Jake Bland: God’s Grace in the Pivotal Moments

Generous Business Owner

Where is your bullseye - the center of your heart, passion, and calling?

In this episode, Jeff and Jake discuss:

• Lessons from a childhood around the firepit.
• Business and opportunities in every stage of life.
• Serving a God of abundance.
• Letting God’s lamp light your next step.
• The importance of setting and holding boundaries with yourself.

Key Takeaways:

• Working with kids and teens is not a 1-week thing. It is 52 weeks out of the year.
• Giving does not have to be prescriptive. What breaks your heart? Use that.
• Fundraising isn’t about the money, it’s about the heart of the giving partner. It is spiritual before it is mechanical.
• Be disciplined without haste. Rhythms of rest are necessary. There is always going to be more work to be done, but never once does the Bible say “Jesus ran.”

"I don't know about you and your 20s, but for me, I wanted a beacon for the next 200 steps. I didn't want a lamp to my feet and a light to my path, right? But the beauty of that is He gives us that lamp and it's just enough light for the next step and the next step and the next step." — Jake Bland

Episode References:

• C12: https://www.joinc12.com/
• Halftime Institute: https://halftimeinstitute.org/
• Pursuing God’s Will Together: A Discernment Practice for Leadership Groups by Ruth Haley Barton
• The Council: A Biblical Perspective on Board Governance by Gary G. Hoag, Wesley K. Willmer, & Gregory J. Henson

About Jake Bland: Jake is the 10th President and CEO of Youth For Christ USA, a pillar of missional youth ministry since 1944, when the Rev. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Today, Youth For Christ reaches young people everywhere, including in over 100 nations and through 140 local chapters across America, with a special focus on engaging 11-19 year olds who do not know Christ. YFC intentionally pursues young people who often feel overlooked, building relationships, and uncovering God's story of hope at pivotal moments in their lives.

Jake’s journey with YFC began as a high school student, then as a volunteer and intern. Prior to joining the YFC staff, he taught in the Interactive Media Department at Bradley University and co-founded two media production companies. He holds a master’s degree in Youth Ministry Leadership from Huntington University.

Jake and his wife, Ali, live in the Denver area. As a volunteer, Jake serves as an elder in their church, and as the board chairman for Presence Point—a non-profit organization that helps leaders live into their calling. Jake and Ali have two children: Silas David (8) and Ivy Rehn (6). Their family loves traveling, music, hiking, spending time with friends, and enjoying God’s creation in Colorado.

Connect with Jake Bland:

Website: https://yfc.net/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-bland-96553834/

Connect with Jeff Thomas:

Website: https://www.arkosglobal.com/

Podcast: https://www.generousbusinessowner.com/

Book: https://www.arkosglobal.com/trading-up

Email: [e-mail]

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArkosGlobalAdv

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arkosglobal/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arkosglobaladvisors

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arkosglobaladvisors/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLUYpPwkHH7JrP6PrbHeBxw