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For us, ministry fundraising is the overflow of a deep sense of purpose. In “It’s Not About the Money”, we look past formulas, and explore both the nuance and the big picture of the fundraising journey. It’s not about tips, tricks, or clever phrasing. It’s about being grounded. Each episode focuses on an aspect of real life as a support-seeker. We hold space for both practice and theory. Join us as we explore the truth that, while the funding is essential, it’s not about the money.
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Modern Day Missionaries

Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez | Modern Day Missions

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The “Modern Day Missionaries” podcast discusses topics that affect the lives of Christian missionaries on the mission field in the areas of faith, freedom, family, and finances. It is produced by "Modern Day Missions" and hosted by Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez. Each episode in the “Modern Day Missionaries” podcast is a conversational interview where Stephanie hosts guests who are experts in their fields and who either are or have been missionaries, or who serve in the missions space. At Modern ...
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Have you ever wondered how growing up overseas shapes a child—both the good and the challenging? What if some of the struggles TCKs face could be prevented with the right support? And as a missionary parent, how do you balance your own well-being while making sure your kids are emotionally cared for? In this episode, from her research of more than …
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"We said we'd never fundraise—never. But God had other plans." "The conversations about money were some of the hardest, but they also made us stronger." In this episode of THANKS FOR DOING THAT, Danny and Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez share their journey of stepping into support-based ministry as a married couple. From wrestling with initial doubts to …
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Are generational differences making teamwork tricky on your missions team? Do you find yourself navigating the unique perspectives of Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z…and wondering how on earth to bring everyone together? You’re not alone! Join us for a conversation with Dr. Tim Elmore, author and founder of Growing Leaders, as we dive into pra…
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"Fundraising isn’t just a necessary evil. It’s the point where we’re drawn deeper into the body of Christ and into intentional, transformational conversations." "The church needs you as much as the people you're ministering to. This isn’t just about funding—it’s about formation, for you and for the church." In this recap episode, Heather Winchell a…
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IT'S OUR 100th EPISODE! And we've got a great one for you today, listeners! What makes someone pack up their life, move across the world, and step into the unknown for the sake of the gospel? How do missionaries keep going when the sacrifices pile up and the rewards feel far away? Missionaries—you know you’re unique, but do you know how? What sets …
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"God could drop the money in your lap, but instead, He takes you through a process that humbles you, grows your faith, and challenges you to see ministry as a team sport—not an individual one." "Support raising is counter-cultural, but it’s not counter-biblical. It transcends culture, and though it’s awkward and hard, it’s a biblical practice that …
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Have you ever felt overwhelmed by tax season as a missionary? Wondering if you should opt out of Social Security? Confused about how 1099s, housing allowances, and foreign-earned income exclusions actually work? In this episode, CPAs Maggie Walker and Brooke Calhoun break down everything missionaries need to know about taxes—from maximizing tax ben…
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“There is no scarcity in heaven. Never has been, never will be. And there should be no scarcity in our thinking as we move through ministry.” “Don’t let your only point of contact be an appeal for money. Let your points of contact be person-driven, not finance-driven.” In this episode of It’s Not About the Money, hosts Heather Winchell and Andy Bre…
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Is social media just a distraction—or could it also be one of the most powerful tools for spreading the gospel? Is it possible to use it effectively without falling into the trap of performance and pride? Brian Barcelona shares how he and his team at One Voice have reached millions with the gospel through digital evangelism, the unexpected ways God…
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"Trust isn’t built overnight—it’s built in the little, consistent moments where we show up authentically." "When you go in for a transaction instead of a relationship, it feels dirty. But fundraising isn’t about money—it’s about partnerships and impact." "We aren’t selling a product—we’re inviting people to be part of the greatest mission of all ti…
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What does fundraising have to do with spiritual formation? You’re about to find out! Maybe you have been approaching fundraising as just another task on your missionary to-do list. We’ve all been there! But what if it’s not just about the money? Could fundraising actually be a tool God uses to transform you? Heather Winchell and Andy Brennan of Pro…
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What might God be calling you to start, stop, or step into this year? What if asking the right questions could launch you into the most impactful year of your life? In this episode, we give you an activity you can do today to launch you strong into the new year! Marvin Slaton, executive director of Modern Day Missions, shares five profound question…
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Are you feeling overwhelmed, unsure if your stress is too much—or maybe not enough? Wondering how to find a healthy rhythm for the demands of missionary life? In this episode, Dr. Kristi Gaultiere joins us to unpack the reality of stress and how it impacts missionaries uniquely. We look at the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress, how to…
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Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Rod Plummer, a missionary and church planter in Japan for over 20 years. Rod shares the incredible story of how he and his wife, Viv, and their family and team became part of a wave of God’s movement in one of the world’s most challenging mission fields. You’ll be amazed at some of the approaches the P…
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WOW, what a season. We had fantastic stand alone conversations about church partnerships, domestic fundraising, spiritual health, soul care, and so much more. Heather was joined by special co-host Jenn Smyth for a six part mini-series on fundraising in ethnically diverse communities. Andy and Heather briefly review this season's episodes, give some…
