Behind The Seal podcast

1:16:23

Leadership doesn’t have to come at the cost of your soul. In this compelling episode, ECFA President Michael Martin sits down with Mindy Caliguire , founder of Soul Care and author of Ignite Your Soul , for a candid conversation on the growing crisis of burnout—and what we can do about it. Together, they unpack ECFA’s new Standard for Leader Care , explore the warning signs of soul neglect, and share practical rhythms for spiritual and emotional health. Michael opens up about his own journey toward deeper soul care and what it’s meant for his leadership. Mindy offers wisdom, hope, and encouragement for leaders navigating fear, exhaustion, or isolation. The conversation doesn’t stop at personal growth—this episode also offers a clear challenge to boards and leadership teams: Leader care is not optional—it’s essential. Learn how boards can create a culture of safety, support, and sustainability before a crisis ever hits. Whether you're leading a ministry, church, or organization, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with integrity, longevity, and a soul that’s fully alive. About Mindy: Mindy Caliguire is the co-founder and president of Soul Care, which exists to help leaders personally flourish and achieve missional impact. Mindy serves as an Ambassador for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), and in the past has served in executive leadership at Gloo and the Willow Creek Association (now GLN). Soul Care serves ministries and organizations across the US and beyond including C-12, Compassion International, The Navigators, Christ Church of the Valley, Dallas Theological Seminary, Plum Creek Church, and many more. Mindy’s most recent book is Ignite Your Soul: When Exhaustion, Isolation, and Burnout Light a Path to Flourishing. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCare soulcare.com Ignite Your Soul – Mindy Caliguire Renovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard If this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone and keep the conversation going!…

Behind the Seal

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The Making of a Lasting Leader: Season 3 Trailer 1:01

15 days ago1:01

1:01

This season, we explore what makes leaders last, from humility to impact and the care that carries them there.

Behind the Seal

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Why Leader Care Can't Wait: Season 3 Trailer 1:01

23 days ago1:01

1:01

What if leadership wasn’t just about performance but about wholeness? This season, we’re having the real conversations every leader needs—about burnout, trust, soul care, relationships, and leading with integrity. Featuring insightful voices like Mindy Caliguire, Dr. Henry Cloud, Lysa TerKeurst, and more, we’re exploring the unseen challenges leaders face and the wisdom needed to overcome them. Whether you’re navigating difficult circumstances, protecting your leadership culture, or simply trying to stay healthy in the midst of chaos, these episodes will challenge, encourage, and equip you to lead with strength and authenticity. Don’t just lead—lead well.…

Behind the Seal

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The Three H's that Drive Culture | Kim Williams, ECFA 38:50

1 year ago38:50

38:50

A thriving culture drives a staff and organization to new heights. Kim Williams shares how to cultivate such a culture that can spread like wildfire in a workplace. Specifically, she explores ECFA’s own intentional pursuit of three key organizational values: Humble, Hardworking, and Healthy. 📻 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/Content/Podcast…

Behind the Seal

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One Way to Bless the Next Generation of Leaders | Harold Moore, ECFA 37:14

1 year ago37:14

37:14

Harold Moore's story of hard work and striving is all too familiar. After a marketing and pastoring career, the Lord led him uniquely to ECFA as the Executive Administrator to the President. Harold exudes joyous serving while also exhorting ECFA staff towards healthy leadership. Michael and Harold talk candidly about their professional, personal, and spiritual dynamic as humility, honor, and legacy overlap. Find out more about ECFA: https://www.ecfa.org…

Behind the Seal

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The Leadership and Trust Connection | Michael Martin, ECFA 53:32

