The Beacon Show with Tamara Jackson

Faith-Based Leadership Excellence: How Business Principles Drive Ministry Impact w/Todd White

Episode Summary

Todd White, the incoming CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance, shares his 35-year journey from accounting to faith-based leadership. He discusses how business principles can drive ministry impact and the importance of embracing complex challenges with creativity and optimism.

Episode Notes

Todd White, the incoming CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance, shares his 35-year journey from accounting to faith-based leadership. He discusses how business principles can drive ministry impact and the importance of embracing complex challenges with creativity and optimism.

Growing up in Ventura, California, Todd started his career in dentistry before discovering his passion for accounting and business. His journey led him from public accounting to various leadership roles, and eventually, he brought his business acumen to faith-based organizations, including Gospel Light Publications and Barna Group.

Key Takeaways

1. Business Principles in Ministry: Profit enables mission fulfillment and greater kingdom impact
2. Problem-Solving Mindset: Approach challenges with creativity, optimism, and perspective
3. Leadership Values: Accountability, transparency, clarity, simplicity, and intentionality

Topics Covered

• Transitioning from secular to faith-based leadership
• Managing organizational change
• Building effective teams
• Strategic decision-making
• Organizational stewardship

Notable Quotes

• "If it's not fun, you're doing the wrong thing."
• "You don't grow when things are good... you only grow under stress and under challenging times."

Leadership Lesson 

The importance of maintaining perspective and approaching complex problems with both strategic thinking and faith-driven purpose.

Featured Resources

• Rescue Mission Alliance

About Todd White 

Todd White is a strategic leader who bridges the worlds of business excellence and faith-based impact. As President of Barna Group, he helped transform Christian research and thought leadership, growing the organization's influence while maintaining its mission focus. With over 35 years of executive experience, Todd brings a unique blend of financial expertise and mission-driven leadership to faith-based organizations. Starting his career in accounting, he discovered his true calling in helping ministry organizations operate with excellence and purpose. His entrepreneurial mindset and passion for solving complex problems have made him a trusted advisor in both business and ministry contexts. In December 2023, Todd embarked on a new chapter as CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance, where he continues to demonstrate how business principles can drive meaningful social and spiritual impact. Known for his optimistic yet practical approach to leadership, Todd champions the idea that organizational excellence and kingdom impact go hand in hand. He lives in Ventura, California, where he stays active in his local community and church.