Advertise on podcast: Lifeline for Leaders

Have you ever felt like reading the Bible is something you should do rather than something you truly want to do? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, we sit down with Keith Ferrin, author, speaker, and Your Bible Coach, to explore how we can rediscover the joy of spending time in God’s Word. With more than 30 years of experience teaching Scripture, Keith shares how shifting from an informational approach to a relational one transformed his own Bible-reading journey. He explains why reading larger portions of Scripture helps us understand the bigger story and how simple changes in our approach can make Bible reading more meaningful and enjoyable. For pregnancy care center leaders serving others through difficult and demanding seasons, Keith offers an important reminder: God’s Word isn’t just something we use to encourage others. It’s also where we find strength, comfort, wisdom, and renewal for ourselves. You’ll also hear practical tips for reading through the whole Bible, making time for Scripture during busy seasons, and connecting with other believers to grow together. Keith leaves us with this powerful encouragement: “God isn't asking you to do everything. He's asking you to do the next right thing.” Connect with Keith Ferrin: Find Keith as @keithferrin across social media platforms and look for Your Bible Coach on YouTube to explore more resources for enjoying and understanding Scripture. 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What if fundraising isn’t just about raising money—but building relationships that help your ministry thrive? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, we sit down with Jason Galicinski and Jim Dempsey of Fundraising Masterminds to explore a biblical approach to nonprofit fundraising that puts relationships and ministry first. With decades of experience in Christian nonprofit development, Jason and Jim share why they believe development is ministry and how pregnancy care centers can move beyond traditional fundraising events to build lasting partnerships with people who believe in their mission. They introduce their Win, Keep, Lift framework for developing donor relationships, explain the difference between fundraising and friend raising, and discuss why vision-driven giving can help supporters see themselves as part of the work—not simply people being asked to give. You’ll also hear about a pregnancy center that experienced significant fundraising growth by applying these principles, along with practical insights on cultivating relationships long after an event ends. Their reminder is worth remembering: “People give to people justified by the cause.” If you’re looking for ways to strengthen donor relationships, communicate your vision, and build sustainable support for your ministry, this conversation will encourage you to approach fundraising with purpose, faith, and a long-term perspective. Listen and follow Jason & Jim: https://www.fundraisingmasterminds.net/  🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What does it really mean to finish well? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda welcome back Robin Fuller, one of the very first guests on the podcast. After 23 years as an executive director, Robin now serves as a leadership coach and helps ministry leaders navigate transition, succession planning, and what it means to finish well. Robin also shares about her new book, Finish Well: Succession Planning for the Ministry You Love, and why succession planning should be more than something leaders think about when they’re ready to leave. From preparing your staff and board to strengthening organizational structures, documenting knowledge, and creating a clear handoff, Robin offers practical steps leaders can begin taking today. But this conversation goes deeper than a succession checklist. Robin opens up about the grief, loneliness, and identity changes she experienced after leaving a ministry she loved—and how God met her in that season. Her encouragement to ministry leaders is simple: get away from the noise, spend time with the Lord, and listen for His direction. Connect with Robin Fuller: https://www.robinfuller.coach/ Robin’s Book: https://book.robinfuller.coach/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What if reaching more women means going where they are? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda sit down with Dr. Matthew Phillips, board-certified OB/GYN, founder of Life on Wheels, and National Medical Director for Care Net’s mobile operations. Dr. Phillips shares how God led him from medicine into pro-life ministry and how the power of ultrasound opened doors to conversations that can change hearts. He also explains why mobile ministry is becoming an important way to meet women where they are, especially as more pregnancy decisions happen outside the walls of a pregnancy center. From choosing the right locations and building volunteer teams to church partnerships, staffing, fundraising, and the importance of discernment, this conversation offers practical insight for leaders considering mobile ministry. And for leaders who are tired or wondering what’s next, Dr. Phillips leaves us with a simple encouragement: fix your eyes on God, stay in the Word, and keep doing what He has called you to do. Connect with Dr. Matthew Phillips & Life on Wheels: https://lifeonwheelsalabama.com/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What if helping someone today could also help them build a future where they no longer need the same help? In Episode 33 of Lifeline for Leaders, we sit down with Nathan Mayo, Vice President of Programs at True Charity, to explore the connection between poverty, ministry, and the work of pregnancy care centers. Nathan shares why ministries can sometimes become focused on crisis relief without creating a pathway toward long-term development. He explains True Charity’s approach to helping people move toward dignity and lasting stability—and why relationships, accountability, measurable outcomes, and strong community partnerships matter. We also talk about the connection between chronic poverty and abortion, how pregnancy resource centers can address deeper issues without losing their core mission, and why they don't have to do everything themselves. Sometimes the answer is building the right partnerships and connecting people to resources already available in the community. Nathan leaves us with a powerful question: “How are we helping them not need us in the future?” Connect with True Charity: https://truecharity.us/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What happens when staying quiet is no longer an option? In Episode 33 of Lifeline for Leaders, Linda Thomas sits down with Myrna Maloney Flynn, President & CEO of Massachusetts Citizens for Life and a board member of National Right to Life, for an honest conversation about finding the courage to speak up for life—even when the cultural and political landscape feels overwhelming. Myrna shares how her own journey from quietly holding pro-life convictions to becoming an outspoken advocate began with a moment that challenged her to use her voice. She also discusses the changing abortion landscape in Massachusetts, what recent legislation means for pregnancy resource centers, and why challenges can become opportunities to educate, engage, and build courageous supporters. Her message to leaders is simple but powerful: use your voice. You never know who may find courage because you were willing to speak. Connect with Myrna Maloney Flynn and learn more about Massachusetts Citizens for Life: https://www.masscitizensforlife.org/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What does it look like to lead with vision, embrace change, and find new ways to serve your community? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas welcome Tracey Ullrey, CEO of Options Clinic in Helena, Montana. Tracey shares how Options grew from a pregnancy resource center into a broader medical clinic offering services such as STD testing and treatment, sports physicals, professional counseling, and well-woman care. She also discusses the clinic’s new partnership with Carroll College, creating opportunities to serve students directly on campus and build trusted relationships with young people, faculty, and staff. Tracey explains why reaching women before an unplanned pregnancy, pursuing medical accreditation, engaging fathers, and building strong community partnerships are important parts of pregnancy care ministry. She also shares an encouraging reminder for leaders facing closed doors: keep praying, build relationships, and trust God’s timing. Most importantly, Tracey reminds us that we were never meant to lead alone. Surround yourself with people who bring different gifts, perspectives, and experiences—and allow God to use your community to strengthen the mission. Connect with Tracey Ullrey and learn more about Options Clinic: https://www.optionshelena.org/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What happens when God asks you to look beyond your own community and see the life issue through a global lens? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas sit down with Tammy De Armas, Director of Mission Advancement for Passion Life, to talk about her journey from leading a pregnancy medical clinic in Southern California to helping equip pregnancy care ministries around the world. Tammy shares her personal abortion story, what 10 years of leading a pregnancy clinic taught her about women facing unplanned pregnancy, and how God “lifted her head” to see the global need for pro-life ministry. From Cuba and Colombia to India, Pakistan, and beyond, Tammy explains how Passion Life partners with churches, trains local leaders, provides practical resources like handheld ultrasounds, and brings the Gospel of Life to communities where abortion is deeply rooted. Her final lifeline for leaders is simple but powerful: “Who are you listening to?” In a world filled with competing voices, Tammy encourages leaders to slow down, listen to God, and faithfully follow His calling. Connect with Tammy De Armas and learn more about Passion Life: 🌐 https://passionlife.org 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What happens when a painful personal story becomes a calling to bring truth, healing, and hope to others? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Linda Thomas sits down with Denise Mountenay, President of Advancing Truth Alliance and Together for Life Ministries, for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, abortion, faith, forgiveness, and her decades of pro-life advocacy. Denise shares how her own journey led her from darkness into a relationship with God—and ultimately to a mission of speaking truth for the unborn and for women and families affected by abortion. She also introduces Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice, a documentary bringing together personal testimonies, medical expertise, and the science of life before birth. Denise shares why she believes this resource is especially important for pregnancy care centers, pro-life organizations, schools, and churches, and her vision for making condensed versions available to help equip those serving women and families. 🎬 Watch the Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice Documentary: https://youtu.be/AaJlRacfDOc Her encouragement to leaders is simple but powerful: “We need God.” As we serve on the front lines, we are called to seek Him daily and be salt and light for such a time as this. Connect with Denise: Learn more about Denise Mountenay, Advancing Truth Alliance, Together for Life Ministries, and Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice through the resources shared with this episode. 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

