In this enlightening episode, Brandon Stiver is joined by Albert Chen, who is the cofounder and CEO of Anago. The two discuss the profound impact of AI on Christian nonprofits. Albert shares his journey from community development in Mexico to the tech world and emphasizes the interconnectedness of global issues with the ethical considerations surrounding AI development. Albert demystifies AI, explaining the differences between machine learning and generative AI, and offers practical applications for nonprofits. He introduces the concept of Redemptive AI, advocating for its ethical use to benefit the global majority. The conversation concludes with a call for Christian organizations to engage thoughtfully with AI, ensuring it enhances their mission rather than detracts from it.
Nonprofit Governance 101 with Kelly Strong
Are the internal structures of our organizations fit for the mission that God has called us to? In this episode, Brandon Stiver welcomes Kelly Strong of Safe International for a conversation on organizational identity and healthy global partnerships. They explore why mission must remain central and the role of values in shaping behavior, culture, and daily decision-making, especially within diverse, international teams. They examine common challenges like founder’s syndrome and how it can limit growth if left unaddressed. If you are needing help with your nonprofit, reach out at brandon@canopy.international
Formation, AI and Finding Community in Christian Humanitarian Work
*Brandon's Note: In step with the topic at hand, I've turned over all show notes and interview audio editing to AI for this week's episode. In this conversation, Brandon Stiver and Michael Cerna reflect on the challenges and changes faced by non-profit organizations in 2025. They discuss the importance of community, the impact of funding changes, and the role of AI in shaping the future of non-profits. The conversation emphasizes the need for spiritual formation and collaboration among leaders in the sector, as well as the ethical considerations surrounding AI usage. Ultimately, they highlight the significance of building relationships and fostering a supportive community in navigating the complexities of non-profit work.
Discipleship is About Taking Jesus Seriously with Alan Hirsch
What does it mean to be a gospel-centered church and should we be a gospel-centered church? As we think through taking the Gospel into the world and fulfilling the Great Commission, have we short changed discipleship by making Matthew 28 all about evangelism? In this conversation with Brandon Stiver, author and missiologist Alan Hirsch joins the show to discuss the current state of discipleship within the church, emphasizing the disconnect between modern practices and the teachings of Jesus. He argues that without true discipleship, churches risk producing a form of religion that strays from Christ-likeness.
A Movement to End Global Poverty with Carissa Youssef
Global poverty is ubiquitous and seemingly intractable, but what if we had a way to mobilize people and a fundraising mechanism that invites ubiquitous participation? In this episode we're joined by Carissa Youseff who is the Executive Director at One Day's Wages. She emphasizes the need for Christians to expand their definition of neighbor to include global awareness and responsibility. Carissa discusses the unique approach of One Day's Wages, which encourages collective generosity by donating one day's wage to support local leaders and address complex poverty issues. Her conversation with Brandon Stiver also touches on the importance of mutuality in partnerships, rethinking empowerment, and the future of nonprofit work in a rapidly changing world.
How Leaders Lose Their Way with Peter Greer
One out of three leaders don't finish well in the work that they undertake. Striking, isn't it? As our podcast celebrates 300 episodes of engaging global nonprofit leaders, we strive to be that minority that stay the course God gave us and there's no one better to talk to than today's guest. Making his record sixth interview on the show, we're joined by Hope International CEO Peter Greer who sits down with Brandon Stiver and Phil Darke to discuss his new book, How Leaders Lose Their Way. For whatever area that God has called you to lead in ministry, humanitarian work or even within your own family, this is a conversation for you!
Addressing Unregistered Orphanages with Obed Masese and Meredith Caleb
If our commitment is that every child grow up in a safe and loving family, how do we address that so many children are living in orphanages that are unregistered and operating outside of the public eye? It's challenging work to map, find and even collaborate with such institutions, but we've got the right guides to learn from. Brandon is joined today by Obed Masese and Meredith Caleb of Victory Child Empowerment to learn what is causing children in Kenya to go into orphanages of all types and what their team is doing to map unregistered orphanages with a broader care reform approach.
Land Grabbing, Violence and Persecution in Nigeria with Clint Lyons and Paul U.
Did you know that 90% of the persecution that Christians face throughout the world comes from one region? Nigeria has seen a trajectory of violence aimed at Christians in recent years and in today's episode we're unpacking all the layers behind targeted massacres in the area. Joining the show are Clint Lyons and Paul Ubaka who are with iReach Global, a Christian nonprofit that is serving the church and creating bridges of peace in the country.
DOGE, Millenial Donors and The (Potential) End of the NGO Era with Michael Cerna
This year has seen a tremendous amount of change for Christian NGOs doing transformational development throughout the world. In many ways, we are entering a new era of global mission and international development. To talk about some of those changes and to help us keep a pulse on what God is up to, we're joined by Michael Cerna who serves as the CEO at the Accord Network. Building on topics from Accord's Thursday Three weekly newsletter, Michael talks with Brandon Stiver about recent reports, articles and resources that are charting a path forward for us.
God’s Movement Among the Iranian Church with Lana Silk
There is no place on Earth that God is not working, even in authoritarian regimes that make following Christ illegal, He still moves. Iran is one of those countries. While we hear about Iran pretty regularly in the news, we don't typically hear about what God is doing through His Spirit and in His Church there. Today we're joined by the CEO of Transform Iran, Lana Silk. She talks with Brandon Stiver about the geopolitics of the country, what it was like for her growing up in Iran and most importantly, how the gospel is spreading among communities there.
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