How do we become more discerning in a world filled with endless online content?
In this clip from the Behind the Seal podcast, Bonnie Kristian reflects on how people develop instincts for recognizing what doesn't seem trustworthy online. She offers a hopeful perspective that digital literacy can grow with experience, while also reminding us that healthy habits include knowing when to step away.
Watch the full interview at ECFA.org/Podcast.
Many of our concerns about generative AI come back to one thing: fear.
In this clip, Bart Taylor encourages leaders to identify what's driving that fear and respond with biblical wisdom, thoughtful learning, and discernment. Instead of avoiding the conversation, we can ask better questions and grow in our understanding.
Isolation can amplify discouragement in ministry.
Every leader needs people who will speak truth with grace, offer encouragement, and remind them they are loved by God. Healthy leadership is rarely a solo pursuit. It's strengthened through trusted relationships.
Hear more from our conversation with Walter Kim on Behind the Seal.
🎧 Stream the full episode: ECFA.org/Podcast
Part 2 takes you inside the CMA Conference in Melbourne! 🇦🇺
Michael had the opportunity to present about ECFA and our work in leader care, and he and Brittney also spoke together on a panel and led workshops throughout the conference.
One thing that stood out was seeing leaders from all over the world learning from one another. There are accountability groups across different countries and continents, sharing research, experiences, and practical wisdom to help leaders thrive. As Michael says at the end, no one is meant to do ministry alone.
We're grateful for the opportunity to be part of these conversations and this global community.
Grateful for a team that cares deeply about the mission and still knows how to have fun together.
At ECFA, we get to strengthen trust in ministries alongside people who bring joy, care, and purpose to the work every day.
#ECFA #FaithAtWork #MinistryLeadership
The journey to Australia has officially begun.
In Part 1 of Michael and Brittney's Australia vlog series, they make the 17-hour trip to Melbourne for the CMA Conference. Along the way, they explore the city on a walking tour, take in the sights, and check one item off the Australia bucket list: seeing kangaroos.
Watch the first chapter of the adventure and stay tuned for more from Melbourne.
Minister tax rules can be complex, and one of the first questions to clarify is simple but important: who is considered a minister for tax purposes?
This clip offers a helpful starting point for church and ministry leaders navigating payroll, tax, and compliance questions.
Praying for our members is a privilege we hold with care.
Each month, ECFA members share prayer requests with us — sometimes for big needs, sometimes for everyday challenges. Every request matters.
As we pray, we are reminded that this work is bigger than ECFA. God is active in ministries, churches, and communities across the country, and we are grateful to serve our members in this simple but meaningful way.
Sometimes the most impactful "yes" starts with knowing what to say "no" to.
In this clip, Julie Wilson shares a key finding from Women Doing Well's research: purpose is one of the strongest drivers of a woman's generosity.
When women have clarity around their purpose and passions, they're often better equipped to make intentional giving decisions—leading to generosity that is more joyful, meaningful, and aligned with what matters most.
We've loved learning from Women Doing Well throughout this series. Follow Women Doing Well for more research and insights on women and generosity, with new findings coming in the months ahead.
#WomenDoingWell #ECFA #Generosity #Stewardship #ChristianLeadership #WomenAndGiving #FaithAndGiving
By 2033, one of the largest wealth transfers in history is expected to take place.
In this clip, Julie Wilson of Women Doing Well shares several surprising research findings about how generational beliefs around money and financial decision-making are formed — and why those beliefs often change more slowly than the movement of wealth itself.
For ministries and nonprofits, the next few years present an important opportunity to think intentionally about stewardship, trust, and how generosity conversations are shaped for future generations.
#WomenDoingWell #ECFA #ChristianLeadership
Leadership can be meaningful and heavy at the same time.
Many pastors, ministry leaders, and Christian CEOs know what it feels like to keep serving while quietly carrying burnout, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, or the pressure to achieve. This reel is an invitation to name what is happening, reduce the shame around getting help, and remember that healthy leadership includes tending to your emotional health.
You don’t have to do this alone. Take a step toward help, counseling, safe community, and healing.
Learn more and find support here: https://www.ecfa.org/leadercare
Christian women bring valuable perspective to conversations about giving, stewardship, and philanthropy.
In this short clip from our interview with Women Doing Well, Julie offers a thoughtful reminder for ministry and nonprofit leaders: engaging women well is part of building trust and inviting fuller participation in generosity.
For leaders, this is an opportunity to consider how families are engaged, how questions are asked, and how every person is seen and valued.
#WomenDoingWell #ECFA #ChristianGenerosity #Stewardship
Today is National Day of Prayer! Please take 30 seconds to pray with us for these three things 🙏
First, pray for our ECFA members.
These are ministries and churches doing Kingdom work across the United States and around the world. People need the love of the hands and feet of Jesus now more than ever- and trust matters now more than ever. We’re grateful for members who continue to uphold strong standards with integrity and faithfulness.
Second, pray for Leader Care.