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Have you ever looked back on a really hard season on the field, a huge thing God asked you to do, or a big unexpected change and thought, Wow, I’m SO glad I didn’t know that was coming? Because I would have run for the hills! In this episode, we sit down with Vonna Laue, author of the upcoming book Glad I Didn’t Know, to discuss life’s unexpected t…
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How do you handle team conflicts when your cultural values clash? What’s the secret to building trust in a team of people from very different backgrounds? You may have learned about the culture you are going to serve, but did you learn about the cultures of the people you are serving with? Missions is much more complex and beautiful than we could e…
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Do you ever wonder if your prayers are really making a difference? Or feel frustrated when you don’t see results? If you pray and something doesn’t happen, was it worth it or a waste of time? Does God already have planned out what he’s going to do anyway? In this episode, we talk with missionary Peter Warren, a leader in YWAM, who brings a fresh ta…
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What does surrendering to God mean? Can someone be walking in faith and be surrendered to God? Is surrender giving up? How do we balance the reality of suffering with believing in God as our provider and healer? How can we know when we’re using faith as a way to try and control God versus having faith that pleases him? Uff. Suffering brings up SO m…
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Have you ever wondered why people respond to trauma in such different ways? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of trauma with Dr. Jamie Aten, a leading expert in the field. We explore the multifaceted nature of trauma, breaking down why people's experiences and reactions to it can be so widely different. Dr. Aten gives practical, e…
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Do you ever struggle with knowing how to keep your team motivated? Especially when the work is hard, the stakes are high, and the pay is low (or non-existent)? How can you create a team culture of health from the top down? In this episode, we sit down with Nic and Rachael Billman, founders of Shores of Grace. They have spent over 14 years leading m…
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Being an MK––or parenting an MK––is a journey like none other! If you’re the parent of missionary kids or you grew up as an MK or TCK––or if you know MK’s and just want to understand them better––today, we dive into the wild world of growing up overseas! What makes today’s missionary kids different than the MK’s who came before them? How can those …
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In this episode of "It's Not About the Money," Heather and Andy sit down with Dr. Will Smallwood from Cedarville University. Dr. Smallwood shares the incredible journey of Cedarville's 1000 Days Transformed campaign, which has raised over $158.7 million to date. He discusses his unexpected path to becoming a career fundraiser, the vital role of sto…
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Are generational differences causing tension on your missions team? Do you find it challenging to bring Baby Boomers, Millennials, and Gen Z together in a unified way? Join us as we sit down with Dr. Tim Elmore, author and founder of Growing Leaders, to explore how to overcome generational clashes and turn those differences into strengths. This con…
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In this episode, we explore a topic every missionary needs to know about—the incredible potential of end-of-year giving. We sit down with fundraising expert Russell Cooper to look at why December is such a big deal for missionaries and how they can make the most of it. Did you know some missionaries raise up to 30% of their annual budget in just on…
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How long have you been on the mission field? Did you know that the challenges you’re facing and the perspective you’ve developed are likely more similar to others at your stage than you might think? In this episode, authors and missionaries Jonathan and Elizabeth Trotter share the five stages of the missionary life cycle they’ve observed. They also…
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Have you ever felt caught between your faith and the political chaos around you? Are you unsure how to navigate conversations with supporters who expect you to take sides? Or maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed by the political headlines and wondering how to stay focused on your mission. We dive deep into these questions and more with Dr. Russell Moor…
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Are you looking to connect with business leaders to partner with you financially in your missions work? In this episode, we sit down with Lee Domingue, the visionary behind Kingdom Builders, a movement that's revolutionizing how missions are funded around the world. Lee shares how you can effectively engage with business leaders and churches to acc…
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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they conclude their mini-series on the unique considerations of support raising in ethnically diverse communities. In this episode, they are joined by Beth Smith, interim MPD director with BSM in Texas. Beth shares her extensive experience in fundraising within the Baptist Student Ministry and the insights gained fr…
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In this episode, we dive deep with Dr. Sammy Wanyonyi, a passionate missionary and evangelist who’s not only spreading the Gospel but staying grounded in his faith despite a very active and ever-changing schedule. Sammy shares powerful insights on maintaining intimacy with Jesus, even when life is pulling him in multiple directions—whether he's in …
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In this fifth episode of the mini-series, Heather and Jenn are excited to welcome Jeremiah Vaught, who, along with his wife Maysa, has been deeply involved in ministry and church planting in Chicago. Jeremiah shares his journey from the initial days of fundraising to planting a church in one of the most diverse zip codes in the nation. He discusses…
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Do you ever struggle with the need to control others? Have you noticed how easily offenses can build up, even to the point of making you question your calling? What if the key to lasting leadership isn't about keeping everyone in line but about something much deeper? In a day and age where scandals are shaking the church and leaders are dropping li…
