Behind the Seal

Jacob Bland answered the call. As a young leader in a storied ministry, his wisdom in humbly leading and balancing a young family is relatable for so many of us. The relationship between Youth For Christ's Board of Directors and senior leadership is thoughtful, caring, and saturated in prayer. The God-honoring succession transition Jacob stepped into is one we all hope can be repeated in our own churches and ministries.Check out more from Youth For Christ: https://yfc.net

The spiritual formation of Christian Leaders can get deprioritized in the face of other metrics of success. Steve Macchia has spent his career teaching the importance of a nurtured soul. As he says, where the soul goes, so goes the leader.  Check out more of Steve's writing here: https://www.stevemacchia.com/

CAFO Leadership released a document to staff that spells out how to have a balanced and healthy work, personal, and spiritual life. It's working!  They call it the Strategic Plan for Thriving Souls. As Jedd Medefind discusses, good fruit comes from good roots.  Find Jedd's Podcast here: https://resources.cafo.org/series/justice-and-the-inner-life/and the Thriving Souls Plan here: https://cafo.org/souls/

Mindy Caliguire leads Soulcare.com and frames Soul Care as a personal resolve to build a life deeply connected to God—the path to true flourishing. Most important, her work imagines the “what if?” of a future where the new norm is one in which leaders thrive, integrity thrives, and churches and ministries thrive because of better soul care.Take the integrity assessment! https://www.soulcare.com/integrity

Our motivations are a shadow to us and others.  Not always good or bad, but present.  Know them, Redeem them.Gary L. McIntosh is President of the Church Growth Network and Professor of Christian Ministry and Leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.  He has forty years of experience consulting non-profit organizations, coaching of leaders, and seminar presentations.Find more of Gary's work at https://www.churchgrowthnetwork.com/

Good and Bad Leadership can push us towards knowing the Lord deeper.  Glen shares how to find new wells to drink from, to stay resilient as a Christian leader in these times.Check out all Glenn's writing and podcast here : https://www.glennpackiam.com/

Over 2/3's of larger churches in America have an Executive Pastor. There is opportunity to be effective and efficient in church business, all while increasing integrity with a pastor's heart.  David Fletcher of Xpastor.org shares the trends and practical insights all churches can benefit from.Register for the Free Workshop from XPastor and ECFA at www.xpastor.org

What are the legal risks of unhealthy leadership?  Erika Cole, The Church Attorney, gives insight to how important a pastor's role is and how that can be isolating, taxing, and can lead to pastoral burnout.  The importance to stay spiritually and emotionally healthy as a pastor seems obvious, but the legal ramifications of un-health can affect entire churches and communities.  Find Erika's courses and Podcast at www.erikacole.com

You don't know what you don't know, and those unseen traps can catch any of us. Carey has spoken with thousands of leaders and lived through a burnout period in his own life, so glean the wisdom and warnings for a full life of healthy leadership.On-Demand Courses on Leadership, Productivity, and More from Carey Nieuwhof: https://careynieuwhof.com/Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast=========================ECFA Links:=========================ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspxBecome accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspxSeven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspxAbout ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx

You are not made for work alone. Embrace the rhythms your Creator designed for you. You are not made for the Sabbath; the Sabbath is made for you.Ruth Haley Barton | CEO Transforming Centerhttps://transformingcenter.org/

Change, change is the only constant. That's what thousands of interviews and surveys confirm about Christian culture in the U.S. With access to this data The Barna Group has a finger on the pulse of the big C church and its Pastors.  David Kinnaman reveals the trends he sees and how pastors without healthy leadership practices have a higher probability to leave the ministry.  David Kinnaman and The Barna Group: https://www.barna.com/Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast

Edgar Sandoval's amazing story of hardship, hard work, and surrender is filled with God's continued work in each of us and this world!  As CEO of World Vision, a large, tenured Christian Humanitarian Aid Organization, Edgar discusses the organization's willingness to respond to dangerous situations because of soft hearts, calling it the "right kind of dangerous".  As generations change, Edgar describes focusing on holding the values that started World Vision, as he says, "the fruits are in the roots, and our roots are in the church, we were started by a youth pastor."  From his personal story to pursuing diversity to how leadership sets the tone for stewardship - you won't want to miss this one.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFAWorld Vision: https://www.worldvision.org/=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: NCF, National Christian Foundation, Giving Strategy, eternity, eternal impact, leadership, church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

