Shows
Behind the SealThe Body We Lead From | Jedd MedefindWhat if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t burnout, bad strategy, or lack of vision — but neglecting your own body?In this episode, Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), opens up a conversation many leaders avoid: the role of physical health in shaping how we lead. From sleep and diet to movement and screen time, Jedd shares how small choices in our daily lives fuel resilience, creativity, and longevity in leadership.This isn’t about prescriptions or checklists—it’s about learning to lead from a place of wholene...
2025-09-1851 minCLATV Leader ShowcaseBehind the Seal - The Body We Lead From | Jedd MedefindWhat if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t burnout, bad strategy, or lack of vision — but neglecting your own body?In this episode, Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), opens up a conversation many leaders avoid: the role of physical health in shaping how we lead. From sleep and diet to movement and screen time, Jedd shares how small choices in our daily lives fuel resilience, creativity, and longevity in leadership.This isn’t about prescriptions or checklists—it’s about learning to lead from a place of wholene...
2025-09-1851 min
ReStoried98. Spiritual Formation: Technology Boundaries for a Less Distracted LifeIn this Spiritual Formation episode, we’re talking about how technology shapes our daily lives and what it looks like to set some healthy boundaries around it. With phones, TVs, and social media always at our fingertips, it’s so easy to get distracted and miss out on the moments that really matter. This month, we challenged ourselves to try a few simple shifts, like no phones at the table, not scrolling before spending time with God or right before bed, and setting time limits on apps. We’ll share what worked, what didn’t, and how even smal...
2025-09-0138 min
2025-08-2117 min2025-08-1916 min
2025-08-0759 min
Pause and ThinkUnlocking the Divine: Let God's Love Fuel Your ImpactDiscover how understanding God's deep love can be the catalyst for meaningful action. This isn't just about activism; it's about letting the profound love for you and all God's children come alive, compelling you to make a real difference in the world. Join the conversation as we delve into how knowing our Father more fully can inspire unconditional love and impactful change. Also discover how CAFO empowers foster parents and church leaders, building a support system that inspires and unites communities. Get a behind-the-scenes with President Jedd Medefind to look at their vision to strengthen champions for a brighter...
2025-05-1527 min
Just NeighborsEpisode 10: Living a Life of Service Without Burning Out (w/ Jedd Medefind)Can you believe it? This is the last episode of season one! We couldn't have asked for a better guest to help us close out this season than Jedd Medefind. Jedd serves as the President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), and previously led the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush. Jedd has also written several books, including Upended: How Following Jesus Remakes Your Words and World. There are two extremes we can commonly fall into when seeking to serve the vulnerable. On one side, we can f...
2024-07-2432 min
Behind the SealThe Leadership and Trust Connection | Michael Martin, ECFAMichael Martin, ECFA's President, takes us back to 2021 when ECFA's Board started digging into how a leader's health affects financial integrity and trust. In the past two years, ECFA has surveyed and researched this connection. The ECFA board has applied these findings to better support the health of its own leadership and staff. With each conversation, ECFA was encouraged by ministry and church leaders to continue this research and bring leadership health to the forefront of the Trust conversation.Stick around until the end, as Michael has practical takeaways and next steps for you and your organization...
2023-11-3053 min
IECinAddisA Life of Pouring and Receiving // Psalm 23 // Jedd MedefindA Life of Pouring and Receiving // Psalm 23 // Jedd Medefind
2023-11-0542 minBehind the SealA Literal Employee Handbook for a Healthy Team | Jedd Medefind, CAFOCAFO Leadership released a document to staff that spells out how to have a balanced and healthy work, personal, and spiritual life. It's working! They call it the Strategic Plan for Thriving Souls. As Jedd Medefind discusses, good fruit comes from good roots. Find Jedd's Podcast here: https://resources.cafo.org/series/justice-and-the-inner-life/and the Thriving Souls Plan here: https://cafo.org/souls/
2023-05-1136 min
Susie Larson LiveJedd Medefind on being planted not buriedThe way of Christ is to come near to need. President of Christian Alliance for Orphans Jedd Medefind joins guest host Thann Bennett to share about his own family’s experience with adoption and foster care. He also talks about his work with the Christian Alliance for Orphans. Watch Jedd Medefind’s “Planted. Not Buried.” CAFO2022 Summit Keynote message here. Sign up for Thann’s newsletter here. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here
2023-03-2250 min
The Conversation12. The Conversation on Increasing Capacity with Adam ShawToday on the podcast, we are bringing you a conversation with Adam Shaw. Adam is husband to Stephanie and father to Judah. He serves as one of the Pastors at Lifepoint Church in Hamilton, ON, and produces his own podcast, The Restorationist.
