supposed to give 12 months' notice. I went to the partners September 1st of that year and said to them, I believe this is a matter of obedience. [00:25:23] Vonna Laue: And I think if I don't do it, it's going to be detrimental to the firm and detrimental to our family. And they were gracious and agreed. And so, I wrapped up in four months. I had 150 or so meetings to tell clients I was leaving, and the firm was fine, network people, that I had connections with that I was moving on. And of course, what's the first question everyone asks you is, so what are you going to do? And this left-brain analytical type A personality had to look at them all 150 times and say, I don't know. And that was a challenge, but it was exactly what God called us to do at that point in time. And I'm glad that while I'm not always faithful and following through, I'm glad that we did that. ++++++++++++++++ [00:26:14] Tommy Thomas: Join us next week as we continue this conversation with Vonna Laue.  Vonna shares insights from her new book, Glad I Didn't Know, which explores lessons learned from life's challenges and unexpected blessings. She discusses the importance of having people who speak truth into a leader's life, the critical role of team dynamics, and the necessity of balancing personal and professional health. Vonna also reflects on the increasing significance of risk management and the impact of artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. Tune in for an engaging discussion on leadership, resilience, and growth. Links and Resources JobfitMatters Website NextGen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas The Perfect Search - What every board needs to know about hiring their next CEO Connect tthomas@jobfitmatters.com Follow Tommy on LinkedIn Listen to NextGen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  

Medical mistakes happen in veterinary practice, but who pays the price? This week on the Veterinary Viewfinder, we discuss the tough topic of financial accountability in veterinary practice. From malpractice and negligence to honest mistakes and simple errors, we unpack the ethical and financial considerations that determine who pays the bill. Viewfinders, this is a thought-provoking discussion that every veterinary professional should hear.

In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we're joined by Mark Funkhouser, an expert in government finance and urban management. From growing up in West Virginia to finding an interest in political science in Pennsylvania, discover the path that led Mark to become a pivotal figure in Kansas City's administration. His career spans various roles, including social worker, director of the Performance Audit Group in Tennessee, and City Auditor in Kansas City. Through each position, Mark shares the importance of using government as a force for good, improving lives through effective management and fiscal responsibility. Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he introduces us to Mark's philosophy on leadership and governance. You'll learn about Mark's strategic initiatives during his tenure as Mayor of Kansas City, where he focused on improving the city's financial health, reducing crime, and managing significant infrastructure projects. Mark's leadership saw Kansas City through the Great Recession, achieving the best financial condition in decades and a notable reduction in crime rates. Mark also reflects on his post-mayoral career and his continued work in public finance and governance, including consulting and teaching, and his ongoing belief in the transformative power of effective public administration. His experience illustrates how effective governance can lead to better community outcomes and financial stability.   Featured Guest Mark Funkhouser, president of Funkhouser & Associates, is a distinguished municipal finance expert with decades of government service. As the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, during the Great Recession, Mark made pivotal decisions to guide the city toward fiscal sustainability. His extensive experience as an auditor—coupled with his recent role as publisher of Governing magazine— has established him as a trusted advisor to government officials nationwide. Mark holds a master's degree in social work from West Virginia University, an MBA from Tennessee State University, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in public administration and urban sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.   Episode Resources:  Free FDTA Playbook Webinar Recap & Recording: The Latest on the FDTA Why Governments Shouldn't Fear a New Era of Financial Accountability

This week: Trump catches a break and gets his bond reduced by almost 70%. Hears arguments on the mifepristone injunction that came from Judge Kacsmaryk in Texas. The Judicial Conference puts an end to judge shopping. Plus, we find out what kind of nerd Renato was before his glow-up. For a limited time, save up to 35% at CozyEarth.com and enter COMPLICATED at checkout.Trump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=postWatch us on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/nidx0H8ptcMSubscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/Subscribe to our podcast https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariottiOpening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5

On today's program, an Arizona church is fighting to continue its food pantry ministry—but city zoning regulations threaten to shut it down. We'll have details.  Also, the rise in crypto currency is forcing nonprofits to consider the pros and cons of taking crypto donations. We'll take a look. And, the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability announces a new leadership standard. But first, Adam Greenway is suing the Southern Baptist seminary he once led. Lawyers for Adam Greenway, who resigned as president of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in September 2022, alleged in a complaint filed Wednesday (March 20) that the school and the chair of its trustee board defamed Greenway, violated the terms of a non-disparagement agreement and made him “unemployable.” Greenway's attorney had previously sent the school a demand letter for $5 million to settle the dispute. The school denies any wrongdoing.  FINAL THOUGHTS: Next week I'm headed to the True Charity Conference in Springfield Missouri. If you plan to be at that event, please send me and email and I'd love to connect. I also want to remind everyone that we're offering an important new book this month to everyone who donates to MinistryWatch. It's called “End The Reign of Pain – Identifying and Treating Toxic Leadership. It's by Rickardo Bodden, and we'll send it to you absolutely free, as our thank you, for a gift of any size to MinistryWatch this month. That means we have just a few days before this offer ends. Just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the donate button at the top of the page. A Few Thank-Yous:  The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Bob Smietana, Tony Mator, Kim Roberts, Brittany Smith, Jessica Eturralde, and Bethany Starin. Until next time, may God bless you and Happy Easter. He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

They say time is money, but have you ever felt like you're constantly running out of both?Discover the importance of understanding yourself and your relationship with money and time, and learn how intentional financial planning can lead to lasting stability.Join Mark Hansen as he dives into the often unspoken aspects of our financial lives, revealing the importance of understanding ourselves and our decisions with money and time. Delve into the complexities high-income families face and explore practical strategies for bridging financial intentions with actionable plans.Key Highlights:From Struggles to Wisdom: Be inspired by Mark's transition from financial difficulty to expert planner at Second Comma, aiding high-income, single-earner familiesIntentional Financial Planning: Discover financial stability with Mark's engaging bucket metaphor, learning to manage your finances effectivelyHigh-Income Complexities: Dive into the often-overlooked financial challenges faced by high-income families as Mark dispels common salary mythsBridging Intentions with Actions: Join Mark in transforming financial goals into achievable plans through focused strategiesComprehensive Strategies for Finance: Benefit from Mark's innovative insights in Estate Planning and practical advice in Risk ManagementUnlock Financial Potential: Pursue a clearer financial path with Mark's insightful ebook and the transformative Asset Map toolAnd more!Resources:eBook: What The Hack Are You Thinking?Create an Asset-MapConnect with Mark Hansen: LinkedIn: Mark HansenWebsite: SecondComma.comEmail: contact@second-comma.comBook a 15-minute Intro Call About Mark Hansen: Mark Hansen, financial planner and the thoughtful voice behind 'The Quiet Part' podcast. Mark's journey from sales to finance, fueled by personal experiences, shapes his honest, deliberate approach. As a devoted family man with a flair for storytelling, Mark emphasizes financial aspects within your control - like spending habits, income strategies, and long-term planning. It's an exploration of the profound motivations driving our choices. Join Mark for not only practical and friendly guidance but also for inspiration in navigating life's financial journey.

