The Finish Line Podcast

The Finish Line Team
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Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 3min

Jennifer Holloran, President & CEO of the American Bible Society, on the Life-Changing Power of the Bible to Heal Communities (Ep. 144)

Jennifer Holloran, President and CEO of the American Bible Society, is an avid lover of Scripture and an expert in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and innovation. Jennifer was raised in a Christian home with lots of exposure to the Word, but it was in college that she learned to approach Scripture as a source of grace instead of condemnation. Jennifer’s career took an unexpected turn after college when God led her to combine her professional skills and love for the Scriptures at Wycliffe Bible Translators. She spent over twenty years there, starting as a typist and eventually becoming Chief Operating Officer before taking over as CEO of the American Bible Society.   The American Bible Society has a rich history dating back to 1816, and is involved in nearly every aspect of Bible work, from translation to global distribution to engagement and advocacy. Jennifer has an amazing perspective on the power of God’s Word, how it is moving in the world today, and how the Church can help people everywhere be transformed as they get more engaged with the Scriptures.   Major Topics Include: Jennifer’s faith and career journey How she fell in love with Scripture Her surprise introduction to Bible translation through Wycliffe Leadership principles in unexpected Bible stories How God prepared her for work at American Bible Society An overview of American Bible Society’s 209 year history Helping people engage in the Scriptures  ABS’s framework of access, engagement, and advocacy Various aspects of Scripture access Their “end-to-end” process—a multimodal approach to Bible access and engagement The story and heart behind the ABS Trauma Healing Institute  Helping people overcome barriers to Scripture Finding solutions to inspire younger generations to engage with Scripture AI as a tool for Bible engagement How to move from Bible engagement to advocacy Creativity in Bible distribution in hard-to-reach places Effectiveness of a collective impact alliance in reaching Bible distribution goals QUOTES TO REMEMBER “It wasn’t long after I finished college that God brought me to Wycliffe Bible Translators, and that opened up a whole world of understanding Scripture in a completely new way.” “I found that the more that I began to dig into Scripture, the more there was to discover.” “We want to move people from that place of just having access to the Bible and have them step into engagement, and that starts with curiosity.” “Today, we at the American Bible Society still get to be involved in translation and distribution, but we’re looking at the whole Scripture engagement journey and how we can come alongside the Church to support the ministry of helping people to take the next step with Scripture.” “We need to understand where Gen Z and Gen Alpha are coming from and what speaks to them as unique groups with unique values, preferences, and barriers that might keep them from Scripture. Then we can work together with the Church to help co-create solutions to reach that generation.” “There’s something amazing about having the Bible as a foundation that we can come together and have conversation around and learn from one another across faith traditions.” “Our vision is ‘God’s Word transforming all people.’ That’s what I want to see happening, and I think the more we can get the Church engaged and we can work together on this, I believe that it’s possible.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) American Bible Society Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) The Digital Bible Library Audio Video Translation Tool Jesus Film Project (see our interview with Executive Director Josh Newell) LUMO Project Films Faith Comes by Hearing (see our interview with VP Morgan Jackson) Talking Bibles International Trauma Healing Institute IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) ETEN Innovation Lab The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 13:1-23 | Parable of the Sower WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 17min

Laura Gish, VP for Prayer and Advancement at Mission Mutual, on the Synergy of Collective Impact Alliances (Ep. 143)

