Empowering Evangelism: Wheaton College Billy Graham Center
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Release Date: 01/27/2026
Empowering Evangelism: Wheaton College Billy Graham Center
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Andy Cook, the executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. They discuss the center's mission to equip believers for evangelism, the challenges churches face in growing their congregations, and the importance of building a culture of evangelism within local churches. Andy shares his journey to leadership, the impact of partnerships and fundraising strategies, and highlights significant moments of God's faithfulness in their work. The conversation concludes with book recommendations and insights on connecting churches to valuable...
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Year-End Appeals: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this episode, Brad Layland is joined by Jamie Sellers in his annual Year End Appeals episode. In this episode, he evaluates the year-end appeals he received last year. We learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of this facet of fund raising as well as some thoughts about target audience and follow up. www.thefocusgroup.com
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The Superpower of Starting Something Good — From the UK to the Kingdom
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this conversation, Brad and Patrick McDonald discuss the founding and mission of OpenWell, an organization dedicated to supporting mission entrepreneurs. Patrick shares his journey from founding Viva, an organization that helps children in Latin America, to creating OpenWell, which focuses on empowering others to succeed in their mission work. They explore the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and the potential for revival in Europe through collaborative efforts. Patrick emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for a model...
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Before You Quit
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this conversation, Brad and Doug Gehman, President of Globe International, discuss Doug's extensive experience with Globe, a mission sending agency, and the importance of member care for missionaries. They share personal stories of collaboration, the impact of training on fundraising, and Doug's book on perseverance. Doug emphasizes the significance of community, the challenges of fundraising, and the transformative power of education and experience in ministry. Links Books A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, Noa Tishby Before You Quit, by Doug Gehman ...
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153 Years of Hope: Fighting Homelessness in NYC
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this episode Brad Layland interviews James Winans, CEO of the Bowery Mission, discussing his journey from intern to CEO, the mission's response to homelessness in New York City, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. They explore the importance of community, the role of faith in leadership, and effective fundraising strategies. James shares insights on balancing family and work, the need for collaboration in fundraising, and the vision for the future of the Bowery Mission. The Bowery Mission Book Recommendation The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan...
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Leading a College On Top of a Hill
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this conversation, Brad Voyles, the president of Covenant College, shares his journey to leadership, the distinctives of the college, and the importance of community and student experience. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, particularly in light of the recent Partners Campaign aimed at enhancing student enrollment and experience. The conversation also explores the relational aspect of leadership and the significance of maintaining a Christ-centered education. Brad concludes by sharing insights on books that have influenced his perspective. Covenant College...
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Answering Hudson Taylor's Challenge
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Justin Burkholder, the International Director of Team, a mission-sending organization with a rich history of over 135 years. They discuss the legacy of Team, the challenges of funding and measuring impact, and Justin's personal journey as a missionary kid. The conversation highlights success stories from the field, future aspirations for sending more missionaries, and the importance of leadership and education in mission work. Website: Books: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman The Missionary...
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A Podcast I Recorded Seventeen Years Ago
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
Have you ever wondered where our fundraising framework came from? In 2009, before Brad joined The FOCUS Group, he interviewed Bill Hautt, founder of The FOCUS Group. As you'll learn, Bill was a key thought leader in developing the Taking Donors Seriously (TDS) framework through his work with Young Life. Some nuggets you won't want to miss: What's the biggest weakness in fundraising? What do we mean by the 20/80 rule? What's the "fulcrum" of fundraising? What is often the number one chracteristic of a major donor? For a full explanation of these principles and more, check out Brad's...
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How The FOCUS Group Opened an Office in Guatemala
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this episode, Brad interviews Daniel McCollum, CEO of Torrent Consulting and Torrent Impact Sourcing. They discuss Daniel's journey from a computer science graduate to a missionary in Russia, and then to Malawi, where he discovered the power of creating jobs as a form of ministry. Daniel shares how he started Torrent Impact Sourcing, focusing on providing meaningful employment opportunities to professionals in Guatemala. The conversation highlights the impact of employment on families and communities, the growth of Daniel's businesses, and the vision for the future. Torrent Impact Sourcing:...
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An Anchor in the Storm
The Taking Donors Seriously® Podcast
In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Katie Robertson, the founder of the Anchor Gathering, a women's outreach ministry aimed at encouraging women in their faith. Katie shares her personal journey, including the loss of her daughter, which inspired her to create a supportive community for women. The discussion covers the growth of the Anchor Gathering, the challenges of fundraising, and the impact of personal testimonies on the ministry's success. Katie emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ in women's lives. Website...
info_outlineIn this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Andy Cook, the executive director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center. They discuss the center's mission to equip believers for evangelism, the challenges churches face in growing their congregations, and the importance of building a culture of evangelism within local churches. Andy shares his journey to leadership, the impact of partnerships and fundraising strategies, and highlights significant moments of God's faithfulness in their work. The conversation concludes with book recommendations and insights on connecting churches to valuable resources.
Books Mentioned
Saturdays with Billy: My Friendship with Billy Graham, by Don Wilton (Brad mentioned)
You Found Me: New Research on How Unchurched Nones, Millennials, and Irreligious Are Surprisingly Open to Christian Faith, by Rick Richardson
Wild Dark Shore, by Charlotte McConaghy
Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business, by Gino Wickman
Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as an Exercise in Hope, by Esau McCaulley
Wheaton College Billy Graham Center
https://wheatonbillygraham.com/