On the Taxcast this month, the story of what happened when the US tax authorities, the IRS, decided to crack down on Microsoft, one of the world's biggest tech companies. Worthy of a thriller movie with its twists and turns, there are many lessons for governments worldwide. And it's not over yet. Featuring: Zorka Milin of the Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency Coalition Paul Kiel of ProPublica Samantha Jacoby of the Centre on Budget and Policy Priorities Andrew Leigh, MP and Australian Treasury Alex Cobham of the Tax Justice Network Hosted and produced by Naomi Fowler of the Tax Justice Network Transcript (some is automated) https://taxjustice.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Transcript_Taxcast_Nov_23.pdf  Further reading: How a slick accounting maneuver led to a $29 billion tax bill for Microsoft https://fortune.com/2023/10/13/microsoft-back-taxes-irs-29-billion-propublica/  The IRS Decided to Get Tough Against Microsoft. Microsoft Got Tougher https://www.propublica.org/article/the-irs-decided-to-get-tough-against-microsoft-microsoft-got-tougher What the Microsoft Tax Case Shows Us About Tax Transparency https://thefactcoalition.org/what-the-microsoft-tax-case-shows-us-about-tax-transparency/#:~:text=They%20had%20negotiated%20a%2015,Puerto%20Rico%20and%20the%20US. FT confirms OECD lobbied against Australian tax transparency https://taxjustice.net/press/ft-confirms-oecd-lobbied-against-australian-tax-transparency/#:~:text=The%20law%20requires%20multinationals%20operating,tool%20for%20accountability%20and%20deterrence. Microsoft, Cisco Shareholder Votes Demonstrate Increasing Investor Demand for Tax and Offshore Transparency https://thefactcoalition.org/microsoft-cisco-shareholder-votes-demonstrate-increasing-investor-demand-for-tax-and-offshore-transparency/  KPMG's pitch to Microsoft: 'Planning Alternatives in Puerto Rico' https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6556275-KPMG-2004-Pitch-to-Microsoft.html  and Microsoft 2003 Memo on Puerto Rico Factory https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6556274-Microsoft-2003-Memo-on-Puerto-Rico-Factory.html Bipartisan Senate Action Passes Minimal Test for IRS Funding While Multiple House Republican Bills Fail https://www.cbpp.org/research/federal-budget/bipartisan-senate-action-passes-minimal-test-for-irs-funding-while-multiple  Revenue From BBB's IRS Enforcement Funding Would Support Investments https://www.cbpp.org/blog/revenue-from-bbbs-irs-enforcement-funding-would-support-investments UN adopts plans for historic tax reform https://taxjustice.net/press/un-adopts-plans-for-historic-tax-reform/ “No” voters on UN tax reform enable 75% of global tax abuse https://taxjustice.net/press/no-voters-on-un-tax-reform-enable-75-of-global-tax-abuse/               

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17Ken Boa is a pastor and founder of Reflections Ministries. Russ Crosson is executive vice president and chief mission officer of Ronald Blue Trust. This is the second of our interviews about a book they co-authored, titled Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain. [1:35]WHAT IS BIBLICAL LEVERAGE AND IS GIVING TO CHURCH AND MINISTRIES CONSIDERED BIBLICAL LEVERAGE?(Biblical leverage is the concept of using one's financial resources in ways that align with God's will, rather than accumulating wealth for its own sake.)It's about seeking guidance from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to determine how much to give and where to give.The act of giving is a way to counteract the idolatry of money and wealth, avoiding the search for security and significance in financial accumulation.Biblical leverage involves sacrificial giving that transcends mere monetary value and reflects a faithful trust in God's provision. [2:35]HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS DECIDE HOW MUCH TO GIVE?In the New Testament, the principle of giving is focused on cheerfulness and proportionality, not a mandated amount.The more one has, the greater the challenge to give proportionally and the greater the potential impact of their generosity.Sacrificial giving for the wealthy may involve forgoing personal luxuries to contribute more significantly, acting as a test of faith. [4:04]WHAT DOES SACRIFICIAL GIVING LOOK LIKE FOR THOSE WITH SIGNIFICANT WEALTH?(Sacrificial giving for the wealthy is characterized by a deliberate choice to give up something valuable or desired for the sake of contributing to God's work.) Even if the wealthy can easily afford their desires, choosing not to indulge in something and giving instead can be a form of sacrifice.The faith aspect comes into play when one decides to do without something they normally would do and contributes that resource instead.This act of giving serves as a faith test and an opportunity to grow one's faith through the conscious act of generosity. [7:06]WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT SACRIFICIAL GIVING ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE?Scripture invites us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, and the unseen rather than the visible.The challenge lies in whether wealth or God's Word defines us, our security, and our significance.The Bible instructs those with wealth to not be conceited or to place their hope in wealth but in God, referencing 1 Timothy 6:17-19: "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches but in God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." [8:20]WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN DECISION-MAKING ABOUT GIVING?The Holy Spirit should guide our decisions about where and how much to give, involving a more radical and deep approach than we might imagine on our own.This guidance is part of a relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is not just a force but a person who illuminates God's Word.A wise person applies scripture to their life, such as 1 Timothy 6:17-19, and actively chooses to be generous, setting aside wealth for eternal benefit.Comparatively, the Bible contrasts the wise with the 'fool' who is not rich towards God, referring to the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. [9:50]WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO GIVING AND HOW DOES ACCOUNTABILITY FIT INTO STEWARDSHIP?Giving can be hindered by financial, spiritual, relational, or visionary barriers, and accountability is crucial to overcome these.Having someone to challenge and ask hard questions is important since God promises to meet our needs, as mentioned in Philippians, enabling us to be generous. [10:45]WHAT DEFINES GOOD STEWARDSHIP?Good stewardship is applying biblical principles to life and welcoming accountability, preparing to give an account of our stewardship to God.Since we will all account for our actions before God individually, it's crucial to have others who can speak into our lives and help us aim for the affirmation of a job well done by God. [11:14]HOW DOES THIS DISCUSSION REVEAL THE FALSEHOOD OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL?The prosperity gospel wrongly applies Old Testament promises made to a theocratic Israel to New Testament believers, suggesting a direct correlation between righteousness and financial prosperity.True New Testament teaching focuses on the fruit of the Spirit rather than material wealth and encourages us to leverage temporal possessions for eternal impact. [12:30]WHAT IS ‘REVERSE COMPOUNDING?'Reverse compounding refers to the idea that delaying generosity reduces the potential eternal impact of our giving, as our time to influence God's Kingdom is limited.It emphasizes the urgency of starting to give generously now rather than waiting, as our actions on earth have eternal significance. [13:10]WHAT PRIVILEGE DOES GIVING OFFER TO BELIEVERS?Giving is a privilege that allows us to participate in God's work, requiring us to choose gratitude and contentment, which are perspectives rather than emotions.By focusing on eternal truths over temporal wealth, we can leverage the latter for God's kingdom, living out Jesus' teaching from Luke 16:9: "Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings." Ken Boa and Russ Crosson have been our guests today. They're authors of Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain.  On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: How can I start fresh financially after a divorce, with $100,000 in debt, a paid-off house, and a retirement account to be split?Unsure about taking on a mortgage to buy out my ex-husband's share of the house and how to manage our debt and retirement funds post-divorce.As a special education teacher, I'm torn about how to handle my $50,000 401(k) and future retirement planning given that my husband has a government pension. RESOURCES MENTIONED:Christian Credit CounselorsFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach. Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

Welcome back to Your Money Your Business with Debbie Colbourn, where we're talking all things money, and small business. Bringing the things that are working, and the things that aren't, into the spotlight, and even showcasing some unusual aspects, all that empower you to build a life of richness, starting with the very best financial foundations.  This week, inspired by our recent LinkedIn article, we're exploring the critical role of accountability in achieving financial independence and freedom, and your goals.   What is Financial Accountability? Look into what gives the 20% a unique advantage Understanding Accountability: Financial accountability is not just a buzzword; it's a commitment to deliver on what you've promised regarding your finances, your income, spending, savings and investments. It involves the what, how, and when of your financial commitments, making it more than a surface-level concept. Challenges with Money Management: Despite good intentions, the road to financial stability is often paved with challenges. Money constantly faces demands – essentials, wants, emergency cushions, and future planning, making accountability crucial. Financial Literacy: Beyond Budgeting and Impulse Spending Taking the Driver's Seat: Reflect on who has been in control of your financial decisions recently – banks, subscriptions, or even the grocery store? Self-accountability means being in control of credit cards, bank accounts, and financial decisions. Everything, without it driving you bananas, or overwhelming you, or causing you to give up. Emotional Aspect of Money: Money is emotional, and budgets often fail due to the influence of emotions on our spending habits. A solution lies in creating an automated system tailored to your lifestyle and values. External vs. Self-Accountability: We distinguish between external and self-accountability, emphasizing that financial success is primarily about being accountable to yourself. How Can I Be More Accountable with Money? Build a Bulletproof System for Self-Accountability Overcoming Emotional Swings: Money's emotional nature makes consistent financial success challenging, yet for those successful individuals who consistently are growing their income and shoring up their financial foundations, adapting their systems, sometimes with external support, and learning and developing money skills  while is the secret.  The Path to Financial Success: Joining accountability groups or having a partner can help, but it starts with understanding past choices, aligning dreams with financial targets, and creating a personalized system.  A Decision: Is it Debt or Is it Saving? Begin by understanding your financial flow over the past three months to identify the top three money outflow categories. Determine whether your focus should be on reducing debt or increasing savings. The Task for the Week: For debt focus: Set up an automatic monthly payment for your highest-interest debt or smallest debt amount. For savings focus: Invest in a one-year GIC outside your daily bank for diversity and independence. Wrap-Up: Mastering financial accountability is the master key to a life of richness. Take charge of your money, understand the basics, and create a robust financial foundation. Join us each week as we delve deeper into actionable steps for financial success. Don't forget to check out the LinkedIn article here for an indepth read, with more insights. Thank you for tuning in to Your Money Your Business and remember, your financial journey begins with accountability. Resources (Revised Nov 2023) Want some help finding, and pulling out some of your family crap, that might be the guilty party? Download our FREE Things We Heard Checklist here and start improving your family and your business financial future. Or maybe you're thinking, maybe it's me, maybe I'm the problem, I'm the one holding ME back, THEN The Self-Sabotages Workbook is 100% for you, so you can identify and stop the patterns, once and for all, to create more wealth, and waaaay less worry. Get it here. Or do you just want to dip your baby toe in the water, see what we're all about, not quite ready to take that first step then ... Let me help you set every day up the right way, so that you keep moving towards your goals, regardless of what's going on in the world around you. Click to Get our FREE 90 Day Daily Intention Setter, sent right to your Inbox every day, starting today Some links we offer may be affiliate or referral links that provide us with a commission or some form of financial compensation. This DOES NOT affect the cost to you in any way. [BOOK] The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Here's the link to check it out Tangerine Online Bank for No Service Fee Personal Banking (Canada) https://www.tangerine.ca/en Use Referral (Orange) Code 58157334S1 EQ Online Bank (Canada) for Everyday High Interest Banking (Canada) https://www.eqbank.ca/ Use Referral Code (the whole thing)   https://join.eqbank.ca?code=DEBOARH4524