Laura Gish, VP for Prayer and Advancement at Mission Mutual, is a prayer leader and mobilizer of givers and intercessors in collective impact spaces. Laura was raised in a faith-filled home and felt an exceptional call to prayer and the Bible in her early teens. Through her father’s job, Laura was deeply connected to the Bible translation space from a young age and was able to witness the evolution of the illumiNations impact alliance to what it is today. In her early career, Laura served at Seed Company where she helped to spearhead a prayer movement which saw huge breakthroughs in the field and in funding.   That experience led her to Mission Mutual which serves as a backbone for multiple impact alliances in a variety of impact spaces. She has an incredible perspective on being founded and rooted in prayer, personally and as an organization, and the necessity of collaboration in the Great Commission arena. You won’t want to miss all she had to share!   Major topics include: Laura’s early life, faith background, and early career The story of Seed Company’s donor funded prayer program Laura’s favorite outcomes from the prayer program Helping organizations develop a foundation of prayer The unique power of a collective impact alliance Key characteristics of a collective impact framework The story and vision of Mission Mutual Differences between a giving fund and an impact alliance What is a backbone service provider? Multiplying ROI in the Kingdom through collaboration  Why collaboration matters to donors Best practices for an alliance  Structuring a practice of prayer as the center point of alliance culture Raising up nearly 350,000 intercessors in the ETEN collective impact alliance Next steps for a giver to move toward an impact alliance What’s happening beyond Bible translation Creating a community giving circle QUOTES TO REMEMBER “When God says go, you just go.” “As we give to something, our heart expands. And as we pray for something, it grows our heart to want to give.” “Prayer is not just a strategy. It is the strategy.” “Prayer is the catalyst for intimacy with God.” “Look at what God can do when we put aside our individual logos and agendas, and we pursue the collective power of what partnership can be when it’s united under a vision God has given His people to pursue and it’s rooted in prayer.”  “Generosity begets generosity.” “When we yoke together in unity, the collective impact capacity isn’t just doubled, it’s exponentially expanded.” “Prayer is one of the most generous things we can offer.” “God changes our hearts when we pray.” “Be a faithful steward of the brokenness that God has planted inside of you.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Mission Mutual  Seed Company (see our interview with CEO, Davis Powell) IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) Every Tribe Every Nation (ETEN) ACHIEVE (A Church in Every Village Everywhere) Close the Bible Gap The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 127:1a | The Lord Builds the House   Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.   John 17:21 | Oneness in the Church   that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.   Isaiah 60:3 | Drawn to Your Light   And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising.   Ecclesiastes 4:12b | Strength in Unity   a threefold cord is not quickly broken.   Mark 16:15 | The Great Commission And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Jun 9, 2025 • 58min

Brian Cochran, Financial Advisor, on Helping Clients Give Big and Give Efficiently (Ep. 142)

Brian Cochran, CFP and Certified Kingdom Advisor, leads John Moore Associates, a nationally respected advisory firm known for its integration of biblical wisdom and financial strategy. After beginning his career as an educator, Brian was mentored by the firm’s founder, John Moore, before stepping into leadership and continuing the firm’s mission to help families steward their wealth with eternal purpose.   John Moore Associates stands out for its deeply rooted emphasis on generosity—equipping clients not just to give more, but to give with greater clarity, joy, and impact. Under Brian’s leadership, the firm has cultivated a unique culture where values-based planning and practical financial advice go hand in hand.   Brian offers powerful frameworks that help givers align their financial decisions with their deepest convictions. More importantly, he lives out what he teaches—modeling the joy and contentment that come from a generous life.   Major Topics Include: Brian’s personal and spiritual background His journey from education to faith-based financial planning Coming to the intersection of faith and finance The great impact of John Moore’s mentorship Contentment as the start of good money management  Advice for finding contentment Frameworks for implementing contentment in personal and business finances Creating a culture of generosity with associates and clients The significance of tracking clients’ giving The problem of over-saving  Addressing the spiritual side of scarcity mindset Giving opportunities through tax liabilities Honoring God with your assets and income QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Contentment is a key step to generosity.” “Contentment comes with more satisfaction than always striving for more.” “Can I continue to see all the abundance around me that other people have but say that I don’t need it?” “Allowing and encouraging clients to give away the assets that we would otherwise manage and charge fees on is very counter-cultural and counter-intuitive, but it’s the best part of what we do.” “When you oversave, you not only miss opportunities for giving, but you miss opportunities for living.” “I’ve never met somebody who said that one of their financial goals was to be greedy, and you fight greed with generosity.” “It’s way more fun to see a client give away seven figures than it is to see someone go through retirement or pay for their kid’s college education. Those things are great, but watching people satisfy generosity goals is where it’s at, and sometimes it takes dozens of conversations to get there.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW John Moore Associates Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Russ Crosson (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Timothy 6:6-7 | Godly Contentment   But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.   Proverbs 3:9 | Honor God with Income and Finances Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Jun 2, 2025 • 57min