In today’s episode, Adam talks about the subject “Increasing Capacity,” and how the principle applies to individuals, families and church leadership teams.
Adam Shaw's Reading List:
I Am - David Norris
Big Ideas - David Norris
The Glory of God in the...
2023-03-171h 06
The Common Good PodcastWhich group is fleeing the American church? The answer might surprise you.Brian and Aubrey talk about entitlement… as it relates to Taylor Swift tickets. Then, one demographic is leaving the church at surprisingly high rates. Author and former journalist Ericka Andersen explains. Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, joins the show to talk about the "principle of subsidiarity," or meeting needs as close to home as possible, when caring for orphaned and vulnerable children… as well as how everyday Christians can find ways to support and pray for vulnerable children. And lastly, from ChurchLeaders.com, a Thanksgiving prayer. Guests: Ericka Andersen, Jedd MedefindSee...
2022-11-2238 min
Around The World With The Archibald Project126. Could All The Orphaned Children Just Go Home?This is a complex question that thousands all over the world are trying to answer. We all want children in families but it’s not as simple as just sending them all home. Thankfully our friend and colleague Jedd Medefind joins us to talk through how we address the complexities and nuance of each child’s situation while still keeping family as our goal.
2022-10-0653 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 27: Jedd MedefindIn this special episode of Justice & the Inner Life, we share a Sunday morning message Jedd delivered on Labor Day 2021 at the Falls Church Anglican. In it, he offers a vision for Christian vocation -- exploring the deep value of our daily work, our sense of God’s calling in our lives, and also, critically, how to keep what matters most in all of this first.
2022-09-0230 min
Think Global, Do JusticeJedd Medefind - Abortion and the Future of Orphan CareIn episode 199, we're talking with old friend and President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans, Jedd Medefind. With his years of leadership in the OVC space, we pick Jedd's brain on what trends he's seeing and what the future might hold for advocates and practitioners alike. We then get into a longer conversation on Roe v. Wade and the practical implications if federal legislation on abortion changes. Full show notes can be found at thinkorphan.com
2022-06-211h 12
Creating a Family: Talk about Adoption, Foster & Kinship CareEngaging Churches in the Foster Care CrisisClick here to send us a topic idea or question for Weekend Wisdom.How can churches support kids in foster care and prevent children from entering foster care? Join us for our discussion with Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO) and Amber Knowles, the Executive Director of The Riverside Project (formerly Fostering Family).In this episode, we cover:We call it a foster care “crisis”. What does that term mean? What are the needs of foster children?What is each organization doing to help engage churches in caring for...
2022-06-1549 min
The Profitable WriterEncore Interview: How to Tell Stories Like Jesus with Doug Phillips, ProfessorAs a writer, one of the most valuable skills you can learn is storytelling. Stories are the way we process information and make sense of the world around us. I’m thrilled to be talking with Doug Phillips, who is the Professor of New Testament and Greek Studies, and the Chair of the Biblical Education Division at St. Louis Christian College, where I am also a Professor. Doug has multiple advanced degrees and is also working on a PhD in New Testament from Asbury Theological Seminary. On this episode, we’re going to do a deep di...
2021-03-0646 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 18: Overcoming Anxiety in the Era of Coronavirus With Dr. Curt Thompson, M.D.This special conversation between Dr. Curt Thompson and Jedd Medefind was part of the series Living, Loving, and Serving Well in the Era of Coronavirus. Join as they uncover the neurobiology of fear and anxiety, explore how to approach worry with a view of God’s care and eternity, and explore practical ways to help both our children and ourselves keep peaceful hearts amidst a world turned upside-down.
