The Finish Line Podcast

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195

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Aug 2026

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Kealan, a surgeon, and Cody, a financial advisor, discuss the intersection of faith, generosity, and personal finance. They’re joined by a variety of guests, including pastors, financial advisors, radically generous givers, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and nonprofit leaders to explore one central question: How do we best steward God’s wealth? On The Finish Line Podcast, you’ll hear challenging and inspirational stories of tremendous generosity. You’ll also learn from experts in multiple fields about topics like setting a financial finish line, giving efficiently and effectively, and teaching generosity to your children. More than anything, though, you’ll see how God is constantly at work redeeming the world He created and loves. Visit the website at www.finishlinepledge.com to learn more.

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August 10, 2026Episode 1941 hr 9 min

Clare DeGraaf, Businessman, on Decisions that can Change Your Life (Ep. 194)

You may believe everything you have belongs to God, yet still wonder what that actually means for the way you spend, give, and make decisions about your wealth. When financial success gives you more options than you need, how do you discern what is enough and live as a faithful steward rather than simply taking your cues from those around you? MEET YOUR GUIDE: Clare DeGraaf is a business leader, author, Bible teacher, and mentor whose pursuit of financial security led him to build and sell a successful manufacturing company. After experiencing a crisis of faith, he and his wife, Susan, began asking a deeper question about what it truly meant to follow Jesus with everything. That journey reshaped their view of money, success, and stewardship, leading them to set a financial finish line, launch a strategic family foundation, and pursue a life centered on God’s Kingdom. In this conversation, Clare shares the lessons that transformed his approach to wealth, ambition, and obedience. He explains how generous living is less about financial formulas and more about surrendering ownership to God, cultivating eternal perspective, and faithfully investing resources in people and ministries that advance the gospel. His wisdom offers practical encouragement for anyone wrestling with how much is enough, the tension between success and contentment, or the desire to steward God’s blessings with greater purpose. Listen to discover how asking one honest question about “enough” can reshape your view of money, calling, and faithful stewardship. WHAT YOU'LL GAIN: Defining what “enough” really means Surrendering ownership of wealth to God Aligning business success with Kingdom purpose Practicing intentional lifestyle limits Cultivating contentment over financial security Investing generously for eternal impact Discerning wise and effective giving opportunities Growing through faithful stewardship and obedience Mentoring others toward biblical generosity HIGHLIGHTS: “How much of what we own belongs to us, and how much belongs to God?” “If everything you own belongs to you, then you can spend it the way you want. But if you actually claim it belongs to God, then you have to ask Him, ‘How much will You pay me to be Your steward?’” “I wrote the book because, for me, it was a way to begin breaking the cycle of disobedience dozens of times a week in little things that kept me from really maturing in my faith.” “Jesus would not accept the fact that nobody’s perfect. You can be better than you are. Start by training yourself to be obedient in little things.” “People say to me all the time, ‘How do you know for certain that God’s actually telling you to do that thing?’ And I say, ‘Well, I don’t. Certainty is the enemy of obedience.’” “We can explain the gospel and live the gospel, but it’s the Holy Spirit’s job to convince people it’s true.” PEOPLE, BOOKS, AND ORGS: The 10-Second Rule: Following Jesus Made Simple by Clare DeGraaf Ronald Blue and Co., CPA (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender KEEP EXPLORING Discover more conversations, ideas, and resources to help you think intentionally about generosity, stewardship, and living with an eternal perspective. Visit Finish Line Pledge →

July 27, 2026Episode 1931 hr 4 min

Mark Wambolt, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Eventide, on Investing that Leads to Flourishing (Ep. 193)