We thank God for the doors He’s opened since launching the Leader Care Standard two years ago — for the conversations it’s sparked, the partnerships that have grown, and the leaders who are longing for places of rest, health, and renewal in a world that constantly asks for more.
Third, pray for our ECFA staff and Board.
Pray for protection — spiritually, physically, and mentally — as they continue serving our members and Christian ministries each day. Pray that the Lord would feel near in every season, offering wisdom, peace, and strength. And pray for God’s guidance and growth for our staff and members, that we would remain aligned with His will and continue finding humble, healthy, and hardworking ways to serve ministries well.
God is already moving in this nation. Let’s pray and agree for more in Jesus’ Name!
#NationalDayofPrayer #prayer #dayofprayer
Women are hungry for community when it comes to generosity—and we’re seeing that momentum grow.
When women are given a missional purpose, great things happen.
We’re honored to collaborate with Women Doing Well on the launch of the Women, Wealth & Faith Survey—only the second study of its kind focused on Christian women and giving.
#WomenAndGenerosity #FaithAndGiving #WomenInPhilanthropy #Generosity
A meaningful development for pastors and churches across the country.
Changes like this can open new doors for long-term financial stability in ministry.
#ECFA #ClergyAct #FaithLeaders #ChurchLeadership
There was a time when talking about leader health felt like pushing uphill.
But that’s changing. In this conversation, Mindy Caliguire shares how awareness around leader health is growing, and why that signals an important shift. While challenges remain, there’s real hope that we’re entering a new season where healthier leadership becomes the norm, not the exception.
If you’re leading today, this matters for you and your team.
Listen to the full conversation here: https://youtu.be/eFFbq-ZRDzI
Can churches talk about politics without risking their tax status? 🤔
A recent court case challenged the Johnson Amendment—but the judge dismissed it without ruling on free speech, saying it’s tied to tax benefits.
So there’s still no clear answer… but the IRS says guidance may be coming.
Read the full article 📰 https://www.ecfa.org/Content/New-IRS-Guidance-Anticipated-on-Johnson-Amendment
When did sabbatical become a negative thing?
For many leaders, it’s quietly been reframed as a signal that something is wrong, rather than something deeply right.
But historically, sabbatical was never meant to be reactive. It was meant to be a rhythm.
A built-in practice that sustains leaders, strengthens organizations, and supports long-term impact.
Even the marketplace is beginning to recognize this: rest isn’t a luxury — it’s a strategy for longevity.
What if we reclaimed sabbatical as something virtuous again?
Listen to the full conversation now 🎧 ECFA.org/Podcast
Many leaders assume that rest will feel extraordinary — like a breakthrough moment or a clear sense of direction.
But what if it’s not?
In this conversation, we’re reminded that some of the most meaningful moments of renewal are actually quiet, ordinary, and unremarkable on the surface.
And that’s not a failure of rest — it’s the design of it.
As leaders, we often struggle to slow down unless it “produces” something. But true renewal doesn’t always look productive.
🎧 New bonus episode releases Thursday.
Clean water changes everything. 💧
This #WorldWaterDay, billions of people still lack access to safe drinking water. But trusted ministries are working every day to bring clean water to communities around the world.
Through ECFA’s GiverConnect, you can discover trusted ministries dedicated to providing clean water to those in need.
Explore the Water category and help support efforts to bring life-changing clean water to those who need it most. 🔗 Visit the link in our bio or ECFA.org/GiverConnect
#CleanWater #GiverConnect #SaveWater#WaterMatters #ECFA #Nonprofit
This Women's History Month, we asked
🌸 What advice would you give women today?
🌸 What women in the Bible inspire you most?
From courage to faith, their answers remind us of the power of women's stories in Scripture and in our lives today.
Tag a woman who inspires you 🩷
#WomensHistoryMonth #WomeInLeadership #FaithInAction
Wait… pastors still pay this tax?
Housing allowance can reduce federal income tax.
Love that for us.
But it still counts toward self-employment tax (SECA), and it has to be approved before it starts.
Download ECFA’s Minister Tax Guides to learn more: ECFA.org/TaxGuides
#ChurchLeadership #MinistryLeadership #ChurchFinance #TaxDay #ECFA #TaxTips #HousingAllowance
If you’re part of a denomination or nonprofit network, this update may affect how tax-exempt status is handled across affiliated organizations.
The IRS has brought back the group exemption process under updated guidance, including expectations for oversight and ongoing compliance.
We break down what’s changed—and what to review—https://www.ecfa.org/Content/IRS-Rule-Reopens-Group-Tax-Exemption-Process
#NonprofitCompliance #ChurchLeadership #TaxExempt #IRSUpdates
We said “Winter Olympics” and took it personally ❄️🏅
Ultimate Cup. Pool Noodle Fencing. Olympic Oreo. Synchronized Stapling.
It was chaotic. It was competitive. It was legendary.
Cheering on all the winter athletes while bringing home gold in Office Curling
#OfficeOlympics #WinterOlympics #TeamSpirit #OfficeLife #Competitive #TeamBuilding
"Their power forged under duress will cause you to marvel."