1 year ago53:32

53:32

Michael Martin, ECFA's President, takes us back to 2021 when ECFA's Board started digging into how a leader's health affects financial integrity and trust. In the past two years, ECFA has surveyed and researched this connection. The ECFA board has applied these findings to better support the health of its own leadership and staff. With each conversation, ECFA was encouraged by ministry and church leaders to continue this research and bring leadership health to the forefront of the Trust conversation. Stick around until the end, as Michael has practical takeaways and next steps for you and your organization. Also, we react to a few of the highlights from this year's excellent thought leaders! Enjoyed the clips in this podcast? Here are the links to those full episodes: David Kinnaman, Barna: https://share.transistor.fm/s/03c0b5ae Carey Nieuwhof: https://share.transistor.fm/s/df964729 Ruth Haley Barton, Transforming Center: https://share.transistor.fm/s/68be24da Glenn Packiam, Rockharbor Church: https://share.transistor.fm/s/5dfc1f1e Jedd Medefind, CAFO: https://share.transistor.fm/s/9059608c…

Behind the Seal

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A Growing Church, a Healthy Church, or Both? | Bishop Derek Grier, Grace Church 40:37

2 years ago40:37

40:37

We’re blessed to speak with Bishop Derek Grier of Grace Church. He’s the top leader at Grace and a Board Member here at ECFA. He dives into why supporting pastors is so vital right now and how the board can prioritize relationship building with top leaders! His leadership in the National Unity Weekend has spurred Christ-Centered conversations and action on race and diversity nationwide. Finally, he's been involved in ECFA's Board research on leadership health, and his desire to see healthy relationship between boards and top leaders. https://www.gracechurchva.org/ https://unityweekend.com/…

Behind the Seal

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Healthy Governance is Living Authentically | Rob Hoskins & David Branker, One Hope Ministries 58:00

2 years ago58:00

58:00

Rob Hoskins and David Branker of One Hope Ministries have developed a reputation as a ministry with excellence in board and leader relationships, staff culture, and Christ-centered vision. Intentionality underscores all parts of their culture as leadership seeks intergenerational accountability. To live for Christ in your personal life and your public life, if they all look the same, is the most authentic you can be! One Hope Ministries: https://onehope.net/…

Behind the Seal

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Women will Manage the Largest Generational Wealth Transfer | Julie Wilson, Women Doing Well 43:46

2 years ago43:46

43:46

Women Doing Well's purpose is to activate women towards purposeful generosity. 95% of women will, at some point in their life, be the primary financial decision maker for their family, yet a larger percentage do not feel confident and equipped to to handle what God has given to them. https://womendoingwell.org/…

Behind the Seal

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Restoring a Leader for their Next Chapter | William Vanderbloemen 44:08

2 years ago44:08

44:08

What do job interviews reveal about the current character of a candidate? William Vanderbloemen and his search firm have a unique knowledge of the staff at many Christian organizations and churches because they interviewed and recruited many of them! What do they look for when talking to a potential church or ministry leader? Ownership, transparency, excuses. No one is perfect, and how we approach our past failures defines our aim not to repeat them. Learn more about Vanderbloemen at https://www.vanderbloemen.com Catch all the BTS podcast episodes and videos at https://www.ecfa.org/Content/Podcast…

Behind the Seal

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100 Years of Preparing Leaders, God Willing, 100 More | Mark Yarbrough, DTS 58:46

2 years ago58:46

58:46

Mark Yarbrough was a student, professor, and now President of Dallas Theological Seminary. For 100 years, DTS has held the word of God high in training young men and women to go into ministry and shepherd flocks worldwide. What's next for Pastors? How do cultural influences challenge private seminaries? How does a seminary take on the challenge of teaching integrity to future leaders? Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast ========================= ECFA Links: ========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become Accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx The 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 PULSE Email: 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.…

Behind the Seal

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The Pain in Pastoring | Sam Chand, SRC Consulting 55:33

2 years ago55:33

55:33

Raised as a Pastor's kid, then going in the ministry himself for over 35 years, Sam Chand has seen the changes in the church firsthand. His book, Leadership Pains, dials into the challenges that have resulted in failure among pastors. He's come alongside leaders as a first responder after a fall. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.ecfa.org/podcast ========================= ECFA Links: ========================= ChurchEXCEL (Free Resources): https://www.ecfa.church/ChurchExcel.aspx Become Accredited: https://www.ecfa.org/JoinECFA.aspx The 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 PULSE Email: 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.…

Behind the Seal

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Best Workplaces Have Trust | Al Lopus, Best Christian Workplaces 51:48