As Christians, we may think carefully about how much we give while giving far less thought to how the rest of our money is invested. What would it look like for our faith to shape not only what we give away, but everything we’ve been entrusted to steward? MEET YOUR GUIDE: Mark Wambolt serves as Head of Strategic Partnerships at Eventide, but his journey into faith driven investing began long before his career in finance. Growing up outside Boston, Mark learned the value of hard work alongside his father, a carpenter, while also developing an early fascination with business and investing. As he advanced quickly through the financial industry, achieving levels of success many aspire to, he began wrestling with a deeper question: if following Jesus shapes every part of life, should it also shape the way we invest and steward capital? In this conversation, Mark shares how God used key relationships and pivotal experiences to reshape his understanding of investing as an act of stewardship. He explains how Eventide seeks to help investors move beyond simply avoiding harmful industries toward actively supporting businesses that create genuine human flourishing. Through stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and long-term Kingdom impact, Mark offers a compelling vision for how capital can be deployed to serve people, strengthen communities, and reflect God’s heart for creation. He also challenges common assumptions about success, profit, and control, inviting a more integrated approach to faith and finance. Listen to explore how your investments may become a powerful tool for shaping future generations with intentionality and hope. WHAT YOU'LL GAIN: Integrating faith and investing decisions Viewing capital as Kingdom stewardship Redefining success beyond financial gain Avoiding ill-gotten gain in portfolios Investing for human flourishing Embracing businesses that serve people Engaging companies through shareholder influence Balancing giving, impact investing, and returns Supporting community renewal through entrepreneurship Thinking generationally about wealth and influence HIGHLIGHTS: “I thought, you know, there’s this business investing world, that’s my job. And then there’s my faith, that’s the other side. I kind of had this feeling that never the two shall meet. At that moment, they just collided in the best possible way.” “Yes, we care about what we avoid. But almost more importantly, the avoidance is a step on the journey toward what do we want to own?” “The opportunity that we have as investors is to not just steward capital, but to direct it intentionally.” “There’s a reason that what a business creates is called goods and services, because they should be good and they should serve.” “God is a creator. And then he makes man in his image. I believe that reflection is that we too should be creators who make good things.” “When mammon has become the god, it’s no longer about goods and services. It’s about what can I do operationally to generate the highest return?” “We love business. We just want to make sure it’s aimed at goods that are truly good and services that truly serve.” “You can just go through example after example for all of history, even up to the present day, that investors have for hundreds of years shaped the culture that we live in.” “I think that people are waking up to the idea of stewardship.” “Making intentional investment decisions is becoming core to how I serve my clients well.” “What are the investments I can make today that maybe won’t pay any dividend for me, but for the next generation and the generation after that, I will be so glad to have made the sacrifice in my life?” “I think there’s an incredible opportunity for Christians to pause, think multi-generationally.” PEOPLE, BOOKS, AND ORGS: Eventide Investments Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Why Business Matters to God by Jeff Van Duzer Parker Clay BIBLE REFERENCES: Genesis 1:1 | God the Creator “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:27 | Made in God’s Image “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This communication is provided for informational purposes only and expresses views of Eventide Asset Management, LLC (“Eventide”), an investment adviser, and Mark Wambot, Head of Strategic Partnerships. This does not constitute investment advice nor is it a recommendation or offer to purchase or sell or a solicitation to deal in any security or financial product. Eventide does not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. Eventide’s values-based approach to investing may not produce desired results and could result in underperformance compared with other investments. There is no guarantee that any investment will achieve its objectives, generate positive returns, or avoid losses.

July 13, 2026Episode 1921 hr 1 min

Rachel McDonough, Financial Advisor, on Stewarding Wealth with Head and Heart (Ep. 192)