John Hanger, Founder of BiblioNexus, When Silicon Valley Meets Bible Translation (Ep. 141)

John Hanger, founder of BiblioNexus, is a serial entrepreneur and a passionate giver who found himself deeply called into Bible translation. After supporting the movement for several years, John felt the need to get his hands dirty with what he knows best—launching a tech start-up. BiblioNexus is a nonprofit tech company with the culture of a Silicon Valley start-up that is making waves in the Bible Translation space. BiblioNexus is a company of software experts in partnership with Bible translation experts working to build innovative solutions and try to move the needle in Bible translation. Major Topics Include: John’s story of God’s relentless pursuit John’s introduction to the world of Bible translation Amplifying your generosity by choosing a focus area and investing relationship Using donor advised funds to help kids explore generosity An innovative tech approach to Bible translation AI’s role in Bible translation The goal to have Scripture in all heart languages by 2033 The need for more Bible translation software apps for mobile phones Quotes to Remember “We felt the weight of the blessings we had received.” “We settled on the theme of ‘evangelism’ for our giving plan.” “There are 7,000 plus heart languages in the world and less than half of them have a Bible.” “I knew the Bible was the most translated book in the history of the world, but I had no idea that there was still Bible poverty.” “At the end of the day, the flywheel of discipleship and translation is study the Bible, understand the Bible, and then articulate it. That methodology is called FIA: familiarize, internalize, and articulate.” “God’s moving people to release their content into an openly licensed environment knowing that the aquifer is now a mechanism through which that content can be used worldwide.” “We want to have at least some Scripture available in all 7,000 plus heart languages by 2033.” “Only 40% of the world’s population lives near or has access to a power grid, but 96% of the world’s population has access to a mobile phone. So the mobile phone is a key technology being used, but little to none of the Bible translation related software products work on a mobile phone today.” Links from the Show BiblioNexus National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Renew World Outreach (see our interview with founders, the Paluskys) IllumiNations Bible Translation Alliance (see our interview with Todd Peterson or John Chesnut) ETEN Innovation Lab Aquifer.Bible Community Review Opportunities Bible Well SIL International (see our interview with Executive Director, Michel Kenmogne) Wycliffe Bible Translators (see our interview with CEO John Chesnut) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group Bible References from the Show Galatians 1:10 | Approval of Man or God? For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Luke 15:4-6 | The Lost Sheep “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Matthew 6:19-21 | Treasures in Heaven “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 28:19 | The Great Commission Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, We Want to Hear from You! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.
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May 26, 2025 • 1h 5min

Jesse and Krista Casler on Catalytic Giving Out of Net Worth (Ep. 140)

Jesse and Krista Casler have a deep understanding of the currency exchange between earthly dollars and treasure in Heaven. Jesse is the Chief Operating Officer of Hope International, having served Hope over the last 20 years. Together, Jesse and Krista have allowed generosity to touch nearly every part of their lives. Their stories touch on many aspects of the generous life, from financial accountability to foster care and generosity of the home to donor advised funds and charitable bunching. But above all, their lives are marked by a deep joy in everything that they do.   Major Topics Include: Their unique foundations for faith and generosity How they met and began their careers The mission, programs, and story of Hope International  Stories of God using Hope to change lives Misconceptions about addressing poverty Four domains of generosity impact—personal, spiritual, social, and material Approaching financial discussions together as a joyful challenge Tips for starting a financial accountability group Generosity through foster care Thoughts for people in ministry who want to be givers Participating in the “year of Jubilee” principles in a modern context When to give from the perspective of a nonprofit How to scheme with God QUOTES TO REMEMBER Jesse: “Sometimes when we think about poverty, we think about material things like not having enough money. But for some people, poverty is also aloneness.” Jesse: “How can I save as much money as possible and put it to good use to create even more so that I can be generous with the world?” Krista: “Being raised in a pastor’s household, we were very conscious of how our money was spent, but at the same time, living in generous ways.” Krista: “If a group of individuals living in great poverty, all of whom are blind or visually impaired, can talk about their capacity for saving and giving, how can I not also have some capacity for saving and giving?” Jesse: “There’s a role for regular giving that keeps an organization moving, but it can be really impactful when a larger gift can be given to start something new or catalyze something in a much bigger direction.” Jesse: “No matter what your salary is, you can create distance between income and expense. And decisions you make about your expenses become your engine for saving, investing, and giving.” Jesse: “When we turn 50, what if we gave away 10% of our net worth, just our income in that year?” Krista: “There’s joy and fun when you’re being creative in giving. Even in a season when you don’t have much money, you can ask God to help you use what you’ve got.” Krista: “There’s joy in looking at a giving opportunity as a creative challenge to scheme with God.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) Alisa Hoober, on Creating a Strong Family Culture of Generosity and Mission (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Two Men with Money by Tim Keller The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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May 19, 2025 • 1h 18min

