Episode 1: The Why and the How

Featuring Peter Greer, Chris Horst, and Jill Heisey

Rivalry in Christ-centered nonprofits and churches is all too common. Instead of seeing each other as co-laborers in Christ, fellow leaders and ministries often see each other as rivals—fierce competitors in a seemingly small marketplace for donors and resources. In their newest book, Rooting for Rivals, Peter Greer, Chris Horst, and Jill Heisey address this norm by encouraging Christ followers to lead and serve with open hands instead of clenched fists. In this episode, hear the heart behind the book and how you can help to advance the Kingdom of God through cooperation rather than competition.

Stream or download: Spotify - iTunes - Stitcher - Overcast

Show Notes

0:22 Rooting for Rivals; newest book by Peter Greer and Chris Horst with Jill Heisey

0:46 HOPE International; Christ-centered microfinance organization in Lancaster, PA

4:23 Mission Drift; co-authored book by Peter Greer and Chris Horst with Anna Haggard

4:38 Compassion International; child sponsorship organization in Colorado Springs, CO

5:13 Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International

14:39 Providence Network; transformational housing in Denver, CO

15:02 Silver Lining House; collaborative project between Providence network, Purple Door Coffee, and Dry Bones to serve the homeless in Denver’s community

15:22 Purple Door Coffee; roasting coffee and training young people in Denver, CO

15:38 Dry Bones; serving homeless teens and young adults in Denver, CO

17:12 Derek Kuykendall, the Director of Providence Network

18:58 Lifesong for Orphans; orphan care in Gridley, IL

20:50 Praxis; redemptive entrepreneurship and innovation for next-generation entrepreneurs

About Peter Greer

Peter Greer is President and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered microenterprise development organization serving throughout Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Prior to joining HOPE, Peter worked internationally as a microfinance advisor in Cambodia and Zimbabwe and managing director of Urwego Community Bank in Rwanda. He is a graduate of Messiah College and received a master’s in public policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School. Peter has coauthored over 10 books, including Mission Drift, which was selected as a 2015 Book Award Winner from Christianity Today. More important than his occupation is his role as husband to Laurel and dad to Keith, Liliana, and Myles.

Connect with Peter: Facebook - Twitter - Instagram

About Chris Horst

Chris Horst is the Vice President of Development at HOPE International, where he employs his passion for advancing initiatives at the intersection of faith and work. In addition to his role at HOPE, Chris serves on the boards of the Denver Institute for Faith & Work and the Mile High WorkShop and is a founder of dadcraft.com. He loves to write and has been published in The Denver Post and Christianity Today. He has also co-authored Mission Drift, Entrepreneurship for Human Flourishing, and Rooting for Rivals with Peter Greer. Chris graduated with both a bachelor’s degree from Taylor University and an MBA from Bakke Graduate University. He and his wife, Alli, have three children—Desmond, Abe, and June.

Connect with Chris: Twitter - Instagram 

About Jill Heisey

Jill Heisey is a freelance communications specialist living in Frederick, Maryland. In addition to collaborating on Rooting for Rivals, Jill co-authored the children's book, Keza Paints a Bright Future—based on a true story of how villagers saving together changed one Rwandan community. Jill graduated from Messiah College and went on to work on HOPE International's marketing team for several years before beginning her freelance career. One of Jill's crowning achievements while at HOPE was serving on the committee that hired Chris Horst. One of her greatest aspirations is to tell stories that share hope and effect change. She, her husband Bryan, and their preschoolers, Adelyn and Celia, attend Frederick Church of the Brethren.

About Blake Mankin

Blake Mankin serves as a regional representative for HOPE International in Houston, TX. Blake hosts the Values-Driven Productivity Podcast, where he shares about disciplines, habits, tools, and practices that increase productivity on the things that matter most. Blake and his wife, Meagan, have two sons and attend Hope Church.

About the Rooting for Rivals Podcast

In a world marked by division and territorialism, how can we leave a lasting impact? What happens when we're no longer threatened by the success of our rivals? In this six-episode podcast, hear from leaders and philanthropists putting collaboration into practice and learn how we can multiply our impact through cooperation.

Learn more about Rooting for Rivals here.

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