Rachel McDonough grew up in Kenya as the daughter of missionaries, where she saw both deep poverty and the faith of parents who trusted God enough to follow His call across the world. Those early experiences planted a lasting conviction that every resource we hold belongs to God and can be used to bring life, freedom, and hope to others. After nearly two decades in wealth management, Rachel began asking a deeper question: what story is our capital telling? In this conversation, Rachel shares how God led her to build Wealth Squared, a firm that helps families align their investments, giving, and financial plans with biblical values. She explains how impact investing can direct capital toward businesses that promote human flourishing, and discusses themes from her new book, The River and the Garden, which uses story to explore stewardship, family unity, and Kingdom impact. This episode offers a hopeful vision for using wealth as a tool to cultivate lasting fruit for God’s Kingdom, and invites you to consider where He may be calling your resources to grow. Major Topics Include: Hearing and following God’s call Stewarding wealth as entrusted capital Investing as a moral and spiritual act Aligning portfolios with biblical values Distinguishing provision from impact assets Discovering your unique Kingdom DNA Using impact investing for human flourishing Building family unity around stewardship Integrating head, heart, and Spirit Finishing faithfully with resources God provides QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Capital tells a story.” “Even though I’m a small human with finite resources and a limited lifespan and limited dollars in the bank account, God can take something small, and if it’s surrendered to Him, He can do something way bigger than any of us could ever ask or imagine.” “There is both an opportunity and a responsibility of being a Christ follower who is holding on to the resources that God owns and has entrusted.” “Some businesses create goods and services that help human flourishing, and others create bads and disservices.” “Fruitfulness comes from obeying what God shows you to do, not from having the right strategy.” “There are some biblical principles that are universally true, but there are also unique pieces of Kingdom DNA wired into the heart of each person.” “Once I know how much is enough for provision, I get freedom to ask what the purpose of the remaining assets should be.” “The faithful finisher asks, ‘Lord, what else? I’m not dead yet.’” “We need to let our heads and hearts work together more in harmony and be led by the Spirit.” “Real unity is hard work, but it is deep and worthy work.” “I want to be Jonathan’s armor bearer for my clients. What’s in your heart to do? Let’s go take that hill.” “Faith-driven investing and impact investing right now is the revival that God has released on the earth.” “Find a financial advisor who wants to help you hear and follow God’s voice.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Rachel McDonough and Wes Lyons on How Investors Are Taking Down Human Trafficking (see our past interview here) The River and the Garden by Rachel McDonough Wealth Squared Kingdom Advisors (see our interview with founder, Ron Blue) Eagle Freedom Fund (see out interview with cofounder Wes Lyons) Talanton Caleb Breakey, Founder of Renown Publishing (see our past interview here) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW John 15:5 | Abiding Bears Fruit “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” 2 Corinthians 9:10 | Seed for Sowing “He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.” Matthew 4:19 | Fishers of Men “And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” Proverbs 20:5 | Deep Waters of the Heart “The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” John 6:1-15 | Five Loaves and Two Fish 2 Corinthians 10:5 | Taking Thoughts Captive “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

June 29, 2026Episode 1911 hr 6 min

John Mark Eager, Executive Director of The Mailbox Club, on the Acceleration of Global Child Discipleship (Ep. 191)