2020-04-091h 06
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 17: Jim MartinIn this episode, Jedd Medefind digs deep with Jim Martin, Vice President for Spiritual Formation at International Justice Mission (IJM). Listen in to hear how IJM – among the most respected anti-trafficking organizations in the world – integrates practices of soul care and spiritual formation among its staff all over the world … and how you can do the same, both personally and in your organization.
2020-01-231h 03
Explore Purpose017 Jedd Medefind - Serving vulnerable children of the worldJedd Medefind loves journeying life with his wife, Rachel. He relishes wrestling matches with his five children—Siena, Marin, Eden, Lincoln, and Phoebe. Most of all, he desires to reflect the heart of Jesus Christ in all of life.
Jedd has seen (and experienced!) that lives are turned upside-down when Christians begin to reflect God’s heart through adoption, foster care and service to orphans worldwide. This kind of love transforms not only vulnerable children, but also those who open hearts and homes to them. Churches begin to look different, too, as the entire community pulls together for chil...
2020-01-0653 min
The Defender PodcastEngaging Others for Effective MinistryOrphan Sunday - lifelinechild.org/orphansundayGUESTJedd Medefind, Christian Alliance for Orphans PresidentHOSTHerbie Newell is the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services and its ministry arms. LIFELINE CHILDREN'S SERVICESThe mission of Lifeline Children’s Services is to equip the Body of Christ to manifest the gospel to vulnerable children. Our vision is for vulnerable children and their communities to be transformed by the gospel and to make disciples. Web: lifelinechild.orgEmail: info@lifelinechild.orgFacebook, Instagram, Twitter: @lifelinechildThe Defender Podcast: Subscribe on iTunes | Stitch...
2019-09-1136 min
Faith AngleNaomi Schaefer Riley and Jedd Medefind: On Foster Care—and ParentingLinks from this episode:
HBO's "Foster" is disturbingly accurate, but it's missing one important thing: solutions, Naomi Schaefer Riley, Los Angeles Times, 5/7/19
Reconsidering Kinship Care, Naomi Schaefer Riley, National Affairs, Summer 2018
How Foster Care Became a Christian Priority - Just in Time, Sarah Eekhoff Zylstra, The Gospel Coalition, 9/24/18
Christian Alliance for Orphans
Christians Are Pro-Life After Birth, Too, Naomi Schaefer Riley, Wall Street Journal, 6/13/19
In Brokenness & Beauty…It Is Well, Jedd Medefind, CAFO2019, 5/8/19
Taming Technology, Jedd Medefind, Outcomes Magazine
2019-07-1941 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 14 - Part 2: Dr. Curt ThompsonIn this second part of this two-part podcast, we continue the conversation with psychiatrist, neuroscientist and author Dr. Curt Thompson and Jedd Medefind as they explore the small, daily choices we make can mold us into the people we desire to be.
If you would like to hear Dr. Thompson in person, join us at the CAFO2019 Summit in Louisville, KY on May 8-10, where he will be sharing about these topics and more.
2019-04-0541 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 14 - Part 1: Dr. Curt ThompsonIn part one of this two-part podcast, you’ll hear from psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Curt Thompson and Jedd Medefind as they explore the connection between our brain and our soul.
If you would like to hear Dr. Thompson in person, join us at the CAFO2019 Summit in Louisville, KY on May 8-10, where he will be sharing about these topics and more. (cafo2019.org)
2019-02-2253 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 13: Peter GreerIn this episode, Peter Greer – husband, father, president and CEO of Hope International, and recently co-author of Rooting for Rivals – joins Jedd Medefind for a rich conversation in generosity and the deeper choices that help grow us into the kind of people that can sincerely “root for rivals” amidst the long, hard work of justice and mercy.
2018-12-1350 minThe Defender PodcastJedd Medefind and the Definition of an Orphan and Vulnerable ChildJoin us as Herbie Newell talks with Jedd Medefind abou Orphan Sunday and what it means to be an orphaned and vulnerable child. Jedd Medefind loves journeying life with his wife, Rachel. He relishes wrestling matches with his five children—Siena, Marin, Eden, Lincoln, and Phoebe. Most of all, he desires to reflect the heart of Jesus Christ in all of life.
Jedd has seen (and experienced!) that lives are turned upside-down when Christians begin to reflect God’s heart through adoption, foster care and service to orphans worldwide. This kind of love transforms not only vulnerable childre...