When David Wills was growing up, every time he took a spiritual gift test he always seemed to score lowest in "generosity," but that didn't stop the Lord from working in his heart.Listen in as Michael Martin sits down with the President Emeritus of the National Christian Foundation, which serves as a global generosity movement, and discusses his passions around generosity and eternity.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFANational Christian Foundation (NCF): https://www.ncfgiving.com=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: NCF, National Christian Foundation, Giving Strategy, eternity, eternal impact, leadership, church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

Being accountable to someone doesn't mean you'll achieve perfection. Accountability, particularly in a Christian organization, looks like a relationship built on trust with "course correcting" conversations happening regularly.Sit down with Michael Martin and Jake Lapp as they dig in to what accountability looks like with ECFA accredited members.Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFABoard Responsibilities Checklist: https://www.ecfa.org/PDF/Gov_Board_Responsibilities_Checklist_2021_FINAL.pdfShare A Concern: https://www.ecfa.org/ComplianceConcern.aspx=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: leadership, church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

"Trust is the bedrock. Out of good trust comes productive conflict management, clarity on goals and objectives, people feel like they can speak into something, and you begin to see outcomes. Outcomes that really are transforming a leader. Transforming your organization. Transforming communities. And now we're even witnessing how it's transforming nations."Michael goes "Behind the Seal" with Tami Heim, President/CEO of the Christian Leadership Alliance, to discuss the pivotal connection between Christ-centered leadership and trust.CLA Outcomes Conference: https://outcomesconference.orgChristian Leadership Alliance: https://christianleadershipalliance.orgSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: leadership, church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

Does the name "evangelical" do more harm than good in today’s culture? What role is "deconstruction" playing in the Christian community? Do Christian ministries have a trust problem, and how do we respond?Join the conversation as Michael Martin sits down with Walter Kim, the President of the National Association of Evangelicals, as they work through these questions together.NAE's For the Health of the Nation: https://www.nae.org/for-the-health-of-the-nation/Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA=========================Table of Contents:========================= 00:00 - Intro00:55 - Walter stepping into the role as President of the NAE07:25 - United as evangelicals in polarizing times16:29 - The word "evangelical" historically31:16 - Ex-vangelicals and deconstruction44:46 - Do evangelicals have a trust problem?=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: deconstruction, exvangelical, evangelical, church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

Nonprofits and churches were experiencing a “crisis of confidence” in the late 1970s. Scandal after scandal highlighted the great need for standards and accountability, and from it, the ECFA seal was born to help regain and enhance trust.In episode one, Michael Martin unpacks a little of the seal's history and gives a taste of the conversations coming over the next few weeks. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcastWatch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA=========================Table of Contents:========================= 02:41 – Michael’s inspiration for the podcast and what to expect!06:33 – History of ECFA and the origin of the Seal. Inspiring credibility and confidence. 14:03 – Integrity does not mean perfection!17:32 – What’s behind the seal? Trust.=========================ECFA Links:========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx Seven Standards of Responsible Stewardship: https://www.ecfa.org/Standards.aspx About ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org/About.aspx =========================Connect With Us:========================= Church and Nonprofit eNewsletter: http://eepurl.com/lekpf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/accountability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/evangelical-council-for-financial-accountability/ Podcast: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast =========================Please be sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on NOTIFICATIONS. Thanks again for watching!=========================Disclosure: This video is provided as general educational information and with the understanding that ECFA is not rendering legal, accounting, or other professional advice or service. Professional advice on specific issues should be sought from an accountant, lawyer, or other professional. Opinions presented are those of the speakers and not necessarily the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.Video Topics: church, Christian, Christ, God, bible, scripture, church plant, missions, ministry, mission, congregation, worship, money, giving, tithing, tithe, give, finances, financial accountability, governance, stewardship, budgeting, budget, podcast, nonprofits, nonprofit, audit, transparency, trust

ECFA is announcing our new Podcast.  Subscribe now!  Episodes are released every week starting in late March!