Kate Williams-Whitley, Cofounder of EIG Insights, on Measuring Physical and Spiritual Impact in Giving (Ep. 139)

Kate Williams-Whitley is the cofounder and Chief Impact Officer of EIG Insights. Early in her career, several pivotal experiences led Kate to realize the need for data in the nonprofit space to help leaders steward their decisions and finances well. Now through EIG Insights, Kate provides customized consulting services for nonprofits, helping them to identify their core theory of change and ensure that they are measuring the correct metrics to understand their physical and spiritual impacts.    Kate is brimming with helpful wisdom for nonprofits and givers alike on how to know they’re making a tangible and lasting difference with their efforts and generosity.    Major Topics Include: Kate’s faith and professional background How a family legacy of generosity and a trip to Malawi shaped her career The story of EIG Insights The complexity of impact evaluation Kate’s process of helping nonprofits develop a theory of change Measuring spiritual development  The gift of impact data Thinking though impact as a giver Considering cost effectiveness in interventions Advice for givers on choosing the causes that matter most to them QUOTES TO REMEMBER “What do I do well, what does the world need, and how can I merge those in way that shows the Kingdom of God on Earth?” “When we try to implement a solution internationally that sounds smart from our Western ideal or outsider view, it generally doesn’t go well.” “Something that works in one community isn’t guaranteed to work in another community at the same time because people are complex. But there are many ways to study and see if it’s working or not.” “I’m in this to help change lives and improve the overall human condition, and I think the most strategic way to do that is good data.”  “Anything that you can define well can be measured.” “I think impact data is the biggest gift you could give to a leadership team.” “For a nonprofit to work well, you need a fully aligned theory of change, a program model that makes sense, and data to know if it’s actually happening the way that you think it is.” “We shouldn’t be scared of measuring what God does.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW EIG Insights Excellence in Giving (see our interview with founder Al Mueller) Compassion International Accord Research Network All Access Podcast All Access International (see our interview with founder, Lane Kipp) Dovetail Impact Foundation The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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May 12, 2025 • 48min

Mike Kocolowski, Author of Happily Generous, on the Unbreakable Link Between Generosity and Happiness (Ep. 138)

