In this interview from last year’s CLA Outcomes Conference, we speak with National Commander – Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, who has been with The Salvation Army for 33 years. Ken believes that one of the organization’s strengths is that they don’t have a narrow focus. This allows The Salvation Army to help people wherever they are – however, it can also lead to burn out. Throughout the pandemic, The Salvation Army has been working to meet the needs of the many Americans who have fallen under the poverty line. They went from serving 52 million meals per year to over 225 million in 2020! However, God is faithful, and Ken says that giving went up by 27% this year, which allowed the Army to do what it does best – love on people! Ken also shares with us how he keeps himself from burnout with a routine and schedule that keep his faith centered on Christ.

Commissioner Hodder is 6th generation Salvationist, 4th generation commissioner, and 2nd generation National Commander.  What a legacy he has followed and will leave for future generations. His final words to leaders were to not try to change the people but use their strengths to serve.

Guests: Kenneth Hodder

Ministry/ Workplace: The Salvation Army

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James Barnett has a heart for adventure and a true sense of awe, and this part 1 of a 2-part bonus interview explores some of James’ fondest memories. From an uncle that modeled hard work and generosity to parents that modeled a life of prayer, James’ family has played a large role in his spiritual formation.  His recently released book, Blue Skies: How to Live in Extraordinary Expectation of What’s Around the Corner, captures lessons he has learned from his family road trips.  

James’ exposure to author Bob Buford and his book Halftime forced him to answer the question, “Are you driven or all you called?”  This made him take a hard look at why God does something versus what God is wanting to teach in each of life’s circumstances. Celebrating a 41-year career at DaySpring – and  now the President – God  has used James’ adventures to shape his leadership both at work and home.  Through his many experiences, James has allowed God to show him life lessons at every turn.  There is so much to learn, and his Blue Skies book shows how we can capture and share them along the way.

So many great nuggets in this interview with James Barnett and his new book, Blue Skies: How to Live in Extraordinary Expectation of What’s Around the Corner.  

For the chance to win a signed copy of James’ book, call the listener line at 866-713-9675!

Guest: James Barnett

Ministry/Workplace: DaySpring

YouTube Video

Having founded a church and worked in the marketplace, Tom Lutz has a unique vantage point on faith integration. Join us in today’s show as Tom discusses finding your purpose, faith in the marketplace, and vocational discipleship!

As a young believer, Tom thought he needed to go to seminary to serve in ministry. Seminaries often teach on the importance of discipleship within the Church, but rarely discipleship within the workplace. After some years, Tom acknowledged that his real calling was to the marketplace. But, despite feeling like God was calling him there, it took him quite a while to not feel like God frowned on that decision. His new book, Equipping Christians for Kingdom Purpose in their Work, is a “how to” book that answers practical questions like:

1.     Who are you?

2.     What is your purpose?

3.     How will you fulfill your purpose?

Believers who integrate their faith at work are more engaged as church members and Followers of Christ. That’s why it is our goal to help start vocational discipleship across the Nation!

For a chance to win a copy of Tom’s book call our listener line at 866-713-9675!

Guests: Thomas Lutz

Ministry/ Workplace: Convene

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In this show from the most recent CLA Outcomes Conference, we talk with Vicki Harris, Sr. Vice President of Human Resources for Our Daily Bread Ministries. While Our Daily Bread specializes in producing quarterly devotionals (available at ODB.org), it is refreshing to hear that Vicki still finds her morning time with God to be the key to leading a thriving ministry and work environment. She talks with us in today’s show about applying personal revelation in professional settings. 

With offices in 38 countries, Our Daily Bread prioritizes new avenues for the staff and volunteers to grow in their faith, dig deep into Scripture, and thrive. This familiarity with cultivating a positive work culture over great distances served OBD well during the pandemic. They started hosting virtual leadership events for their staff, which were so well received that other people wanted to come. The result? The Mastering You sessions are now open to everyone!

Vicky Harris wants to challenge leaders to grow their character - what a great perspective coming from a leader in Human Resources! May we all take some time to consider this wisdom today.

Guests: Vicki Harris

Ministry/ Workplace: Our Daily Bread Ministries

YouTube Video

Kenny Hill admits he was building his career in vain. For years, he tried to outpace the shame in his life by pouring himself into his job performance. But it wasn’t until his first marriage crumbled and he was at the end of his rope that Kenny began to really learn about doing things God’s way – in love. Of course, anyone can love people for a few hours, but good leaders co-labor with God to make love a lifelong practice.

This new understanding of love flowed into Kenny’s personal life with his soon-to-be wife, Clarisa. Soon, Clarisa began implementing the same mission-minded leadership skills in her OBGYN practice. Tune in to hear this incredible couple’s journey in the workplace mission field!

Enter to win a copy of Kenny’s book, Elevated: My Journey to Co-Laboring with God, by calling the listener line at 866-713-9675 (WORK).