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17Ken Boa is a pastor and founder of Reflections Ministries. Russ Crosson is executive vice president and chief mission officer of Ronald Blue Trust. This is the second of our interviews about a book they co-authored, titled Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain. [1:35]WHAT IS BIBLICAL LEVERAGE AND IS GIVING TO CHURCH AND MINISTRIES CONSIDERED BIBLICAL LEVERAGE?(Biblical leverage is the concept of using one's financial resources in ways that align with God's will, rather than accumulating wealth for its own sake.)It's about seeking guidance from the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit to determine how much to give and where to give.The act of giving is a way to counteract the idolatry of money and wealth, avoiding the search for security and significance in financial accumulation.Biblical leverage involves sacrificial giving that transcends mere monetary value and reflects a faithful trust in God's provision. [2:35]HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS DECIDE HOW MUCH TO GIVE?In the New Testament, the principle of giving is focused on cheerfulness and proportionality, not a mandated amount.The more one has, the greater the challenge to give proportionally and the greater the potential impact of their generosity.Sacrificial giving for the wealthy may involve forgoing personal luxuries to contribute more significantly, acting as a test of faith. [4:04]WHAT DOES SACRIFICIAL GIVING LOOK LIKE FOR THOSE WITH SIGNIFICANT WEALTH?(Sacrificial giving for the wealthy is characterized by a deliberate choice to give up something valuable or desired for the sake of contributing to God's work.) Even if the wealthy can easily afford their desires, choosing not to indulge in something and giving instead can be a form of sacrifice.The faith aspect comes into play when one decides to do without something they normally would do and contributes that resource instead.This act of giving serves as a faith test and an opportunity to grow one's faith through the conscious act of generosity. [7:06]WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW ABOUT SACRIFICIAL GIVING ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE?Scripture invites us to focus on the eternal rather than the temporal, and the unseen rather than the visible.The challenge lies in whether wealth or God's Word defines us, our security, and our significance.The Bible instructs those with wealth to not be conceited or to place their hope in wealth but in God, referencing 1 Timothy 6:17-19: "Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches but in God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy." [8:20]WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN DECISION-MAKING ABOUT GIVING?The Holy Spirit should guide our decisions about where and how much to give, involving a more radical and deep approach than we might imagine on our own.This guidance is part of a relationship with the Holy Spirit, who is not just a force but a person who illuminates God's Word.A wise person applies scripture to their life, such as 1 Timothy 6:17-19, and actively chooses to be generous, setting aside wealth for eternal benefit.Comparatively, the Bible contrasts the wise with the 'fool' who is not rich towards God, referring to the parable of the rich fool in Luke 12. [9:50]WHAT ARE THE BARRIERS TO GIVING AND HOW DOES ACCOUNTABILITY FIT INTO STEWARDSHIP?Giving can be hindered by financial, spiritual, relational, or visionary barriers, and accountability is crucial to overcome these.Having someone to challenge and ask hard questions is important since God promises to meet our needs, as mentioned in Philippians, enabling us to be generous. [10:45]WHAT DEFINES GOOD STEWARDSHIP?Good stewardship is applying biblical principles to life and welcoming accountability, preparing to give an account of our stewardship to God.Since we will all account for our actions before God individually, it's crucial to have others who can speak into our lives and help us aim for the affirmation of a job well done by God. [11:14]HOW DOES THIS DISCUSSION REVEAL THE FALSEHOOD OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL?The prosperity gospel wrongly applies Old Testament promises made to a theocratic Israel to New Testament believers, suggesting a direct correlation between righteousness and financial prosperity.True New Testament teaching focuses on the fruit of the Spirit rather than material wealth and encourages us to leverage temporal possessions for eternal impact. [12:30]WHAT IS ‘REVERSE COMPOUNDING?'Reverse compounding refers to the idea that delaying generosity reduces the potential eternal impact of our giving, as our time to influence God's Kingdom is limited.It emphasizes the urgency of starting to give generously now rather than waiting, as our actions on earth have eternal significance. [13:10]WHAT PRIVILEGE DOES GIVING OFFER TO BELIEVERS?Giving is a privilege that allows us to participate in God's work, requiring us to choose gratitude and contentment, which are perspectives rather than emotions.By focusing on eternal truths over temporal wealth, we can leverage the latter for God's kingdom, living out Jesus' teaching from Luke 16:9: "Make friends for yourselves by means of the wealth of unrighteousness, so that when it fails, they will receive you into the eternal dwellings." Ken Boa and Russ Crosson have been our guests today. They're authors of Leverage: Using Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain.  On today's program, Rob also answers listener questions: How can I start fresh financially after a divorce, with $100,000 in debt, a paid-off house, and a retirement account to be split?Unsure about taking on a mortgage to buy out my ex-husband's share of the house and how to manage our debt and retirement funds post-divorce.As a special education teacher, I'm torn about how to handle my $50,000 401(k) and future retirement planning given that my husband has a government pension. RESOURCES MENTIONED:Christian Credit CounselorsFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network as well as American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.comwhere you can join the FaithFi Community, and give as we expand our outreach.   Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on the Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. Visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community and give as we expand our outreach.

If everything we have comes from God—it matters how we use those resources. So how can we leverage what we have for eternal gain? On today's Faith & Finance Live, host Rob West will talk with Ken Boa and Russ Crosson about the principles of biblical leverage and using God’s resources for His glory. Then, Rob will answer your questions on various financial topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's program, we take a look at legal and verbal assaults on Pregnancy Resource Centers in California and New Jersey. Famous Christian apologist responds to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability's decision to terminate his membership. And a new report says churches and ministries kept more than $7 billion in Payroll Protection Plan funds.  We'll look at some of the details. We also look at a report from the Department of Education about Liberty University. The report says they may have underreported campus assault incidents.  We begin today with an update on a story we've been covering for a while—a Minnesota youth pastor accused of sexually assaulting multiple teenage girls has been arrested. FINAL THOUGHTS: MinistryWatch has published a booklet called “75 Red Flags To Consider Before Donating To A Christian Ministry.” We'll send you that booklet as our thank you for any gift to MinistryWatch during the month of October. This is a great tool for Christian donors. We use the questions in this booklet every day here at MinistryWatch to help us evaluate ministries. To get your copy, just go to the MinistryWatch website and hit the donate button at the top of the page. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Paul Clolery, Tom Campisi, Kim Roberts, Christina Darnell, Rod Pitzer—and you, Warren. A special thanks to Tom Campisi of the Tri-State Voice and to The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week's podcast. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon, drops its requirement that all students sign a statement of faith. We'll have details. Also, an update on sexual abuse within the Chi Alpha college ministry—victims are sharing their stories on a newly created website forum…and a church is threatening to sue if some of the comments aren't removed. Plus, giving to disaster relief organizations working in Maui—we'll tell you who we recommend…and who we don't. We begin today with news that the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability has terminated the membership of the Ankerberg Theological Research Institute—or A-T-R-I—the producer of the popular apologetics program “The John Ankerberg Show.” The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Daniel Ritchie, Jessica Eturralde, Kathryn Post, Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Until next time, may God bless you.