John Mark Eager serves as Executive Director of The Mailbox Club, a ministry founded by his father to help children grow in their understanding of the gospel through long-term discipleship. Although John Mark trusted Christ as a child, a season of spiritual renewal during his school years deepened his walk with the Lord and gave him a lasting burden for missions. Over the past several decades, God has used that calling to expand The Mailbox Club far beyond its original model, opening doors to partner with churches and local Believers around the world. In this conversation, John Mark shares how God has grown the ministry from reaching millions of children to discipling more than 17 million annually across 110 countries, while keeping the focus on evangelism, discipleship, and stewardship. He discusses the importance of empowering indigenous leaders, investing in young people who are discipling the next generation, and refusing to limit what God can do through ordinary Believers. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom on leadership, generosity, and trusting God to provide for opportunities that seem far beyond human capacity. Listen to discover how God is using children, youth, and local churches to advance the gospel in some of the world’s most strategic and least reached places. Major Topics Include: Embracing a child-focused Great Commission Pairing evangelism with long-term discipleship Empowering indigenous leaders for Kingdom growth Releasing authority and trusting capable teams Refusing to limit what God can do Balancing data-driven stewardship with Spirit-led dependence Developing youth leaders through active ministry Building scalable systems without losing mission focus Prioritizing unreached children and frontier regions Involving families and children in ministry exposure QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The most unreached people group is children.” “We celebrate what God’s done in the past, but we’re forward thinking and we push ourselves and each other.” “Children make great missionaries. Children are the most responsive to the gospel.” “We really can’t have a conversation about world evangelization without talking about children.” “I think we can track numbers and pursue excellence in stewardship and be led by the Holy Spirit. I don’t think those are competing ideas.” “The Mailbox Club is just a vehicle for the gospel.” “I think we’re supposed to reach kids. I think we’re supposed to reach kids anywhere and everywhere for Christ.” “I’m ultimately serving Christ. And that’s the highest honor we can have, to be a bondservant of Jesus Christ.” “God delights in impossibilities.” “I do believe in simple faith that God isn’t bringing these opportunities just to frustrate us.” “My job is just to advocate on behalf of kids.” “We’re stewards of everything we have to reach the world for Christ.” “If He can use me, He can use anybody.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW John Mark Eager, Executive Director of The Mailbox Club (see our past interview here) Child Evangelism Fellowship Operation Christmas Child, the shoebox ministry of The Samaritan’s Purse ROI Ministry (see our interview with founder, Tim Barker) MacLellan Foundation (see our interview with Director of Generosity, John Cortines) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Psalm 71:15-16 | God’s Boundless Salvation “My mouth will tell of your righteous acts, of your deeds of salvation all the day, for their number is past my knowledge. With the mighty deeds of the Lord God I will come; I will remind them of your righteousness, yours alone.” Matthew 28: 16-20 | The Great Commission Matthew 9:36-38 | The Laborers Are Few “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Matthew 19:14 | Jesus Loves the Little Children “But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.’” John 14:12-14 | Greater Works “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me[a]anything in my name, I will do it. Acts 2:41 | Three Thousand Added “So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 | All Things to All People “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 1 Corinthians 15:31 | I Die Every Day “I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!” TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

June 15, 2026Episode 1901 hr 1 min

Patrick Farrell, Cofounder of Keystone Investing, on Surrender in Faith-Driven Investing (Ep. 190)

Patrick Farrell, co-founder of Keystone Investing, shares how God reshaped his understanding of success, stewardship, and surrender through entrepreneurship, investing, and community. After growing up in a generous household and later chasing performance and achievement, Patrick encountered Jesus in high school and eventually rediscovered a deeper, more relational faith while working at a cybersecurity startup. That season of spiritual renewal planted the seeds for Keystone Investing, a faith-driven investing community helping investors align their capital with Kingdom values. In this conversation, Patrick explains how Keystone creates spaces where investors and founders can pursue both financial excellence and meaningful impact without sacrificing relationships or spiritual formation. He reflects on the dangers of performance-driven stewardship, the importance of wise and thoughtful risk-taking, and why generosity and investing both require surrender to God’s lead. Along the way, he offers practical wisdom for discerning where God may be leading your resources and how community can help shape faithful decision-making. Listen to discover how surrendering control of your finances can open the door to deeper joy, discernment, and Kingdom impact. Major Topics Include: Surrendering control of financial stewardship Investing through relationships, not transactions Breaking performance-driven identity patterns Aligning capital with Kingdom convictions Building community around faith-driven investing Pursuing profit alongside Kingdom impact Discerning risk through intimacy with God Practicing generosity from abundance, not fear Integrating faith into business leadership Cultivating wise stewardship through spiritual formation QUOTES TO REMEMBER “The first step on the stewardship journey is recognizing that all of your capital is God’s. It all belongs to Him.” “If you start there in that position of surrender, I’m so confident that God will do the rest.” “This entire process of faith-driven investing is all about growing in intimacy with the Lord.” “You can make a ton of money, you can have a ton of impact, but if you’re not transformed and the people around you aren’t transformed, then that falls short of what I think God’s goal was.” “We want to find excellent values-aligned founders building intentional mission-driven businesses that are heading toward sustainability and profitability and growth and scale.” “Faith-driven investing can be excellent. It can be excellent for people, excellent for impact, and excellent financially.” “You don’t necessarily have to sacrifice returns in order to see Kingdom impact.” “God is using investing to work on investors.” “God cares about relationships more than really anything else.” “Anything that we set up from a business perspective that deprioritizes relationship tends to fall victim to our sinful nature.” “There are few people within a founder’s life that have more access to them than their investors.” “Most of the time, in my experience, God’s going to push us into more and greater risk to help us rely on Him.” “The steward buried his talent because he was worried about retribution. And the Master is upset that the steward thought of Him that way.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Keystone Investing Mark Batterson, Pastor and Author (see our past interview here) Praxis (see our interview with Cofounder Josh Kwan) Bill and Dana Wichterman, Givers and Impact Investors (see our past interview here) Faith Driven Entrepreneur Faith Driven Investor Eventide Sovereigns Capital BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Deuteronomy 6:12 | Only by the Grace of God then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Matthew 25:14–30 | Parable of the Talents James 2:17 | Faith Without Works So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

