“I learned a respect for those who had a lot of experience in a variety of walks of life. Some came out of business backgrounds, banking. Many were former pastors who had a passion to discuss biblical generosity” -Jim
Whether we realize it or not, each of us benefits from the work of the nonprofit sector. A strong nonprofit sector is key to thriving communities. At Next Gen Nonprofit Leadership with Tommy Thomas, we are on a journey – a journey to play a small part in equipping the next generation of nonprofit leaders.
Unlike similar shows where the guests often make their living writing, teaching, or speaking about leadership, our guests are seasoned leaders, and there is something we can learn from their experience that will make the nonprofit stronger and more effective.
Every day, nonprofits feed, heal, shelter, educate, inspire, and nurture people of every age, race, and socioeconomic status. The common thread that runs through each nonprofit story is that the impact of the organization rises and falls on leadership – leadership throughout the organization and leadership at the board level.
Join me – Dr. Tommy Thomas – as I begin this journey by chatting with Jim Loscheider. Jim has spent his whole career working in the field of stewardship and generosity, and for the last twenty-nine years, he has worked for only two employers – something that not many people can say in today’s world. Jim has also dedicated the next chapter of his life to mentoring young Christian leaders in ministry.
Jim shares what his childhood was like and describes how he was raised in a post-WWII family. He got his undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, and he talks about what got him started on his nonprofit journey. He also reveals what his greatest strength is, discusses the difference between administration and policy making, and so much more!
I thank Jim for joining me in this episode of the podcast. Jim had some really great things to say about fundraising and mentoring. If you are an upcoming leader or new board leader for a nonprofit organization, then I would encourage you to seek out someone who has been down that road before and can maybe help pave the way for you! Join me next time, and don’t forget to hit the subscribe button so that you never miss an episode! You should also share the podcast with a friend who would be likely to get something out of it as well!
“I did not know about Samaritan’s Purse until I got a call from a friend who said they were looking … so I investigated … entered the process late in the game. I met Franklin – the son of Billy Graham – and thought, this probably is not going to go anywhere. Three days later, I get a call from the president at that time saying, ‘Franklin wants to hire you, and he’d like you to be here next week.'” -Jim
Time Stamps
[1:08] – Tommy introduces the guest of this episode – Jim Loscheider – and provides us with some of his credentials.
[1:56] – Jim shares what his childhood was like up to when he went to college.
[2:56] – Jim reflects on some of his best childhood memories.
[4:04] – Jim reveals what led him to stewardship after becoming interested in biblical generosity.
[6:20] – We learn about the Stewardship or Generosity Movement and when and how it began.
[7:13] – Jim explains what he learned from working as director of the The Christian and Missionary Alliance’s national stewardship program.
[9:49] – Jim talks about what he has learned about the hiring process over the years.
[11:24] – Jim reflects on hiring within vs. hiring from outside and which he prefers.
[12:53] – We discover what Jim considers to be the most difficult aspect of hiring good employees and how he determines whether or not someone has potential.
[15:06] – Jim shares whether or not he tends to give employees second chances when they make mistakes.
[17:38] – We hear Jim reflect on how he felt when he made the transition from The Orchard Alliance to Samaritan’s Purse and what that transition was like.
[20:05] – Jim believes letting talented people walk their own course rather than micromanaging them to be his greatest strength.
[21:32] – Jim describes what goes into deciding whether or not to become someone’s mentor.
[22:25] – Jim believes that a board needs to be introspective and ask questions of itself at least once per year.
[24:22] – Jim argues that having a boarding plan when bringing on a new members is important.
[26:00] – Jim provides his thoughts on the best thing that a board can do for an incoming C.E.O.
[27:55] – Jim evaluates how well the nonprofit sector does on three specific criteria.
[30:10] – Tommy brings up a metaphor about a chairman and C.E.O. needing to learn how to dance closely together, and Jim offers his opinion on the validity of the metaphor.
“When you have an individual – man or woman – who’s very gifted and talented … let them run, not … micromanage them.” -Jim
Links and Resources
The Christian and Missionary Alliance – Website
The Orchard Alliance – Website
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