With financial responsibility, comes a level of transparency with yourself that you have to maintain. Are you happy with where you are right now? If you are, that's fantastic, but that doesn't mean that you have to stop there...

[00:00:00] Jerry White: Risk has to be uncertain categories. There's legal risk, there's financial risk, and then there's what I call uncontrolled risk of things you don't expect that the government may impose. What if they decide for our property at Glen Erie that it no longer is going be tax exempt? Or what if the state were to do that sort of thing? Those are risks over which we have no control. The risk on leveraged investments, I think, is quite important. For instance, you may propose to a larger organization a $3 million project, but the money is not in the bank. And you have four donors who said they'll fund it, but will they, and if they do, what voice should they have in it? That's a huge thing.  Money given with strings attached is really quite risky. +++++++++++++++++++++ [00:01:02] Tommy Thomas: In this episode, we will conclude the conversation that we began with Jerry White in Episode 85. If you didn't hear that episode, Jerry White is the President Emeritus of The Navigators International. Prior to that he enjoyed a distinguished career in the United States Air Force, retiring as a two-star general. One of the reasons I wanted Jerry to be a guest is because of the depth of his nonprofit board service.  Among the boards he has served include  World Vision,  The Navigators.  Christian Leadership Alliance.  The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The Lausanne Committee on World Evangelization.  The Air Force Association.  Let's pick up the conversation where we were beginning to discuss board governance.  Let's shift over to board service. How did your first board show up? [00:01:56] Jerry White: My first board that I served on was a small organization and besides a church board, every board is different. When I got into leading boards, like the Christian Leadership Alliance and being on boards like World Vision and leading The Navigator board the biggest thing is who you have on the board.  And that they understand what their role is on the board.  And my view is that they're not operational. They don't make operational decisions, and they give the CEO a clear path to glide on. And hold that person accountable. And on the board service, I found it extremely important to have people of varied backgrounds and competencies so that we weren't all monolithic and the board could not be a rubber stamp board, whatever the leader wants. Yeah, that's fine. Just go ahead and do it. But to take on true, what I call policy governance, and to realize that you aren't running it, but you're holding the CEO accountable for what they say they're going to do. And once in a while you have to intervene.  [00:03:14] Tommy Thomas: You mentioned having the right people on the board.  What is the secret sauce? [00:03:20] Jerry White: One secret sauce is you don't bring them on just because they've got money. That's probably the worst criteria you can have if people do not share the vision of that organization on whose board they serve. You don't want them on there. And if they happen to have wealth and are generous people, that's fine, but we don't own them. They have to be people who give more broadly. And before we bring someone on the board we have to first make sure for me, in the Christian world, to make sure that there are people of spiritual maturity. Not just people with a high reputation or lead a big church or are well known. I would not care if none of the people on my board were well known as long as they were people of high integrity and then have had some experience. We're always pushing for getting a younger generation of board members, but there's a limit to that. You have to be sure that they're really qualified as they come in. And then the next thing that I feel is extremely important is you train. You train them how to be a board member and what's expected of them as a board member. In a few weeks, I'll be going to Kenya with The Navigators and we'll be gathering the board chairman from all over the world for a time of interaction and sharing. That's a trickier one, by the way, when you become a board chair, is how to become a board chair, particularly in our developing world where things aren't quite westernized as much. Yeah. And what should a board really do? Because people have different experiences. It's different from a second board, a secondary board who has financial responsibility and is held accountable for the quantitative results of the organization. That's a whole different picture, a different kind of board. [00:05:40] Tommy Thomas:  Let's go to the board chair. Give me some words and phrases that would describe the best board chair you've ever seen or served under.  [00:05:48] Jerry White: I'll tell you, there are two board chairs that I think of. One was a man by the name of Clay Brown. He wasn't the board chair, because I was chairman at the time. But he was certainly the key senior statesman on our board. He was measured. He was wise. He had a strong business background, and he had a passion for what we did. Our current Board Chair for The Navigators is doing an absolutely remarkable job and he leads several companies but has really given himself to being Chairman of The Navigator US board. The other thing is that the Board Chairman cannot be a jack of all trades. In other words, they can't be chairman of five different boards at once. Because I don't think anybody who has another job has that kind of time. But in knowing that they bear a particular responsibility within that organization to draw together the board, the executive team or the executive committee, and to really help lead them and keep them in their track and their track being on the policy governance side. And so the board chairs, and when I've done a board, I hope I've done this, is to really be prepared. You do not do this on the backhand, walking into a board meeting and 10 minutes ahead of time asking the CEO – what's the agenda? [00:07:25] Tommy Thomas:  Speaking about that working relationship, I know that's critical. Think back on your experience. How often does the Board Chair need to meet with his or her CEO? [00:07:35] Jerry White: First of all, they need to be friends, but I remember as a board member of a particular organization I wanted to be friends with the CEO and very much was. Then I became Board Chair and I said to him, our relationship is going to be a little different. I am your friend, but also, I'm accountable for the direction of the organization. And therefore, I'm going to be asking things of you that maybe I would not do if I was just a good buddy walking alongside and wanting to affirm you. So I think you need to be friends, but you'll also need to know that you have the responsibility for the policy direction of the organization and for the health and wellbeing of the CEO.  [00:08:27] Tommy Thomas: Go to that board meeting for a minute. What's been your best experience and who sets the agenda for the Board Meeting? [00:08:32] Jerry White:  For me, the Executive Committee needs to set the agenda. It needs to be proposed by the CEO because he knows the action items. And you've got certain performer things you've got to do on accountability of finances and income and disbursements and so forth and certain things on personnel. But I would want the CEO to come up with a list of what needs to be addressed, work with that CEO and perhaps the CFO to create an agenda with the Executive Committee that actually says how is this going to serve the work? And what are the decisions?  And I have three ways of assessing an agenda for the Board Meeting. What is information? We don't have to make any decision on it.  What is counsel? The CEO or somebody wants counsel on a particular item.  What decision needs to be made? So, every topic in the board meeting, I like to write along the side, the margin, inform counsel, decide. [00:09:48] Tommy Thomas: From a functional point of view, they wouldn't necessarily be in any order. They just as they come up, they're one of those three.  [00:09:58] Jerry White: No, it'd be one of the three. Your board meeting is usually divided into segments.  The CEO Report The Field Ministry Report The CFO Report Then there's a legal report. There may be certain personnel decisions that need to be affirmed. And by the way, that could be another way you would put it to affirm a decision. That's a little weak. And so you would structure your meeting not according to what you're going to decide, but according to what topics need to be addressed in the 24 hours you have together. And by the way, to really require that homework be done on the part of the staff making the decisions that “read-aheads” are there. And the right people come to make reports inside the meetings.  ++++++++++++++++++++   [00:10:51] Tommy Thomas: When somebody joins your board what does onboarding look like? [00:10:55] Jerry White: The onboarding looks for several organizations I've been working for two to three years with before they come on board, talking with them about it, seeing their interest,  getting a biography, bringing it to what I would call the nomination committee of the board. And the good boards that I work with have a roster of people that they're talking to that's very confidential and some of them never come on the board. And then as they are approaching it, you may even ask someone to actually sit in on a board meeting. And to see whether or not it meets their expectations. That isn't always possible. But in one board that I'm on, we have some junior members on it. This is on a board where we have younger leaders who come and serve for two years, and they don't stay on the board, just to give them experience. But then when you're onboarding, every board annually at least, there needs to be, in my mind, an orientation for the board where you go over the history of the board, you go over things. So they're not just in a befuddled mystery at terminology and history. It's like being in a family joke and nobody knows what the story was behind it. They have things that are ongoing and they have no clue. We need to bring them up to speed, both emotionally, historically, and personally. And it doesn't need to be long. It's for maybe half a day. And I've done this in a secular organization too, insisting that no one come on the board who doesn't have some orientation, both as to what a board does and what a board has done. [00:12:55] Tommy Thomas: Do you do a meeting evaluation or how do you keep your meetings fresh?  [00:13:00] Jerry White: Most boards do have a little evaluation afterward that they fill out. It's often, Tommy, their perfunctory and there of some limited value, the value mainly being that you asked, but I think the Chairman and the CEO, when they see things happening in the board, that afterwards they need to interact with them and saying, what do you think about it? How do you feel that board meeting went? And now that you've been in on X number of board meetings, say to tell me what you think and how can we help you be a better board member? Committee assignments are pretty important. Also, when I went on one board, it took me, Tommy, it took me two years to really figure out what was going on. And I served nine years and it was such a complex organization that it was really hard and took a lot of work to try and understand the dynamics behind this organization  [00:14:08] Tommy Thomas: Let me ask you to respond to this quote. “You need a director on the board who will be a pleasant irritant. Someone who will force people to think a little differently.  That's what a good board does.”  [00:14:21] Jerry White: In one board that I'm on, we appoint someone at every board meeting to be what we call a responsible skeptic. And that person is designated ahead of time. And that person, their job in that board meeting is to be a bit skeptical. Now, I think you have to be a little careful about always having a person who's always skeptical. I don't think I want a board member who every time something comes up, they raise their eyebrow, and you wonder what they're thinking. I think everybody ought to be a little skeptical at some time. And the main thing is if they don't understand something they need to ask. In other words, they need to do it. I was in a board meeting recently where a particular decision was in the process. And two of us on the board, I was an emeritus to the board, and the other was on the board. And I could tell there was a bit of discomfort. And so the chair asked that other person, they hadn't said anything, what do you think? And came up with a pretty good counter. Now I haven't got real good hearing, so I couldn't hear what he said. And then the board chair said, Jerry, what do you think? And I was like a deer caught in the headlights. And I said I couldn't hear what he said. And I said, we said exactly the same thing. And what was moving down the road to be a crafted decision was put aside and not done. I'm very wary of creating board actions on the spot, a statement or whatever it may be. The best way is to say, would somebody take this and come up in three or four hours, take a coffee break and craft us a statement on what we're trying to do. So I do believe that the chair needs to be able to look in the eyeball all around the way and see if there are some questions or if someone has been particularly silent, I think you need to say what do you think?  ++++++++++++++++   [00:16:34] Tommy Thomas: How do you draw that quiet board member out?  Some people just don't speak up unless they have something to say, which is probably a good thing. But how do you draw the quiet person out?  [00:16:46] Jerry White: I just say, Jack, what do you think about that? I say be very direct. I say, you've been listening to this discussion. Do you have anything to say? I don't want to force him to have to say something, but I say, this may be the expertise of the person that I'm asking. And I'll say Joan, your expertise is in this area, I know you've been through this before. What are we not hearing? What questions do you have? And that gives them freedom to speak out. And the other thing is I don't think people should speak out, particularly declaratively. That is, I believe this, and you got to do this. And I don't like that because that puts themselves on the table. But people learn to be able to share in a non-confrontive fashion. [00:17:44] Tommy Thomas: Let's go to financial accountability. You and I are old enough to remember the Enron scandal, and then if you've been paying any attention to the last two or three days, you've seen the Silicon Valley Bank go under.  In both of those things, there was board culpability. Neither were nonprofit, but they will both board culpability.  How do you get your boards to make sure you're addressing the financial aspect, a judiciary responsibility of the board?  [00:18:10] Jerry White:  It's a CEO's responsibility to make sure that the right questions are answered.  And it's got to be more than just an audit.  We want a clean audit. And you don't want to have to go to the bottom notes and say, here's something we should correct, but we need to guide the board through the financial realities of what we're doing. But at the end of it, I think you need to have a risk analysis that says, okay, where are we vulnerable? For instance, in our litigious society today, we have a lot of risk, and I think of ministries that have Christian camps and all the sexual liabilities and all of that. They are at risk all the time when you're working with minors and then I think people need to ask questions of the CFO and the auditor, where do you see us being at risk? What would happen if, what if happened? You have a September 11 or you have a Covid pandemic. And you have to say, our whole income stream is going to be jeopardized. And then I think you need to look and say, where are our major vulnerabilities for both expenditure as well as income? Now that's, it's very different in a Christian organization than it is a secular organization like an Enron or the banks or whatever it is. The fault there goes so that people don't ask questions, or that the actual realities have been hidden from it and just saying, oh, it'll be okay.  ++++++++++++++++++= [00:19:56] Tommy Thomas: From your perspective, how does the board get involved in strategic planning?  [00:20:02] Jerry White: Boy, that is a good question, Tommy. The question is, who does the strategic planning? Okay. Let's say that we're in a very small developing organization amid developing, and a large organization, they're very different and the very smallest organizations, the board may be highly engaged in the strategic plan because it's such a small organization and they're so fragile. As a general rule of thumb, the board may do strategic thinking, but strategic planning has to be on the part of the CEO and his or her staff. And the plan needs to be brought to the board for their interaction. And then approval. And that's particularly true with a large organization. The board can't do strategic planning. They can do some strategic planning for the board. That is, how should we develop our board? What expertise do we need? But as far as a ministry for most organizations, as large as the navigators or crew or some others, they aren't gonna know the details of what's going on out in the field or how they have to pretty well react and respond to the strategic planning initiatives that they may come up with. How many staff, what countries are we doing to go into? What are we not going to do? What are we gonna stop doing etc. So the board certainly needs to approve the strategic plan. Chances are, even when they do that, They won't know it very well. I'm just sorry that, when you're not, when you don't have to carry out a strategic plan, it's hard to really know it. [00:22:00] Tommy Thomas: The ones that created it, that have been involved in hammering it out, they're the ones that know it. [00:22:06] Jerry White: That's right. And then you have to, with every strategic plan, you have to set, have a set of outcomes and a set of risks, and then you have to say, how much is it going to cost to implement this? [00:22:22] Tommy Thomas: I think the risk thing, that could almost be a podcast in and of itself. I interviewed Dr. Sandra Gray, the President Emeritus at Asbury University and she was a former banker before she got into higher ed. And her thought was that nonprofit boards probably don't pay enough attention to the risk of the organization. [00:22:40] Jerry White: I think there's no question on that, especially risk has to be uncertain categories.  There's legal risk, there's financial risk, and then there's what I call uncontrolled risk of things you don't expect that the government may impose. What if they decide for our property at Glen Erie that it no longer is going to be tax exempt? Or what if the state were to do that sort of thing? Those are risks over which we have no control and the risk on leveraged investments, I think is quite important. For instance, you may propose to a larger organization a $3 million project, but the money is not in the bank. And you have four donors who said they'll fund it, but will they, and if they do, what voice should they have in it?  That's a huge thing. Money given with strings on it is really quite risky.  [00:23:46] Tommy Thomas: Hadn't thought of that. [00:23:46] Jerry White: And I've served on the board of the ECFA and they're very good at this. In terms of helping people think through risk and failure and financial accountability.  [00:24:01] Tommy Thomas: Let's look at the CEO evaluation.  I know you've been involved in a number of those, and you've been evaluated as a CEO. What are some takeaways? [00:24:10] Jerry White: You must be evaluated. Now we have a number of kinds of evaluations. You have a 360 evaluation, and some people are very skilled at that. It's very threatening to some CEOs, but it's necessary. I feel that there needs to be an evaluation within the organization, I had one. I had someone who evaluated me every year and they had the freedom, and they did call my wife, call my kids, talked to my coworkers, my peers, talked to those who worked for me, gave a free reign to ask certain questions. The questions need to be carefully thought through. They can't be so invasive. But the evaluation is of several levels. One is certain on a moral personal level. I do not think a committee can do that. Every CEO needs to have the kind of people in their lives who will blow the whistle on them if they say anything wrong. And the small Executive Committee needs to be aware of how that could happen. The second in terms of an evaluation is performance against set out goals. The third is relational. How's their team going? What do they think? What are the issues? And to give the feedback to the CEO and I think to give it privately and then in the board, and we do this to give a summary analysis, but the board should not be privy to the detailed questions. It's a really touchy process. And the evaluation needs to be, not be a pass fail, but Loren Sanny taught me it should be a progress review. How are you making progress toward the things that you have said you want to do? [00:26:15] Tommy Thomas: Let me close with a question that I ask often, particularly to people that have been on boards a long time as you have. How has board service changed over the last decade?  [00:26:25] Jerry White: I'm not sure about the last decade, but certainly over the last two decades the area of risk and financial accountability has increased tremendously. The litigiousness of our society has made a tremendous impact on how a board functions. So those two things, the financial accountability and the potential lawsuits and things of that nature. Tommy, I don't know that I can make a generalist statement about how boards have changed, but I can say that through the last 20 to 30 years, the boards have become more important and more vital to our organization's future than they were a number of years ago. Many years ago, even in The Navigators, the board was a cheering section for Dawson Trotman and Lawrence Annie.  Go get 'em and thanks for letting us know what's going on. To a point where we had to be accountable for the finances. 911 changed everything, by the way, particularly for anyone operating internationally. When you're sending money across international boundaries, you have a whole different level of accountability financially imposed by the government. And I'm speaking only from the viewpoint of the United States, and you get into all these other countries with all different kinds of demands and requirements and corruption and what have you. The boards have become far more important to the organization's health. And I think the public has a right to know who's on your board. And when I look at an organization as I've done even the last few days, and I look through who the board members are, it isn't that I need to know them, but that they're there as real people with real names that if one needed to, you could connect with them. ++++++++++++++++++++++ I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jerry White. If you're ever at a conference where Jerry is speaking or leading a breakout session, make sure you attend those sessions. We all have so much to learn from Jerry White. Our guest next week is Paul Mauer. Paul is the president of Montreat College.  When Paul was selected to be the President of Montreat, the college wasn't very far from closing its doors. What has happened at Montreat over the past nine years is nothing short of miraculous.  [00:29:06] Paul Maurer: I started my first presidency 13 or 14 years ago, and I remember going to the president's conferences and coming back after two or three of those, and I said to my cabinet, here's my takeaway, change or die. And then I was out of the presidency for a couple years. I began to go back to those meetings again. When I came to Montreat nine years ago, I came back to my cabinet, I said, they've inserted the words fast change, faster, die. We've taken on the mindset of a startup. So, we consider ourselves a 107-year-old startup. We're not a turnaround. We're not maintainers.  We're not traditionalists. We try to employ the principles of a startup, meaning we're creating something new. And so, I think in the next five to ten years, we're going to see a pretty dramatic change in the number of colleges and universities in the United States. The enrollment cliff is real. The declining birth rates are real. And it's going to have a really major impact on the number of schools that close.   Links and Resources JobfitMatters Website Next Gen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas The Navigators Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability Christian Leadership Alliance   Connect Tommy Thomas - tthomas@jobfitmatters.com Tommy's LinkedIn Profile Jerry White's LinkedIn Profile  