June 1, 2026Episode 18952 min

Joanna Hogan, Founder and CEO of Inspire Generosity, on Reframing the Giver-Ministry Partnership (Ep. 189)

Joanna Hogan, founder and CEO of Inspire Generosity, helps ministry leaders and givers move beyond transactional support into meaningful, trust-filled partnerships. Her vision was shaped through seasons of striving and personal hardship in the nonprofit development space, where God deepened her dependence on Him and reshaped her understanding of generosity. What began as a performance-driven mindset was slowly transformed into a belief that when ministries and givers truly care for each other, there is much greater fruit. Through Inspire Generosity, Joanna equips nonprofits to build healthier cultures of giving that honor both the mission and the giver. She emphasizes clarity, trust, and shared vision so generosity becomes an act of discipleship rather than obligation. Her work addresses common barriers like pressure, misalignment, and fear, offering practical wisdom for leaders and givers seeking greater joy and impact. This conversation offers a grounded perspective on stewarding relationships and resources for Kingdom purposes. Consider how a more relational approach to generosity could reshape your giving and deepen your trust in God’s provision. Major Topics Include: Shifting from transactional to relational generosity Helping others experience joyful, meaningful giving Listening first to understand giver motivations Reframing fundraising as partnership, not pressure Identifying aligned partners over expanding lists Addressing myths that block generosity flow Leading with curiosity to reduce performance anxiety Investing in leaders, not just programs Creating sustainable, trust-based giving relationships QUOTES TO REMEMBER “It happens time and time again where I’ve stretched or made a faith gift and then something happens that just makes it totally okay.” “God will never let us down.” “This is about looking for someone who wants to participate with their money, along with your time and expertise, to create change in the world.” “Let’s stop asking and instead invite giving partners.” “If someone has a meaningful giving experience, they’re going to say, ‘what else can I do?’” “It’s a relationship. When you’ve done all the pre-work, the invitation is just the next natural step.” “You don’t need more people. You need the right people.” “Your job is to help someone have a great giving experience.” “When you’re really curious, you can’t be focused on your own performance at the same time.” “This is not about making you do more. It’s about giving you permission to do less but better.” “Fundraising tactics actually block the flow of generosity.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Inspire Generosity Women Doing Well (see our interview with president Julie Wilson) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

May 18, 2026Episode 1881 hr 5 min

James Lenhoff, President of Good Sense Movement, on Freedom Through Defining Enough (Ep. 188)