As Human Trafficking Awareness Month comes to a close, we are left with a charge to continue to support survivors. Awareness must lead to action.
We must recognize survivors' strength and create opportunities for it to be directed in positive ways.
Learn more about the Institute for Survivor Care 🔗 https://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=38449
#HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth #EndHumanTrafficking #SurvivorCare
One common misconception about survivors: The relationships formed during exploitation didn't matter.
Many survivors will say, "That was my family." We must be careful not to dismiss that experience. We have to model being a better family, in other words, being a representation of Christ to them, modeling the Fruit of the Spirit, showing them what a healthy relationship really looks like.
Learn more about the Institute for Survivor Care and how to support survivor-centered work https://www.ecfa.org/MemberProfile.aspx?ID=38449
#SurvivorCare #EndExploitation #SupportSurvivors #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth
We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Jeanne Allert, Founder and CEO of Institute for Survivor Care
In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we are highlighting the amazing work they do in strengthening care for survivors across the country.
Stay tuned throughout this week to hear more about the work they are doing.
#HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth #GodStory #Strength #Survivors
Season 3 of the Behind the Seal podcast was one for the books! 🎬
We are grateful for our guests who shared their insights and sparked meaningful conversations about healthy leadership and its direct connection to trust.
Listen to the full season 🎧 ECFA.org/Podcast
Let us know your standout moments from this season! 👇
#BehindTheSeal #HealthyLeadership #PodcastRecap #MinistryLeadership #TrustMatters
ECFA's Tax and Financial Guides are available! 🚀
Discover sample tax forms, charitable giving tips, and points to keep in mind on new legislative changes. With practical pointers and easy-to-understand explanations, this guide is here to help churches, nonprofits, and ministers each step of the way.
Download the tax guides 👉 ECFA.org/TaxGuides
#CharitableGiving #TaxTips #IRS #Ministers #Church #Nonprofits #ECFA
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. reminded us that “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?”
This MLK Day, turn reflection into action.
Visit ECFA.org/GiverConnect and support a trusted ECFA ministry today.
#MLKDay #FaithInAction #ServeOthers #Generosity #ECFA #GiverConnect #EnhancingTrust
We are so grateful for our team and for every ministry we have the privilege of serving. Thankful for God’s faithfulness in 2025 and expectant for all He has in store for 2026. Happy New Year! ✨
#ECFA #EnhancingTrust #HappyNewYear #NYE #Thankful #Reflection #LookingForward #NewYear2026 #ExpectingGreatThings
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is sharing financial confidence for all to hear! 🎄😉
One very familiar elf stopped by ECFA...any guesses on our special guest? 👀
#ElfMovie #ChristmasReel #FestiveFun #HolidayHumor #FinanceHumor
Forgiveness isn’t letting someone off the hook — it’s placing them into God’s hands.
In this moment from our conversation with Lysa TerKeurst, she shares why forgiveness frees you from ongoing suffering, without requiring automatic trust or reconciliation.
Full episode now streaming 🎧 ECFA.org/Podcast
#Forgiveness #Healing #LeaderCare #BehindTheSeal
Please tell us we aren't the only ones confused about the difference between sweet potato casserole and candied yams. 🤏🥧
We pulled together a meal that earned the seal. Check out our Seven Standards of Responsible Thanksgiving!
Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving, we hope your day is filled with great food, family and friends, and gratitude.
#Thanksgiving #HolidayFeast #ClockIt #FoodTok
Our staff Thanksgiving Meal Draft had some...creative decisions. Sushi on Thanksgiving? 👀
Some of us are here for strategy, others are just here just to fill a plate. Beans, greens, potatoes...you name it!!
Tell us your picks & come back for Part 2 tomorrow.👇🦃
#Thanksgiving #DraftDay #TurkeyDay #YouNameIt
Empathy isn’t optional for leaders.
It’s transformational.
💬 Listen to the full episode: ECFA.org/Podcast
#Empathy #SoulShepherding #ChristianLeadership #BehindTheSeal
God didn’t ask you to shut down your emotions.
He created them.
He uses them.
He speaks through them.
🎧 Full episode with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere drops Thursday.
#Empathy #LeaderCare #EmotionalHealth #BehindTheSeal
“The fastest trust killer is assuming the worst in each other’s motives.”
David Robbins shares a powerful reminder for leaders: every generation brings unique strengths shaped by their stories and experiences.
Let’s be leaders who bless, not bemoan—and build trust that lasts.
💬 Listen to the full episode: ECFA.org/Podcast
#LeadershipIntegrity #CrossGenLeadership #HealthyLeadership #NextGenLeaders #DavidRobbins #BehindTheSeal
Why is it so important that ministries work together across generations?
David Robbins reminds us that Jesus modeled what it means to take up residence among those He came to reach.
We’re called to do the same—bridging generations with humility, curiosity, and love.
🎧 Full episode of “Cross-Gen Leadership” with David Robbins drops this Thursday!
#CrossGenLeadership #HealthyLeadership #NextGenLeaders #DavidRobbins #BehindTheSeal #ChristianLeadership