Every pregnancy care ministry wants to make an impact—but are we measuring what truly matters? This week on Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk sits down with Eric Allen, CEO of Clarity of Central Indiana, for a practical conversation about mission-focused leadership, strategic growth, and reaching women facing unplanned pregnancies. Eric shares how the merger between Care Net of Central Indiana and Clarity led them to rethink their approach, use data to identify where their resources could make the greatest impact, and evaluate whether they were truly reaching their core mission. He also explains Clarity’s work in STI outreach, prevention, education, online marketing, and their growing focus on addressing the root causes behind unplanned pregnancy. As the abortion landscape continues to change, Eric offers valuable insight for pregnancy center leaders—and closes with a powerful reminder: our staff cannot win this battle alone. Prayer matters. Connect with Eric Allen & Clarity:  🌐 https://claritycares.org/ 📧 [email protected] 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What if a cup of coffee could help strengthen the work of pregnancy care centers across the country? This week on Lifeline for Leaders, Linda sits down with Anton Krecic, Founder and CEO of Seven Weeks Coffee, for an inspiring conversation about faith, business, and using what God has placed in your hands to make a difference. What started in 2021 with a simple idea to raise money for a local pregnancy resource center has grown into something much bigger. Seven Weeks Coffee now partners with nearly 1,500 pregnancy care centers and has donated more than $2 million to support the pro-life movement. Anton shares why he believes business can be a force for good, how staying focused on your mission has helped Seven Weeks Coffee grow, and the practical ways the company supports pregnancy care centers—from financial donations to coffee for events and a partnership program that helps centers raise additional funds. You'll also hear Anton's perspective on the challenges facing the pro-life movement, why leaders need to guard against mission drift, and the simple but powerful reminder to love people and use things—not the other way around. Whether you're leading a pregnancy center, ministry, nonprofit, or business, this conversation will encourage you to think differently about your calling and how God can use your work for His purposes. Connect with Anton Krecic and learn more about Seven Weeks Coffee: 🌐 https://sevenweekscoffee.com/ 📘 https://www.facebook.com/SevenWeeksCoffee 📸 https://www.instagram.com/sevenweekscoffee 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/company/seven-weeks-coffee/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