Mike Kocolowski’s early years were formed by scarcity as part of a large family with little income. But a call to ministry in his twenties led him to take radical steps on a faith journey to trusting God with his finances and tackling many of the most common barriers to generosity. As the Chief Stewardship Officer of Christian Financial Resources, Mike has been working with churches for decades to deepen their passion for generosity and to approach the topic of finances with a healthier, biblical perspective.    In his book Happily Generous, Mike invites people to connect with God as the Great Giver, addresses the major barriers to generosity, and provides a spiritual framework to help people understand the tangible joy that comes from a generous life.   Major Topics Include: Mike’s background and calling to vocational ministry Recognizing seeds of generosity in the midst of scarcity The cumulative effect of small, generous acts How God set the stage for what Mike does today Backstory and current goals of Christian Financial Resources Advice for experiencing happiness in generosity Translating God’s generosity into your daily life Growing in generosity while writing his book Tips to transition from a scarcity mindset to an abundant mindset Encouragement for pastors on the topic of generosity  An invitation to start each day with gratitude QUOTES TO REMEMBER “If you trust Me for your salvation, can you trust Me for your finances too?” “We all have room to grow in the area of generosity, it doesn’t matter if you’ve been tithing since you were two years old or you’ve never given away a dime.”  “The road to happiness is paved with generosity.” “The manifestations of God’s generosity are endless.” “If we accept the premise that God’s the great giver and we’re crafted in His image, we will realize that generosity resides in our DNA. We are genetically designed to give.” “The happiest people I know are the most generous. And the most generous people I know are the happiest.” “Love gives.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Christian Financial Resources Happily Generous by Mike Kocolowski The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Deuteronomy 8:18 | The Power to Get Wealth   You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.   Acts 20:35 | More Blessed to Give   In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”   James 1:17 | Every Good and Perfect Gift   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.   John 3:16 | He Gave His Only Son   “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.   Romans 12:2 | Renew Your Mind   Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.   Psalm 23:1 | Lacking Nothing   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   Matthew 6:26 | Fed by the Father   Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?   John 10:10 | Abundant Life   The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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May 5, 2025 • 1h 5min

Karla Merrell on the Exciting Dance of Everyday Generosity (Ep. 137)

Karla Merrell was the first in her family to immigrate to the US from Panama to pursue the American dream. After years of success in the corporate world, Karla still struggled with the scarcity mindset that was passed down in her family’s culture. But during the beginning of COVID, Karla faced a sequence of events that led her to step deeply into both faith and generosity. One memorable act of generosity set the stage for an exciting and adventurous life of faith in the years that followed.    Now, Karla is passionate about breaking generational cycles of scarcity and fostering a generous culture in her own home. She invites people to express generosity in multi-dimensional ways, and facilitates connection and spiritual growth in unexpected outreach avenues.   Major Topics Include: Karla’s faith and cultural background How her generosity journey began with a single email Learning about the nature of God through her generosity awakening Comfort and hope in total dependence on Jesus A walk through the Women Doing Well process that revolutionized Karla’s mindset A view of generosity and money in a Hispanic context Growing out of generational scarcity into a culture of generosity Discovering the power of constant prayer through running How starting a faith-based running group became an outreach opportunity  Generosity as more than money Practical ideas for exercising relational generosity QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I didn’t have a generous bone in my body.” “We are absolutely dependent on Jesus.” “There comes a point when you have to make a decision—do I want to return to the person I used to be, or am I courageous enough to change and become the person I didn’t know I needed to be?” “You have to decide if you are going to be a consequence of your background or you want to create a new generational story.” “When you give spontaneously in response to the Spirit, you never miss that money.” “When I decided to stop holding on so tightly to all the things I thought I could control and I thought belonged to me, a whole new world opened.” “The dependence on God is what makes the whole thing exciting.” “Generosity is not just money. Money is a great way to express generosity, but there is so much sacrifice in other things too.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) Fellowship of Christian Athletes The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Luke 16:13 | God Or Mammon?   No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Apr 28, 2025 • 1h 2min

Mary Helen Klingen, Financial Advisor, on the Growth of Generosity Amongst Singles (Ep. 136)