2018-10-3127 min
Air1 Radio NewsFoster dad: “You never outgrow the need for a family”Older kids in foster care ages 8-18 too often spend their childhoods between homes and 'age out' unprepared with no place to go for Thanksgiving. CAFO helps Christians reclaim their historic reputation for comforting vulnerable children. Air1's Joel Reagan asks Jedd Medefind about the goals and work of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
2018-09-0118 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 12: Eugene ChoIn this episode, pastor, teacher and advocate Eugene Cho joins Jedd Medefind for a conversation at the CAFO2018 Summit. Cho shares ways he’s seen a very good passion for justice get off track…and what it takes to get back to a vibrant, health place. The two also discuss why our passion must always be paired with deep Gospel roots…and how we can do that in daily and weekly rhythms.
2018-08-2134 min
The Forgotten PodcastEpisode 47: Avoiding Burnout, Tending to our Inner LifeDrawing on his experiences with taking an intentional sabbatical, Jedd Medefind shares how our inner life and our outpouring into the lives of others are intricately interwoven—especially in in the sense that we must be filled up so that we can, in turn, pour out. The fact is, it’s extremely difficult, if not impossible in the long term, to pour into others’ lives if we don’t take the time to be refreshed and nourish our own souls.
2018-03-2635 min
Justice & the Inner Life PodcastEpisode 9: Mama Maggie GobranIn this episode, Jedd Medefind sits down with Maggie Gobran – known to thousands of children in Cairo as “Mama Maggie” – who shares her soft-spoken message of radical love and her call to serve “the least of these.”
2018-03-2121 minThe Forgotten PodcastEpisode 19: Making Foster and Orphan Care a Priority to the ChurchJedd Medefind serves as the President of CAFO (Christian Alliance for Orphans). His biggest joy is spending time with people who are making their faith tangible by living it out and loving vulnerable kids. “Nothing is more beautiful and encouraging than Christians who look like Jesus—who care about kids the world has pushed to the side.”
2017-01-3043 min
Peninsula Covenant ChurchOct 2, 2016 - ROOTED: God, Vulnerable Children and UsJedd Medefind preaching. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him — his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:4-5
2016-10-0231 minPeninsula Covenant ChurchOct 2, 2016 - ROOTED: God, Vulnerable Children and UsJedd Medefind preaching. Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him — his name is the Lord. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. Psalm 68:4-5
2016-10-0231 min
Think Global, Do JusticeJedd Medefind - The Beauty and Brokenness of Orphan CareIn Episode 2, Jedd Medefind, President of Christian Alliance for
Orphans, joins us to discuss the current landscape of the orphan
care crisis, the importance of clarity in caring for children, and
the different stages of advocacy. Jedd and CAFO are leading a
movement to unite churches and organizations and equip them for the
effective care of orphans around the world.
For show notes, please visit www.thinkorphan.com
2016-04-1237 min
2015-06-2500 min
Tenth Church SermonsOf Orphans, God, and UsDeuteronomy 10:17-18; Psalm 68:5-6
By Jedd Medefind of the Christian Alliance for Orphans
2015-02-0100 min2014-07-2400 min
GirlfriendITGirlfriendIT: Are You Living a Life That Transforms? with Jedd MedefindGirlfriendit Radio with Patty and Lisa
Are You Living a Life That Transforms?- with Jedd Medefind
Thursday, June 13, 2013
LIVE at 12pm EST on Toginet Radio
Podcast will be available after show time on iTunes or check here at Girlfriendit Radio.
Seth Godin defines marketing as: “The art of telling a story that resonates with your audience and then spreads.” Our lives speak every day: consciously or subconsciously, with our without words. Our lives spill over into others, and so do our values. Each day a new page begins and before you know it a chapter has been completed.
Sometimes we j...
2013-06-1357 min
Real Life with Beth and RobJedd Medefind: Christian Alliance for OrphansFeaturing Jedd Medefind. Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans. He has written numerous articles and three books. He co-authored Four Souls, which explores questions of faith, purpose, poverty, and community amidst a real-life journey around the globe. His most recent book, Upended: How Following Jesus Remakes Your Words and World, examines what it means to live as an apprentice to Jesus in the way we connect, influence and love.
2013-03-1453 min
1970-01-0100 min