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Join Heather and special co-host Jenn as they continue their mini-series focused on fundraising considerations from ethnically diverse backgrounds. In this episode, they are thrilled to speak with Dennis and Evangeline Chow, who are currently serving in the Philippines. The Chows share their unique journey from college days at Penn State to their i…
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Do you ever wonder if your past or struggles with your identity are holding you back in your mission work? In this episode, Tom Hallas opens up about his journey of discovering what it really means to be a child of God. From the struggles of his upbringing to the lessons learned in Youth With A Mission, Tom shares how letting go of false identities…
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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they continue their mini-series on fundraising in ethnically diverse communities with special guest Chay'vion Carter. Chay'vion, who has been working with Campus Outreach at the University of North Texas since 2021, shares his unique journey of raising support from a Black church context. From the initial challenges…
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Have you ever felt puzzled by how differently Christians experience and express their faith? How can we walk in unity when we sometimes see things so differently? In this episode, member care and missionary veteran Harry Hoffmann shares five unique spiritual worldviews, all rooted in the Bible and the dogma of the Christian faith. From the warrior-…
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Join Heather and co-host Jenn as they dive into the unique challenges and opportunities of support raising in ethnically diverse communities with special guest Becca Acuna. Becca, who has been working with Texas BSM in San Antonio for the past five years, shares her journey from nursing to campus ministry, the cultural nuances she navigates in Hisp…
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If you feel called to be a missionary, today is for you! Get out your pen and paper, because in this encore episode, Modern Day Missions executive director Marvin Slaton gets extremely practical with next steps to take once you’ve discerned God is calling you to the field. You’ll learn about the five options for being sent, the three key areas of p…
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Join Heather and her new co-host, Jen Smith, as they kick off a mini-series focusing on support raising in ethnically diverse communities. Jen shares her unique journey from high school fundraisers to long-term missions in China, and the cultural nuances she navigated within Korean American churches. Together, they explore the generational shifts i…
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This episode is packed with so much wisdom from the electric Lou Engle. He shares on the powerful topics of dreams, prayer, fasting, and the unique call God has on women's lives. Lou also shares some very specific things God has put on his heart that he believes God is calling women into in this season. Get ready to be deeply energized in your fait…
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Join Heather and Andy as they kick off a new mini-series focusing on support raising in ethnically diverse communities with a compelling conversation featuring Brandon and Cat Samuel from Wycliffe Bible Translators. They delve into the Bridge Program, an initiative aimed at bringing more diverse staff into global missions, and share their unique jo…
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Do you feel confused, fired up, or just deeply sad about everything you’ve been hearing in the news lately about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? There is so much conflicting information out there and even more anger coming at us from both sides. How can we know what to believe and feel? What is a godly, compassionate response? As a missions commu…
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Heather and Andy are joined in the RECAP by Jess and Bo Bissell, support raising coaches from Pioneers. Jess and Bo share their unique journey from missionaries in Japan to coaching new and seasoned workers in partnership development. They open up about their experiences, the challenges of rejuvenating fundraising efforts, and the importance of spi…
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Whether your marriage is on the breaking point or just in need of some fresh ideas and perspective, we’ve got you covered. In this episode with Danny and Stephanie Leigh Gutierrez (guest hosted by Amy Young), we talk very honestly about what to do if your missionary marriage is in crisis. We also look at how couples can get back on the same page if…
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In this episode, Heather and Andy are joined by Callie Davis from the Via Generosity team to delve into the crucial aspect of spiritual health in support-based ministry. Callie shares her journey from growing up in a support-raising family to her current role in creating resources for partnership development. The discussion highlights the importanc…
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In this episode of "It's Not About the Money," Heather and Andy are joined by Dr. Mandy, a newly minted Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California. Together, they recap the insightful conversation with Josh Lindstrom, focusing on themes of endurance, intentional rest, and the nuanced chall…
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If you’re curious what a sabbatical is and if it is something you need…or if you’re skeptical about it and are wondering if sabbaticals are even a real thing, today is for you! Jeff Simons of The Way Between answers all your sabbatical questions: why, how, where, how much and if! And make sure to listen all the way to the end, because Jeff has a gr…
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In this episode, Heather and Andy welcome back Pastor Josh Lindstrom, teaching pastor at Woodman Valley Chapel, to discuss the critical theme of endurance in fundraising. Pastor Josh shares insights from his own ministry and the biblical story of Elijah, highlighting the importance of rest, perseverance, and trust in God’s provision. From exploring…
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Obedience. Why do we sometimes have a visceral reaction to that word? Or maybe you don’t struggle with obedience and find it easy to follow God, but your struggle is discerning if something is his voice or not? Or have you ever noticed that obeying God in the small things can be even harder than obeying him in the big things? In this episode, we ar…
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In this episode of "It's Not About the Money," Heather and Andy are joined by Danielle Nelson, a seasoned project manager with extensive experience in mobilizing and coaching people in support-based work. Together, they recap the enlightening conversation with Bryn and Christine, who shared their unique perspectives on short-term fundraising from t…
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