Fire on the Wing
Some weeks pass quietly. Others deliver moments that grab you by the collar and refuse to let go.
Beyond Hair-Pulling Leadership
“Only twenty-five percent of Christian leaders finish well.”
To Plaque or Not to Plaque
The Biola Bell Tower near the center of Biola’s campus holds five iconic bells from a historic set from 1914. By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Celebrate the legacy of ordinary, devoted servants whose faithful lives built the foundation of your ministry. Use plaques and donor displays to […]
When Warriors Stop Fighting
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Resist the temptation to retreat into comfortable strongholds when work becomes challenging or uncomfortable. Push through personal discomfort and fear to experience true growth, healing, and breakthroughs. “Babylon’s warriors have stopped fighting; they remain in their strongholds. Their strength is exhausted; they […]
Meatloaf and Jesus
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways True fundraising means seeing donors for who they are and honoring their story. Fundraising is about entering into donor’s worlds, honoring their sacrifices, and allowing ourselves to be changed in the process. About fifteen years ago, I was helping a brand-new major […]
The Midway Dip: When Campaigns and Climbs Get Hardest Right Before the Thrill Returns
My daughter and I enjoying reaching the top! By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Expect a natural slowdown or “midway dip” in both mountain climbs and fundraising campaigns after the initial excitement wears off. Lean into steady, disciplined execution to push through fatigue when initial momentum begins to stall. Trust […]
Congratulations, You’re 50. Consider the Alternative.
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Steward the wisdom, experiences, and relationships accumulated over half a century to serve others more effectively. Just as the wisdom of 50 years isn’t built in a day, true trust with donors is cultivated through years of faithful, steady relationship. There’s a […]
The Gig That Never Happens—and the Gift That’s Never Given
(Image: Newspaper clipping from early 2000’s of Wendy’s first CD release.) By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Stop waiting to be discovered by donors and start extending direct, personal invitations to partner in your mission. Remember that people give when they are clearly asked and shown how their […]
The Courage to Try: What One Doctor in Africa Taught Me About Fundraising
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Embrace the courage to step into high-stakes fundraising goals, even when the task feels unprecedented or intimidating. Rely on faith and collaborative partnerships to turn seemingly impossible visions into transformative outcomes. This past weekend, I was honored to attend InterVarsity President’s Fellowship […]
Yes, I Know a Guy—How Leaders Become Bridges Between Generosity and Restoration
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Lead with courageous availability by stepping up whenever you discern a prompt to connect people and resources. Look for forgotten or overlooked opportunities where donor support can bring true restoration. I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be a fundraiser. In high school, […]
Please, Please, Please
By Brad Layland | Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant Key Takeaways Treat donor trust as a vital asset that is earned through consistent, responsible management over time. Focus on stewarding existing gifts exceptionally well to build the credibility needed for future asks. I’ve always been a big Dolly Parton fan. She’s one of […]
When the First Answer Isn’t Good Enough
Brad Layland, Chief Executive Officer & Senior Consultant About five years ago, I got one of those phone calls. You know the kind: the ones that stop you in your tracks. The ones that make the rest of the world go quiet. Our family was in Africa at the time, combining a work trip with […]