Guests: Kenny & Clarisa Hill

Ministry/ Workplace: Parables Media

YouTube Video

In this interview from the most recent Outcome’s Conference, we talk with Rich Stearns, the President Emeritus of World Vision, about keeping your marriage and your faith strong, leading with values, and what a thriving ministry looks like. As to this last bit, Rich relates thriving in faith and ministry to the core mission of World Vision: to restore the dignity of the poor and bring hope to the hopeless. Isn’t this what we should all be doing? When we work to bring dignity and hope to everyone in our sphere of influence, our teams, organizations, and clients thrive.

Plus, Rich discusses his new book Lead Like It Matters to God: Values-Driven Leadership in a Success-Driven World, which was selected as the Christian Leadership Alliance book of the year. Surrender and sacrifice are just two of the 17 values that he outlines in this new book. Rich’s writing style is easy and the lessons are long lasting – be sure to pick up a copy today!

Guests: Rich Stearns

Ministry/ Workplace: World Vision

YouTube Video

Growing up as a missionary kid in Belize, you can imagine how a near-death experience at age 12 led Jonathan Nowlen into a closer relationship with God. Then, as a young adult, Jonathan followed in his parents’ footsteps and became a career missionary with YWAM, where he eventually served in over 60 countries. While in NW Arkansas to drum up church partnerships, God compelled Jonathan around the idea that all Christians are missionaries and the Kingdom of God can be advanced through the workplace. Thus, The Metron Manager Project was started. Through Jonathan’s books, curriculum, podcast, and marketplace mission consultations – God is transforming lives through the dignity of vocation.

Jonathan says that the podcast started as a way to expound on the ideas written in his books and share the stories of practitioners that are being renewed. His message is lifegiving – whether you’ve been in the workforce for a long time or when you start your very first job.

Guests: Jonathan Nowlen

Ministry/ Workplace: The Metron Manager Project

YouTube Video

Valerie Bell is the CEO of Awana Clubs International. At the most recent Outcome’s Conference, we had a chance to ask Valerie how she keeps her faith strong and her leadership Christ-centered... the answer won’t surprise you: through scripture memorization and journaling. Accordingly, the entire Awana staff is currently memorizing Philippians 2 together because Scripture memorization isn’t just for the kids they serve! Awana is now in 129 countries serving over 5 million children weekly. They are the first to tell you that they are not about child discipleship but lifelong discipleship. What will they remember and know in 2050 when they are adults? After hiding God’s word in their hearts, the second most impactful thing Awana does is provide loving, caring adults. Valerie says, “we need a little less Disney and a whole lot more Mister Rogers.”

Valerie’s new book, Resilient: Child discipleship and the Fearless Future of the Church, is all about learning to bend and flex but not break. Her book was based on the need to Belong, Believe, and Become.

Guests: Valerie Bell

Ministry/ Workplace: Awana Clubs International

YouTube Video

In today’s show, we talk with husband-wife team Jerry and Carol Meek, the founders of Desert Star Construction and Glorious Reflections, about working with your spouse, building a business on integrity, and focusing on God over goals. Jerry and Carol met in the high school choir and built a friendship that became lifelong in marriage. God has carried them through the good times and the bad and continually highlights our need for hope in every circumstance.

In the 2008 recession, the Meeks determined not to lay anyone off despite decreasing building projects. So instead, they worked on some special projects that kept the team strong so that when the building started to return, their team was still together and able to rebound quickly. This fierce love for those God has put in their care was passed down from Jerry’s dad, who told him the only thing you own is your integrity. And sure enough, when they stopped focusing on their income goals and made giving goals, the results were amazing!

Today the Meeks have started Glorious Reflections – a collective of leaders who want to live and lead in a way that brings glory to God! You can take the 21-day challenge by texting “challenge” to 55444. BONUS: a few tips from Carol about working with your spouse: encourage your spouse, plan personal time, be respectful, people are watching.  Jerry’s tips: be 100% behind your spouse’s success and don’t treat your customer better than your spouse.

Guests: Jerry and Carol Meek

Ministry/ Workplace: Desert Star Construction; Glorious Reflections

Sponsored by GiANT https://GiANT.tv/iWork4Him

YouTube Video

In this show from the most recent CLA Outcomes Conference, we talk with Brenda Long, Sr. Director of Infrastructure Operations at Food for the Hungry. Brenda has been with Food for the Hungry, an organization that takes a holistic approach to ending poverty through purposeful relief, for over 26 years. Tune in as we discuss getting still before God, leadership development, personality tests, and the mission to end hunger. 

When we asked Brenda about the daunting task of ending hunger, she said that Food for the Hungry is simply called to be a part of the solution, not the whole thing. They believe that it is through partnership and cooperation that the Kingdom of God comes to fruition. Accordingly, Brenda says we are all leaders, even if it's not in your title. Studying the enneagram is one tool that has helped her to lead better and understand those she leads. As a 7, she has a deep need to be around others, and this past year has challenged that need, first in losing her mom and then during the pandemic. For more information on Food for the Hungry's mission, check out their FREE eBook download, God's Story!

Guests: Brenda Long

Ministry/ Workplace: Food for the Hungry

YouTube Video

Transcript