On today's program, Dallas megachurch pastor T.D. Jakes launches a billion dollar community redevelopment project.  We'll have details.  And a former executive at Southeastern University in Florida pleads guilty to fraud. We'll explain how the complicated fraud occurred. Also, a new survey by Lifeway Research indicates that Christians' views on tithing are shifting.  We'll have details from that study. We begin today with news that popular Christian apologist John Ankerberg has been suspended from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Bob Smietana, Yonat Shimron, Emily McFarlan Miller, Kim Roberts, Anne Stych, Jessica Eturralde, Rod Pitzer, Christina Darnell—and you, Warren. Until next time, may God bless you.

On today's program, popular Christian apologist John Ankerberg has been under scrutiny after a former fundraiser for the organization filed a whistleblower complaint and shared it with both the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, and with MinistryWatch. Now, Ankerberg has sued the whistleblower.  We'll have details. And Hillsong's Brian Houston has pled guilty to DUI charges following a 2022 incident in California. Later in the program we'll have the latest from The King's College.  This Christian liberal arts college in New York City has been on the verge of closure, but dramatic developments last week are giving supporters of the school a glimmer of hope. We begin today with televangelist Perry Stone.  A grand jury in Tennessee has ruled that an FBI investigation into sexual misconduct claims has not produced enough evidence to charge him with crimes. FINAL THOUGHTS: I want to thank those of you who attended our “Ask Me Anything” webinar yesterday.  We had about 60 people on the webinar and we got more questions than I could get to, so we'll definitely be doing this again soon. I also want to mention that June will mark the 25th anniversary of MinistryWatch.  We were founded by Rusty and Carol Leonard in June of 1998. Carol is still on our board. We plan to have both of them on the podcast in early June to talk about the early days of MinistryWatch, so I hope you'll keep an eye out for that, and pray for continued faithfulness for us as we approach this important milestone birthday in the life of our ministry. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Shannon Cuthrell, Steve Rabey, Kim Roberts, Anne Stych, Jessica Eturralde, and Warren Smith. Until next time, may God bless you.

Trust is a challenge across the landscape of ministry today. There are a lot of people and organizations who haven't been best example when it comes to stewarding money or influence. So what does laying a healthy foundation when leading a movement or organization look like? What are the key ideas that leaders need to be aware of so that they can build trust and steward resources effectively?Join us today on the Lasting Change Podcast, where we're talking with Michael Martin, President of the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability). Together we're talking all about leading with humility, integrity, and transparency - especially when it comes to your finances.Learn more about how you can get involved today at onecollective.org/podcasts

On today's episode, Greg talks to Warren Bird. Warren serves as the Senior Vice President of Research and Equipping with the ECFA (Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability), and he's widely known throughout the United States as one of the leaders when it comes to research, writing, and his knowledge of of what it takes to see churches thrive, grow, and multiply.   Warren shares insights and practical takeaways from a recent study he authored for the ECFA, "The New Faces of Church Planting and Multisiting Insights from Over 2,700 Church Planters and Campus Pastors"   Connect with Greg Nettle and Stadia https://www.stadiachurchplanting.org/thechurchplantingpodcast https://www.gregnettle.com   Connect with Warren Bird (and access the study mentioned in this episode) www.warrenbird.com www.ChurchEXCEL.org (for free resources) www.ECFA.org/surveys (for the “New Faces of Church Planting” reports.)

The Bible tells us that only God sees the future, but it also says we should prepare for it. Does that include churches? The short answer is yes. Churches need to have an emergency fund just like individuals. In today's Faith and Finance Rob discusses exactly what that looks like. COVID caused a dramatic drop in church attendance and giving. If there was a silver lining, it was that the pandemic removed any doubt that churches need to have cash reserves. But the question remains, How much? The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability covers this in a great article, Church Cash Reserves: How Much Is Enough? Let's start with why a church emergency fund is so important. Just like with your personal finances, churches need a cushion to ensure that routine expenses are paid on time. Without it, they run the risk of getting hit with late fees. If there's a mortgage on the property, churches need at least a few months' worth of payments stored up to avoid foreclosure if giving suddenly drops. Why would that happen? Well, just one example - it's a sad fact that churches split, and if half the members leave, a church could soon be facing financial calamity. Also, no one wants to have to take a special offering to replace a worn out heating or cooling unit. Or have to start at zero if the church decides to launch a new ministry. So there are plenty of reasons why a cash reserve is essential for a church. The same scriptures that apply to individuals apply to churches. Proverbs 6, Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Also Proverbs 21, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Let's say a church has a healthy cash reserve. The work doesn't stop there. Planning and wise management of that fund are necessary because there will always be pressures within the church about how it should be used. Should some of it go toward paying down debt early? Or to be more generous with the staff? Or to start new programs? This leads us back to the original question: How much is enough for a church's cash reserve? And just how do they come up with that number? Here there are two very different schools of thought. One says the church should have almost nothing in reserve, trusting in God, instead. The other says a church should have an entire year or more's worth of operating expenses in the bank. The correct answer is likely somewhere in the middle, and each church, with its leadership, has to decide what's best. What guides that process? Members need to understand that having a cash reserve is simply the faithful administration of God's resources. This honors God, and the church has to make it a priority, because it represents Christ in the world. Next, it's important to build up the reserve during the good times, especially when the church is growing. It should be part of the budget process - building a cash reserve as giving increases. A church can do that in two ways. One is to budget next year's revenue at, for example, 90% of this year's, or by simply putting a line in the budget for Additions to Cash Reserves. Whichever way a church does this, it's important to separate the reserve money from designated funds. In the event of a revenue shortfall, a church shouldn't be tempted to pay the mortgage with money specifically mandated for something else. And speaking of the mortgage, it's wise to keep mortgage reserves above what the lender might require. It's also important to be specific with cash reserve goals - things like servicing debt, capital replacement and ministry expansion. Also, for any of this to work, leadership needs to communicate the importance of having cash reserves to the congregation. It doesn't show a lack of faith - it's simply good stewardship. Properly communicating clear, specific goals and the progress made toward them might even inspire more faithful giving. And finally, leadership can challenge the congregation along the way to meeting a church's cash reserve goals. Malachi 3:10 comes to mind. It reads, 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. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What should you do with $57,000 in an old 401k if you are 58, $38,000 remaining on your mortgage, and you and your husband are employed full time. Should you buy or rent if you are a 73-year-old widow who recently moved to Tampa and are having second thoughts about having purchased a villa that is currently undergoing renovations? What are the benefits and potential costs of establishing a Revocable Living Trust and Medicaid Asset Protection Trust if you and your wife are recently retired and needing to update your estate plan? Should you pay off your mortgage if it would use most of your emergency reserves but then plan to replenish your savings? RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THIS SHOW: http://www.ecfa.org/Documents/Church_Cash_Reserves_(TCN%20Insight)_CHURCH.pdf Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