James Lenhoff, financial planner, pastor, and president of Good Sense Movement, shares how a series of pivotal moments reshaped his understanding of money and calling. After early success helping clients build wealth, the sudden passing of several clients in 2010 confronted him with the reality of accumulated regret and redirected his focus toward faithful stewardship. Influenced by experiences like a mission trip to Haiti and years of intimate conversations with clients, James began to see wealth not as personal security, but as something entrusted by God for a greater purpose. Through his work with WealthQuest and Good Sense, James helps individuals and families define “enough” by setting financial finish lines, creating margin for generosity, peace, and obedience. He emphasizes shifting from ownership to stewardship, involving family in financial decisions, and using money as a tool for Kingdom impact. His approach addresses both practical habits and deeper heart issues, offering a path toward freedom from fear, comparison, and overconsumption. Consider what “enough” looks like in your own life and how that clarity might reshape your trust, priorities, and generosity. Major Topics Include: Defining “enough” to unlock freedom and generosity Stewardship mindset versus ownership mentality Avoiding regret of over-accumulation and delayed generosity Lifestyle cap as a framework for contentment Family involvement in financial decision-making Margin as the goal of a financial finish line Heart issues driving financial behavior and debt Generosity fueled by purpose, not obligation Saving as preparation for future obedience Integrating faith into financial planning conversations QUOTES TO REMEMBER “I realized I’ve been so focused on helping people accumulate money, and in the meantime, I was actually causing them to accumulate regret.” “If none of this is mine, that means I’m not entitled to it. I need to actually seek guidance from the Owner.” “When we just say enough is enough, it creates this incredible gift of margin and freedom.” “To decide what satisfaction looks like ahead of time and then just enjoy it is such a beautiful gift.” “The conversation shifts from ‘how much do I have to give’ to’ how much can we give.’” “I believe in every one of our hearts, there is a specific part of God’s heart that breaks.” “In our country, it hurts less to pay credit card debt interest than it does to feel inadequate.” “Saving has shifted from preparing for my future security to preparing for my future obedience.” “I want to be in a position where when God says do this, I can say ‘yes.’” “Track with a ruthless level of detail, not to restrict, but to understand.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Living A Rich Life by James Lenhoff Good Sense WealthQuest FreedUp App Quicken YoungLife Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 6:21 | Treasure and the Heart For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 25:14–30 | Parable of the Talents Psalm 50:10 | God Owns Everything For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills. Genesis 2:2–3 | God Rested on the Seventh Day And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy. TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

May 4, 2026Episode 1871 hr 0 min

James Waters, Founder of Kingdom Impact, on Balancing Prayerful Discernment and Strategic Analysis in Generosity (Ep. 187)

James Waters, founder of Kingdom Impact and leader in development of the Christian Impact Framework, joins Cody and Kealan to share how God reshaped his life from personal loss and restless success into a calling at the intersection of research, mission, and stewardship. After encountering Christ during university and later witnessing both the beauty and brokenness of global development work, James began asking deeper questions about how Christians can pursue meaningful impact without losing dependence on the Holy Spirit. Through his work, James now helps ministries, businesses, and givers think more clearly about spiritual and social impact, building frameworks that bring clarity without replacing prayerful discernment. He explores the tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, showing how wise measurement can strengthen stewardship, deepen relationships, and ultimately give glory to God. At the same time, he acknowledges the challenges of pride, misplaced identity, and over-reliance on systems, pointing back to humility and obedience as the foundation for Kingdom impact. Consider how combining prayerful discernment with thoughtful strategy could reshape the way you pursue lasting Kingdom impact. Major Topics Include: Balancing faithfulness and measurable fruitfulness Stewardship through thoughtful impact measurement Tension between strategy and Holy Spirit dependence Defining and clarifying spiritual impact outcomes Avoiding noise by focusing measurement priorities Humility and teachability in Kingdom work Relational generosity versus transactional giving Identity, pride, and the savior mindset in giving Integrating prayer with strategic decision-making Diversity of callings in Kingdom impact QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Measure the impact and give Him all the glory.” “If you measure everything, you kind of measure nothing.” “We’re called to be accountable for our faithfulness, but true fruit comes from abiding in Jesus.” “There’s a tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, and that tension should lead us to humility.” “We need to be on our knees, and thinking, planning, and being diligent.” “The bigger trap for the giver is the savior mindset, which is ultimately rooted in pride.” “If an organization is not willing to learn, that’s a bigger red flag than not having impact.” “There are Kingdom principles that can lead to a hundredfold return.” “I also believe that God celebrates wild sacrifice that looks like a complete waste.” “Success is just being obedient to what God has told you to do.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Kingdom Impact Christian Impact Framework Accord Network EIDO Research Eagle Venture Fund (see our interview with General Partner Wes Lyons) Hope International (see our interview with founder, Jeff Rutt or CEO, Peter Greer) BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW 1 Corinthians 3:6 | God Gives the Growth I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. John 15:5 | Abiding Bears Fruit I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. Ephesians 3:10 | Manifold Wisdom Displayed So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Matthew 22:37 | Love God Fully And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” Matthew 26:7–13 | The Alabaster Jar John 15:8 | Fruit That Glorifies God By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