2 years ago51:48

51:48

Best Christian Workplaces Co-Founder and Board Chair Al Lopus has seen it all. Anonymous surveys reveal the heart of health in organizations. He shares telling signs of unhealth and examples of leaders who took it head on, even as they were the problem. Check out the Flourishing Culture Leadership Podcast here: https://workplaces.org/podcast…

Behind the Seal

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The Tough Questions, The Needed Answers | Brian Kreeger 57:05

2 years ago57:05

57:05

Ministry Lead Brian Kreeger worked hard. He was doing the Lord's work at all costs. Listen to his reflections from The Courageous Ask, a book considering how a leader finds support from his board, friends, and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Connect with Brian https://www.briankreeger.com/ ECFA's Lessons from the Boardroom https://www.ecfa.org/lessonsnonprofitboardroom/Default.aspx…

Behind the Seal

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Global and Biblical Perspective on Leaders | Gary Hoag, Global Trust Partners 48:06

2 years ago48:06

48:06

Gary Hoag sees and hears about the global church every day. As CEO of Global Trust Partners, birthed from the heartbeat of ECFA, Gary witnesses how ministry work is done worldwide and how different cultures and governments perceive financial integrity, good governance, and leadership. Biblically, Gary has spent time as a New Testament scholar considering the Jerusalem council and its leadership structure. The three books Gary mentions from ECFA Press: http://www.thechoicebook.org http://www.sowerbook.org http://www.ecfa.org/TheCouncil…

Behind the Seal

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The Lord's Calling You to Lead, Answer Humbly | Jacob Bland, Youth for Christ 46:45

2 years ago46:45

46:45

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…

Behind the Seal

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Where the Soul Goes, All Will Follow | Steve Macchia, Leadership Transformations 53:59

2 years ago53:59

53:59

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/…

Behind the Seal

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A Literal Employee Handbook for a Healthy Team | Jedd Medefind, CAFO 36:24

2 years ago36:24

36:24

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/…

Behind the Seal

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S.O.S. For Our Souls | Mindy Caliguire, Soul Care 46:11

2 years ago46:11

46:11

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…

Behind the Seal

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Shadow Side of Why We Are What We Are | Gary McIntosh, Church Growth Network 52:40

2 years ago52:40

52:40

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/…

Behind the Seal

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Processing Leadership Failures. Start by Looking Within | Glenn Packiam, Rockharbor Church 42:41

2 years ago42:41

42:41

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/

Behind the Seal

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Executive Pastor’s Role in Leadership Integrity | David Fletcher | XPastor 44:29

2 years ago44:29

44:29

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…

Behind the Seal

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Legal Risks for Unhealthy Leaders | Erika Cole | The Church Attorney 39:38

2 years ago39:38

39:38

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…

Behind the Seal

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Avoiding Burnout and Other Integrity Traps | Carey Niewhof 55:46

2 years ago55:46

55:46

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.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…

Behind the Seal

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Why the Soul of Every Leader Needs Rest | Ruth Haley Barton | Transforming Center 46:22

2 years ago46:22

46:22

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 Center https://transformingcenter.org/

Behind the Seal

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Research Insights on Healthy Leadership | David Kinnaman | Barna Group 48:48

2 years ago48:48

48:48

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…

Behind the Seal

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Leading a Dangerously Soft-hearted Ministry | Edgar Sandoval, World Vision 1:02:59

3 years ago1:02:59

1:02:59

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/podcast Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA World 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…

Behind the Seal

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Eternal Mindsets Create Generous Hearts | David Wills, NCF 41:35

3 years ago41:35

41:35

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/podcast Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA National 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…

Behind the Seal

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Redemption Happens with Accountability | Jake Lapp, ECFA 40:28

3 years ago40:28

40:28

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/podcast Watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheECFA Board Responsibilities Checklist: https://www.ecfa.org/PDF/Gov_Board_Responsibilities_Checklist_2021_FINAL.pdf Share 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…

Behind the Seal

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Trusting Leaders Who Trust God | Tami Heim, CLA 38:58

3 years ago38:58