We're all aware of high-profile moral or leadership failures; can these failures be avoided? In this episode, Michael Martin, President and CEO of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) outlines key steps to build integrity and trust with accountability for your organization's leadership. Find full show notes here: https://bit.ly/s8e02michaelmartin Share the love. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate it on Apple Podcasts and write a brief review. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flourishing-culture-podcast/id1060724960?mt=2   By doing so, you will help spread our podcast to more listeners, and thereby help more Christian workplaces learn to build flourishing cultures. Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on Twitter https://twitter.com/allopus  Follow our Host, Al Lopus, on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allopus/ Email our host at info@workplaces.org

The Bible tells us that only God sees the future, but it also says we should prepare for it. Does that include churches? The short answer is yes. Churches need to have an emergency fund just like individuals. In today's Faith and Finance Rob discusses exactly what that looks like. COVID caused a dramatic drop in church attendance and giving. If there was a silver lining, it was that the pandemic removed any doubt that churches need to have cash reserves. But the question remains, How much? The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability covers this in a great article, Church Cash Reserves: How Much Is Enough? Let's start with why a church emergency fund is so important. Just like with your personal finances, churches need a cushion to ensure that routine expenses are paid on time. Without it, they run the risk of getting hit with late fees. If there's a mortgage on the property, churches need at least a few months' worth of payments stored up to avoid foreclosure if giving suddenly drops. Why would that happen? Well, just one example - it's a sad fact that churches split, and if half the members leave, a church could soon be facing financial calamity. Also, no one wants to have to take a special offering to replace a worn out heating or cooling unit. Or have to start at zero if the church decides to launch a new ministry. So there are plenty of reasons why a cash reserve is essential for a church. The same scriptures that apply to individuals apply to churches. Proverbs 6, Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest." Also Proverbs 21, The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down. Let's say a church has a healthy cash reserve. The work doesn't stop there. Planning and wise management of that fund are necessary because there will always be pressures within the church about how it should be used. Should some of it go toward paying down debt early? Or to be more generous with the staff? Or to start new programs? This leads us back to the original question: How much is enough for a church's cash reserve? And just how do they come up with that number? Here there are two very different schools of thought. One says the church should have almost nothing in reserve, trusting in God, instead. The other says a church should have an entire year or more's worth of operating expenses in the bank. The correct answer is likely somewhere in the middle, and each church, with its leadership, has to decide what's best. What guides that process? Members need to understand that having a cash reserve is simply the faithful administration of God's resources. This honors God, and the church has to make it a priority, because it represents Christ in the world. Next, it's important to build up the reserve during the good times, especially when the church is growing. It should be part of the budget process - building a cash reserve as giving increases. A church can do that in two ways. One is to budget next year's revenue at, for example, 90% of this year's, or by simply putting a line in the budget for Additions to Cash Reserves. Whichever way a church does this, it's important to separate the reserve money from designated funds. In the event of a revenue shortfall, a church shouldn't be tempted to pay the mortgage with money specifically mandated for something else. And speaking of the mortgage, it's wise to keep mortgage reserves above what the lender might require. It's also important to be specific with cash reserve goals - things like servicing debt, capital replacement and ministry expansion. Also, for any of this to work, leadership needs to communicate the importance of having cash reserves to the congregation. It doesn't show a lack of faith - it's simply good stewardship. Properly communicating clear, specific goals and the progress made toward them might even inspire more faithful giving. And finally, leadership can challenge the congregation along the way to meeting a church's cash reserve goals. Malachi 3:10 comes to mind. It reads, 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. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: What should you do with $57,000 in an old 401k if you are 58, $38,000 remaining on your mortgage, and you and your husband are employed full time. Should you buy or rent if you are a 73 year old widow who recently moved to Tampa and are having second thoughts about having purchased a villa that is currently undergoing renovations? What are the benefits and potential costs of establishing a Revocable Living Trust and Medicaid Asset Protection Trust if you and your wife are recently retired and needing to update your estate plan? Should you pay off your mortgage if it would use most of your emergency reserves but then plan to replenish your savings? RESOURCES MENTIONED ON THIS SHOW: http://www.ecfa.org/Documents/Church_Cash_Reserves_(TCN%20Insight)_CHURCH.pdf Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or visit our website at FaithFi.com where you can join the FaithFi Community, and download the free FaithFi app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability just came out with the State of Giving Report, and Hannah wrote on the report for Christianity Today: “Evangelical Giving Goes Up, Despite Economic Woes.” Follow The Common Good on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Hosted by Aubrey Sampson and Brian From Produced by Laura Finch and Keith ConradSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's program, Christian groups are being vandalized by pro-gay and pro-abortion activists.  We'll have two stories that highlight this growing and troubling trend.  And a new report from the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability indicates that – despite uncertainties in the economy – giving to evangelical groups is up. We begin today with news that megachurch pastor Matt Chandler will be reinstated to the pulpit after a three-month leave of absence.  Dallas-area megachurch pastor Matt Chandler returned to the pulpit Sunday (Dec. 4) after a leave of absence. The Village Church's board of elders reinstated him following disciplinary actions for Chandler's “inappropriate” social media relationship with a woman who is not his wife. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Bob Smietana, Steve Rabey, Kim Roberts, Shannon Cuthrell, Anne Stych, Rod Pitzer, Christina Darnell, Kathryn Post, and Jessica Eturralde. Until next time, may God bless you.

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 God's Word has a lot to say about being generous but it also repeatedly cautions us to be wise in our affairs. We'll talk about how you can be both wise and generous Despite uncertainties about the economy, let's look at how we can be generous at year-end. It's a time to be thankful for God's provision and to show our gratitude. Psalm 106:1 tells us, Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. We want to show our gratitude with our giving. But this isn't just about writing checks to various ministries with funds we have left over when all the December bills are paid. We must also be wise about our giving. Proverbs 3:13 teaches, Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding. The first step in becoming a wise giver is taking some time to think and pray about where to give. ● Your local church ● Ministries you are passionate about ○ Missionaries ○ Distributing Bibles ○ Crisis pregnancy centers that offer alternatives to abortion How do you find ministries that are doing the work you're passionate about? Make sure that the ministries you support are, first, efficient, meaning that administrative costs are kept to a minimum and, second, that they're effective and actually making a difference. The National Christian Foundation can guide you through the process and make excellent recommendations. Also Another at ministries through the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability. ECFA provides accreditation to Christian businesses and ministries that adhere to standards of responsible stewardship, including doctrinal issues, governance, financial oversight, transparency, staff salaries and truthfulness. There are organizations claiming to be Christian ministries that are fraudulent, so be careful. Another good place to check for potential fraudsters is at MinistryWatch.org. MinistryWatch creates profiles for church and parachurch ministries. It identifies organizations and their leadership that may be engaged in misleading behavior, or wasteful spending practices. MinistryWatch also identifies ministries that operate in good faith and are run efficiently. You may want to do some giving outside of Christian ministries. Check out potential charities at Give.org. It's an arm of the Better Business Bureau that evaluates and accredits charities based on various standards including: complaints, donor privacy and conflicts of interest. Give.org also lets you file a complaint against a charity, read and write reviews, and get tips on giving. On this program, Rob also answers listener questions: ● I'm going to send a large sum of money to a relative. What is the safest way to do this? ● I have 5 rental properties and am looking into an LLC, but my insurance company suggested an umbrella policy. What's your advice? ● We're living with the in-laws until we can afford a house. We're close to affording a townhome, but now in-laws are in a financial deficit. How do I care for my immediate family and now extended family? Resources mentioned ● National Christian Foundation ● ECFA ● Ministry Watch ● Give.org ● Eventide Investments Remember, you can call in to ask your questions most days at (800) 525-7000 or email them to Questions@MoneyWise.org. Also, visit our website at MoneyWise.org where you can connect with a MoneyWise Coach, join the MoneyWise Community, and even download the free MoneyWise app. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1085/29