April 20, 2026Episode 1861 hr 3 min

Teri Bledsoe, Board Chair of Women Doing Well, on Joyful Giving Through Suffering (Ep. 186)

Teri Bledsoe is an entrepreneur, mother, and board chair with Women Doing Well whose life has been shaped by both deep faith and profound hardship. From a young age, she sensed God’s presence and developed a posture of generosity, but it was through marriage, adoption, and seasons of financial uncertainty that her trust in God was refined. A pivotal moment early in her marriage revealed God’s personal care, setting a foundation for a lifelong journey of open-handed giving and dependence on Him. As God entrusted Teri and her husband Chris with significant wealth through a business exit, He simultaneously led them through painful seasons, including the loss of their son. Rather than separating joy and suffering, God used both to deepen their intimacy with Him and with each other. Through her involvement with Women Doing Well and other generosity communities, Teri now helps others discover that generosity is not about outcomes, but about responding to God’s invitation and experiencing His joy in every circumstance. Listen to explore how God meets you in suffering and invites you into a deeper, joy-filled life of generosity. Major Topics Include: Generosity as response to God’s invitation Faith formed through suffering and surrender Defining “enough” to unlock freedom Joy and sorrow coexisting in Kingdom life Stewardship over ownership of wealth Generosity strengthening marital unity Community as catalyst for generous living Mining for joy through intentional giving Trusting God’s character over outcomes QUOTES TO REMEMBER “Generosity is a response of gratitude to who He is and what He shows us of His character and His love and His grace.” “Generosity isn’t an outcome-based exercise in the Kingdom. It’s an intimacy and relational exercise with the King.” “God of the universe was talking to me and saying, ‘I see you, and I’m going to move heaven and earth so you don’t miss an opportunity to respond to my goodness.’” “You cannot outgive God.” “He is not a taker. He’s a giver.” “Those tracks of joy and sorrow were just running straight parallel.” “The joy of giving and being on mission with the Lord was the only counterbalance to the suffering.” “There’s a special grace in suffering where He shows you that He is enough.” “I won’t let go until you show me your joy.” “When you give, what you specifically gain is the joy of the Lord.” “Generosity is the way He unlocks that joy.” “The greatest joy of giving has been what God has done between Chris and me.” “When I see him get burdened for a Kingdom cause, I fall in love all over again.” “Have 100% confidence in God, and He’ll take care of whatever giving mistakes you might make.” “He is enough. He is whatever you need.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Women Doing Well (see our interview with president Julie Wilson) The Gathering (see our interview with CEO Josh Kwan) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) Generous Giving (see our interviews with cofounders Todd Harper and David Wills and CEO, April Chapman) Redeemer City to City Pine Cove Christian Summer Camps Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby Theo of Golden by Allen Levi The Power of Generosity by Boyd Bailey BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Malachi 3:10 | Test Me in This “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.” Psalm 27:8 | Seek His Face “You have said, ‘Seek my face.’ My heart says to you, ‘Your face, Lord, do I seek.’” John 10:10 | Life to the Full “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 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.’” John 15:11 | Joy Made Full “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” John 3:16 | God So Loved He Gave “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” James 1:17 | Every Good 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.” Genesis 32:26 | Wrestling with God “Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

April 6, 2026Episode 1851 hr 3 min

Joe Daly, Business Owner, on Upside Down Generosity in Life and Business (Ep. 185)