Every year, hundreds of pregnancy center leaders gather at the Care Net Conference to learn, connect, and be encouraged—but few ever see what happens behind the scenes. This week on Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda sit down with Kay Sanford, Senior Conference Director at Care Net, for an inspiring conversation about the heart behind one of the pro-life movement's most impactful leadership events. Kay shares her personal journey into pro-life ministry, what it takes to plan a national conference years in advance, and why every decision—from keynote speakers to breakout sessions, is designed with one goal in mind: helping ministry leaders leave refreshed, equipped, and ready for the work God has called them to do. You'll also hear why comparison can quietly steal your joy in leadership, how servant leadership begins with humility, and why this year's conference is introducing a powerful new Serve Day to bless the Houston community before the conference even begins. Whether you're attending Care Net Conference for the first time, returning for another year, or simply leading wherever God has placed you, this episode will encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Christ and trust Him with every next step. Connect with Kay Sanford and learn more about the Care Net Conference:  🌐 https://care-net.org 🎟️ https://carenetconference.org 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

Leadership isn't about having a perfect past—it's about faithfully answering God's call. This week on Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas sit down with Leslie Salazar-Carrillo, CEO of Pathway Health Clinic, for one of the most powerful conversations we've had about redemption, servant leadership, and building a culture that reflects the heart of Christ. Leslie shares her journey from childhood trauma, abuse, addiction, poverty, and single motherhood to leading a thriving life-affirming medical clinic in Southern California. Along the way, she reveals how God prepared her to lead with compassion, discernment, and unwavering faith. You'll also hear why she believes pregnancy centers are called to be seed planters, how creating the "fragrance of Christ" transforms patient care, why every leader needs trusted community, and what it means to faithfully steward both ministry and medical excellence. Whether you lead a pregnancy center, nonprofit, church, business, or family, this episode will encourage you to trust God's calling and lead with courage. Connect with Leslie Salazar-Carrillo and learn more about Pathway Health Clinic. 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

Understanding people starts with understanding their hearts. In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas welcome Brandy Meeks, President of the Vitae Foundation, to explore how emotional research is helping pregnancy centers communicate with greater compassion and impact. Rather than relying on assumptions, Brandy explains how understanding the emotions behind an unexpected pregnancy enables leaders to meet women—and men—where they are with truth, hope, and practical support. The conversation also highlights why fathers play a vital role in life-affirming ministry, how messaging has evolved from being baby-focused to woman-focused, the growing challenges surrounding chemical abortion, and why compassion is essential to every life-changing conversation. Whether you lead a pregnancy center, serve in pro-life ministry, or simply want to become a more effective communicator, this episode offers research-backed insights you can put into practice. Connect with Brandy Meeks and learn more about the Vitae Foundation: https://vitaefoundation.org 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

What happens to your ministry when it's time to hand over the leadership? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas sit down with leadership coach and former Executive Director of Beside U for Life, Monica Henderson, to discuss one of the most important—and often overlooked—responsibilities of every nonprofit leader: succession planning. Monica shares practical wisdom from her own leadership transition, the warning signs of burnout, why self-awareness matters, how healthy board relationships strengthen organizations, and why every executive director should begin creating an "owner's manual" long before retirement. Whether you lead a pregnancy care center, nonprofit, church, or ministry, this conversation offers biblical encouragement and practical strategies to help your mission thrive for generations. Connect with Monica Henderson: Learn more through Care Net, leadership coaching opportunities, and pregnancy center leadership networks. 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.