As we approach year-end, the thoughts of children turn toward Christmas, but the thoughts of ministry executives turn toward year-end giving efforts.  And the thoughts of many donors turn toward those ministries they have given to in the past as they try to decide how much, or even if, they will be giving to them this year. One of the cliches in the philanthropy world is that the state of the stock market is a leading indicator of giving.  A rising market doesn't CAUSE giving, but historically it has correlated with increased giving. But 2022 has turned that cliché on its head.  This year has been really bad for the stock market, yet philanthropic giving has held steady, or even increased. Given all these conflicting signals, I find this year's State of Giving report by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability to be particularly helpful.  So I asked the two men behind the study, Warren Bird and Jake Lapp, to join me for today's EXTRA podcast. To see our article about the survey, and from there to link to the study itself, click here.  The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.   We get database, technical, and editorial support from Stephen DuBarry, Christina Darnell, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth.      Until next time, may God bless you. 

It's Tuesday, October 11th, A.D. 2022. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Kevin Swanson Analysis of ministries to the persecuted church According to The Worldview's analysis of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability's numbers, Western Christian care agencies for the persecuted church provided 27% more assistance to the suffering body of Christ in 2021 than 2020.   The five largest persecution aid ministries spent a total of $121 million in 2021, up from $96 million in 2020.  Our analysis found Persecution Project, Barnabas Aid, and Open Doors ministries had the lowest ratio of administration and publicity to total expenditures ratio (over three years). Their efficiency with charitable funds ran 9.3%, 10.8%, and 9.7% respectively. Voice of the Martyrs maintained a ratio of administration costs at a ratio of 15.3%, and International Christian Concern maintained a ratio of 16.8%. Open Doors was retaining more of the income, with a 2021 expenditures-to-income ratio of only 65%. And Barnabas Aid indicated the highest need of funds, with an expenditures-to-income ratio of 108%.   You can reference ecfa.org/Members to do your own analysis before funding these ministries.  Jesus said: “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail.” (Luke 12:33-34) The financial cost of the hurricanes Although Cornwall Alliance asserts that the incidence of forest fires and hurricanes are not necessarily worse than they have been in other periods of history, property damage does seem to be on the rise. In the providence of God, estimates for damage wrought by Hurricane Ian will total between $41 and $70 billion. The 21st century is shaping up to be hard on the United States. According to our Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2022 will turn out to be the eighth worst hurricane and fire season in recorded history. The fifth worst year was 2020.  The fourth worst year was 2012. The third worst year was 2021. The second worst year was 2005, when Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana. And the worst natural disaster year was 2017, racking up $366 billion in losses, when American shores were slammed with Hurricane Harvey, Hurricane Irma, and Hurricane Maria.  The total loss of life caused by Hurricane Ian now exceeds 100, making this the deadliest storm hitting America since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which killed 1,833 people, and Hurricane Agnes in 1972, in which 122 lost their lives. You can help the Hurricane Ian victims here. Samaritan's Purse organized 1,000 people for Operation Clean-up Samaritan's Purse has organized a clean-up operation for Southwestern Florida, reports The Christian Post.  As of Monday, 1,000 volunteers are on the ground. Franklin Graham introduced the campaign, stating that, “Everything we do, we want to do it in the name of Jesus Christ. I want people to know that God loves them. He hasn't forgotten them.”  U.S. stocks crater The U.S. stocks continue to crater. The NASDAQ lost 14% over the last month, and another 6% over the last four days. Since January of this year, the NASDAQ is down 34%, Bitcoin is down 60%, and gold is down 7%. Russian missiles fired on Ukraine The Ukraine war shows no signs of abating. Death rained from the sky as Russian missiles hit cities across Ukraine on Monday, right into the heart of Kyiv, the nation's capital. Russian President Vladimir Putin said the strikes were a consequence for the Ukrainian strike on a Russian bridge over the weekend. The U.S. has poised itself as a significant player in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, as the President approved another $12.3 billion of military aid to the conflict a week ago. This is in addition to $15.2 billion appropriated so far this year.  The European Union has provided about $2.5 billion to the Ukraine war. The EU and U.S. contributions to the war is about twice the Ukrainian military budget.  Communist Cuba greenlights homosexual faux marriage Communist Cuba has voted to legitimize homosexual faux marriage.   Two-thirds of the nation showed up at the polls to approve a government-endorsed policy to allow surrogate pregnancies and unnatural sexual relationships.   This comes exactly 100 years after the Bolsheviks were the first in the modern world to approve of homosexuality, with a revision of the criminal code in 1922. Skyrocketing elder fraud And finally, elder fraud is on the rise.   The FBI reports a four-fold increase over 2017. Now, our elderly are scammed out of $1.7 billion per year. The most common scams are government impersonation (including IRS and Social Security scams), sweepstakes scams, robocalls featuring the question, “Can you hear me?, and the Grandparent scam, in which the voice begins with “Hi, Grandma, do you know who this is?” It usually involves a plea for overdue rent, car repairs, or jail bonds. God's Word reminds us this day: 'You shall rise before the gray-headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 19:32) Close And that's The Worldview in 5 Minutes on this Tuesday, October 11th, in the year of our Lord 2022. Subscribe by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ. Print story The Faith of Elvis Elvis Presley's stepbrother, Billy Stanley, has just released a memoir, entitled “The Faith of Elvis: The Story only a Brother Can Tell.”   The author told The Christian Post that he is convinced Elvis was a Christian. “He constantly read the Bible. This guy read it every day of his life. He was always in the Bible.” Billy recalls the last conversation he had with Elvis two days before he died on August 14th, 1977. Elvis asked Billy if he believed that "God forgives you for all your sins?” Billy responded, “Yes he did.” Presley replied, "Good, I just wanted to hear you say that." Elvis Presley's life has been well documented for various scandals relating to drugs and breaking the seventh commandment, “You shall not commit adultery,” in Exodus 20:14. God is the Judge, and the Redeemer of His people.

On today's program, the Evangelical Council for Abuse Prevention (ECAP) is set to roll out an accreditation program designed to train and certify ministry executives in skills to prevent sexual abuse.  And we note two notable passings this week:  Open Doors founder Brother Andrew, and the long-time president of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Dan Busby.  We begin today with the controversial decision by Christian musician Chris Tomlin to tour with the scandal ridden Hillsong United this fall. Before we go… I'll be hosting a lunch for MinistryWatch friends in Charlotte in October, and I'll be in Newport Beach, California, on November 15.  If you live in those cities, you should be getting an email from me with more information, but if you want to make sure that you get an invitation, please email me and I'll make sure you get the details.  All of these lunches are FREE.  They're just our way of saying THANK YOU for being a part of our work.  I also want to remind you that if you make a donation to MinistryWatch during the month of September, we'll send you a copy of “Restoring All Things” as our thank you gift.  This book is one that I wrote with the Colson Center's John Stonestreet, and it features stories of great ministries doing great work all around the country.  Just go to MinistryWatch.com and hit the DONATE button at the top of the page. The producers for today's program are Rich Roszel and Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Cathy Goddard, Stephen DuBarry, Emily Kern, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today's program include Kim Roberts, Bob Smietana, Shannon Cuthrell, Jessica Eturralde, and Anne Stych. Until next time, may God bless you.