Joe Daly, founder of Daly Goods, shares a journey shaped by a deep desire to align work, money, and calling under God’s authority. Growing up in a faithful home yet wrestling through struggles and misplaced identity, Joe describes how God used confession, community, and Scripture to transform his understanding of freedom and purpose. A pivotal season after college, marked by discipleship and spiritual formation, reoriented his life toward wholehearted surrender. Today, Joe leads a handcrafted leather goods company with a vision far beyond profit. He and his wife practice what he calls “upside-down generosity”, setting a lifestyle cap, prioritizing giving first, and building a business designed to serve employees, customers, and Kingdom impact. Through risks like radical giving and leaving vocational ministry, Joe has seen God provide in unexpected ways while refining his heart around dependence and stewardship. This conversation offers a grounded, hopeful vision for integrating faith with everyday financial decisions and long-term calling. Consider how surrendering control of your work and resources might open new space to trust God more fully. Major Topics Include: Surrendering work, money, and calling to God Identity beyond performance, success, or role Practicing generosity through receiving and giving Upside-down generosity and lifestyle cap principles Faithful risk-taking in business and calling Guarding against greed and materialism Designing business for Kingdom impact and stewardship Dependence on God through first-fruits giving Aligning long-term vision with eternal perspective QUOTES TO REMEMBER “God doesn’t care where you get your paycheck from. He cares where your heart’s at.” “Never say never and never say always when you follow Jesus, because you never know what He’s going to do.” “The joy of generosity can only happen if someone else is willing to receive.” “We felt the Lord call us to give more than we’d ever given before, and it was one of the most joyful experiences of our lives.” “It did not make mathematical sense, and it was just mind-blowing how God provided.” “The word ‘enough’ is so, so powerful.” “Greed and materialism are two of the greatest evils in the world today.” “Business success is more dangerous to my soul than business failure.” “If dependence is the goal, weakness is an advantage.” “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” “Heaven is our home. Life is a vapor. That changes how I think about money.” “Generosity is more than money, but it’s never less.” LINKS FROM THE SHOW Daly Goods Alan Barnhart, Business Leader (see our past interview here) Pete Ochs, founder of Capital III and Enterprise Stewardship (see our past interview here) National Christian Foundation (see our interview with President Emeritus, David Wills) God Owns my Business by Stanley Tam and Ken Anderson Sacred Pace by Terry Looper BIBLE REFERENCES FROM THE SHOW Matthew 23:27 | Whitewashed Tomb Warning “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” Romans 7:15 | Struggle with Sin “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 | Generosity in Poverty “For in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.” Acts 2:44–45 | Shared Possessions “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.” Acts 4:32–35 | No One In Need Philippians 4:12–13 | Contentment in Little and Much I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 1 Corinthians 16:2 | Systematic Giving “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper…” Matthew 6:3–4 | Giving in Secret But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 5:16 | Let Your Light Shine In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. John 3:16 | God’s Gift of Salvation “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” 1 Peter 2:9 | Kingdom of Priests “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Luke 12:48 | To Whom Much Is Given “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.” 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… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:24 | Cannot Serve Two Masters “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” Matthew 6:11 | Daily Dependence on God “Give us this day our daily bread.” Proverbs 30:8–9 | Neither Poverty Nor Riches “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with the food that is needful for me…” Luke 16:10 | Faithful in Little and Much “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…” TAKE A STEP DEEPER On the Finish Line podcast, we are all about stories, seeing how God draws us into generosity over a lifetime. But sometimes these stories can leave us thinking, “What’s that next step look like for me?” That’s exactly why we’ve launched a whole new podcast called Applied Generosity which explores the full landscape of the generous life across 7 different dimensions of generosity. Applied Generosity helps make sense of the hundreds of stories we’ve shared on the Finish Line Podcast to help you find that best next step. If you’ve been inspired by these stories and want to take things to the next level, check out Applied Generosity anywhere you listen to podcasts or at appliedgenerosity.com.

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Clare DeGraaf, Businessman, on Decisions that can Change Your Life (Ep. 194)

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James Lenhoff, President of Good Sense Movement, on Freedom Through Defining Enough (Ep. 188)

James Waters, Founder of Kingdom Impact, on Balancing Prayerful Discernment and Strategic Analysis in Generosity (Ep. 187)

Teri Bledsoe, Board Chair of Women Doing Well, on Joyful Giving Through Suffering (Ep. 186)

Joe Daly, Business Owner, on Upside Down Generosity in Life and Business (Ep. 185)

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