Mary Helen Klingen began her career in accounting but transitioned to financial advising after a few years in the corporate world. Currently with Blue Trust, she regularly supports clients in embracing deeper generosity. As a single woman in a male-dominated field, Mary Helen has grappled with her singleness in relation to her faith, career, and purpose. This journey has inspired her to encourage other women in similar situations to find their voice in the space God has given them.    Mary Helen is passionate about empowering single women to integrate their faith and finances. She actively participates in the stewardship and singles ministries at her church and offers practical advice that you won’t want to miss!    Major Topics Include: Mary Helen’s faith background and career journey Integrating faith and finances in the unique culture of Blue Trust Being the only woman in the Houston office How her struggles led into ministry Common barriers to generosity for spenders and savers Viewing singleness as an asset in generosity  Navigating the search for purpose and contentment in the single season Mary Helen’s experience setting a finish line as a saver The importance of talking about money in the Church QUOTES TO REMEMBER “We are called to generosity not because God needs our money, but because He wants to do something through us.” “The way you know you care about a mission is if you pass it on to someone else.” “In the moments when I feel different, I remember that at the end of the day, these men and I have Christ in common. We’re all Believers, and that’s the most important thing about us.” “Jesus asked more questions than He answered. So as financial advisors, we follow that model to get to the heart level.” “I had to learn contentment in the stage and season of singleness that God had for me before I could move into a more open-handed, generous space with my own finances.” “I didn’t find the answer I was looking for, that marriage was guaranteed or promised to me, but what I did find was a good God who loves me and has provided for me.” “We get the opportunity in singleness to see the beauty of following Jesus and to have Him, and in having Him, to truly have all that we need.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Julie Wilson, President of Women Doing Well (see our past interview here) Blue Trust (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) God and Money (see our interviews with coauthors Greg Baumer and John Cortines) Journey to Generosity (JoG) with Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounder, Todd Harper and CEO, April Chapman) 7 Myths About Singleness by Sam Allberry Compass Financial Ministries (see our interview with CEO, Brian Holtz) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Hebrews 10:39 | Don’t Shrink Back   But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.   1 Timothy 6:17 | Set Your Hopes on God   As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.   Psalm 37:4 | Delight in the Lord   Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.   Psalm 34:10 | Seek the Lord   The young lions suffer want and hunger; but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.   Psalm 23:1 | The Lord Provides   The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.   1 Corinthians 7:6-8 | Better to be Single   Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.   Matthew 28:20b | I Am with You Always   And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.   1 John 1:7 | Fellowship in the Light   But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebookand LinkedIn.
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Apr 21, 2025 • 1h 2min

Jeff Waldron, Gift Planning Attorney at NCF, on Practical Considerations for Complex Gifts (Ep. 135)

Jeff Waldron, a gift planning attorney at the National Christian Foundation, began his career in corporate law before God got his attention in a powerful way. He later found his way to NCF and discovered that his love for the Lord, his desire for pastoral ministry, and his experience in tax law beautifully intersected to help givers amplify the impact of their generosity. Jeff acts as a guide to help givers navigate the more nuanced and complex non-cash gifts. He is overflowing with practical wisdom, powerful giving strategies, and a passion to help people become faithful stewards of what God has given them to manage. You don’t want to miss all he has to share! Major Topics Include: Jeff’s early career and coming to faith How Jeff connected to NCF Amplifying the effectiveness of generosity through non-cash gifts What makes a non-cash gift so powerful Examples of counseling someone through giving complex assets Thinking through when to give a large asset The nuances of giving a business Quotes to Remember “Whose likeness and inscription is on you?” “I feel like the Lord has given me the blessing of doing work that He’s fitted me for.” “By giving the non-cash asset, you’re really supercharging the impact you can have.” “Stewardship isn’t just how much you give, it’s also how you give. And if you can give in a certain way that has a 40% extra impact, then that’s something to consider.” “We’re not here to replace your advisor. We’re more like a sherpa that’s walked the mountain, and we can point out the best places to walk.” “I really don’t care what kind if gift somebody makes. I want them to be informed so that they can be faithful with what they have.” “The big transactions don’t excite me as much as the transforming ones.” Links from the Show National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) The Finish Line Community Facebook Group The Finish Line Community LinkedIn Group Bible References from the Show Matthew 22:21b | You Belong to God Then he said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Romans 8:28 | Work Together for Good And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. John 12:1-8 | Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany Ephesians 2:4-10 | By Grace through Faith We Want to Hear from You! If you have a thought about something you heard, or a story to share, please reach out! You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. You can also contact us directly from our contact page. If you want to engage with the Finish Line Community, check out our groups on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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