Lifeline for Leaders

Kirk and Linda Thomas

Lifeline for Leaders is a podcast created to strengthen, encourage, and unite those serving in pregnancy care clinics and pro-life ministries. Hosted by Kirk and Linda Thomas, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with leaders, ministry partners, authors, and experts who understand the unique challenges of this work. Each episode offers practical insights you can use right away, along with stories and perspectives that remind you you’re not walking this journey alone. Whether you’re navigating leadership decisions or facing a demanding season, Lifeline for Leaders exists to provide community, connection, and clarity—helping you move forward with confidence and purpose.

  1. 3d ago

    Episode 37 - Friend-Raising, Not Fundraising: How to Win, Keep and Lift Ministry Partners with Jason Galicinski & Jim Dempsey

    What if fundraising isn’t just about raising money—but building relationships that help your ministry thrive? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, we sit down with Jason Galicinski and Jim Dempsey of Fundraising Masterminds to explore a biblical approach to nonprofit fundraising that puts relationships and ministry first. With decades of experience in Christian nonprofit development, Jason and Jim share why they believe development is ministry and how pregnancy care centers can move beyond traditional fundraising events to build lasting partnerships with people who believe in their mission. They introduce their Win, Keep, Lift framework for developing donor relationships, explain the difference between fundraising and friend raising, and discuss why vision-driven giving can help supporters see themselves as part of the work—not simply people being asked to give. You’ll also hear about a pregnancy center that experienced significant fundraising growth by applying these principles, along with practical insights on cultivating relationships long after an event ends. Their reminder is worth remembering: “People give to people justified by the cause.” If you’re looking for ways to strengthen donor relationships, communicate your vision, and build sustainable support for your ministry, this conversation will encourage you to approach fundraising with purpose, faith, and a long-term perspective. Listen and follow Jason & Jim: https://www.fundraisingmasterminds.net/  🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

  2. Oct 6

    Episode 36 - Before You’re Ready to Leave: Finish Well with Robin Fuller

    What does it really mean to finish well? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda welcome back Robin Fuller, one of the very first guests on the podcast. After 23 years as an executive director, Robin now serves as a leadership coach and helps ministry leaders navigate transition, succession planning, and what it means to finish well. Robin also shares about her new book, Finish Well: Succession Planning for the Ministry You Love, and why succession planning should be more than something leaders think about when they’re ready to leave. From preparing your staff and board to strengthening organizational structures, documenting knowledge, and creating a clear handoff, Robin offers practical steps leaders can begin taking today. But this conversation goes deeper than a succession checklist. Robin opens up about the grief, loneliness, and identity changes she experienced after leaving a ministry she loved—and how God met her in that season. Her encouragement to ministry leaders is simple: get away from the noise, spend time with the Lord, and listen for His direction. Connect with Robin Fuller: https://www.robinfuller.coach/ Robin’s Book: https://book.robinfuller.coach/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

  3. Sep 22

    Episode 34 - Poverty, Pregnancy Centers & Lasting Help with Nathan Mayo

    What if helping someone today could also help them build a future where they no longer need the same help? In Episode 33 of Lifeline for Leaders, we sit down with Nathan Mayo, Vice President of Programs at True Charity, to explore the connection between poverty, ministry, and the work of pregnancy care centers. Nathan shares why ministries can sometimes become focused on crisis relief without creating a pathway toward long-term development. He explains True Charity’s approach to helping people move toward dignity and lasting stability—and why relationships, accountability, measurable outcomes, and strong community partnerships matter. We also talk about the connection between chronic poverty and abortion, how pregnancy resource centers can address deeper issues without losing their core mission, and why they don't have to do everything themselves. Sometimes the answer is building the right partnerships and connecting people to resources already available in the community. Nathan leaves us with a powerful question: “How are we helping them not need us in the future?” Connect with True Charity: https://truecharity.us/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

  4. Sep 8

    Episode 32 - Beyond the Traditional Pregnancy Center with Tracy Ullrey

    What does it look like to lead with vision, embrace change, and find new ways to serve your community? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas welcome Tracey Ullrey, CEO of Options Clinic in Helena, Montana. Tracey shares how Options grew from a pregnancy resource center into a broader medical clinic offering services such as STD testing and treatment, sports physicals, professional counseling, and well-woman care. She also discusses the clinic’s new partnership with Carroll College, creating opportunities to serve students directly on campus and build trusted relationships with young people, faculty, and staff. Tracey explains why reaching women before an unplanned pregnancy, pursuing medical accreditation, engaging fathers, and building strong community partnerships are important parts of pregnancy care ministry. She also shares an encouraging reminder for leaders facing closed doors: keep praying, build relationships, and trust God’s timing. Most importantly, Tracey reminds us that we were never meant to lead alone. Surround yourself with people who bring different gifts, perspectives, and experiences—and allow God to use your community to strengthen the mission. Connect with Tracey Ullrey and learn more about Options Clinic: https://www.optionshelena.org/ 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

  5. Sep 1

    Episode 31 - Beyond Our Borders: The Global Fight for Life with Tammy De Armas

    What happens when God asks you to look beyond your own community and see the life issue through a global lens? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Kirk and Linda Thomas sit down with Tammy De Armas, Director of Mission Advancement for Passion Life, to talk about her journey from leading a pregnancy medical clinic in Southern California to helping equip pregnancy care ministries around the world. Tammy shares her personal abortion story, what 10 years of leading a pregnancy clinic taught her about women facing unplanned pregnancy, and how God “lifted her head” to see the global need for pro-life ministry. From Cuba and Colombia to India, Pakistan, and beyond, Tammy explains how Passion Life partners with churches, trains local leaders, provides practical resources like handheld ultrasounds, and brings the Gospel of Life to communities where abortion is deeply rooted. Her final lifeline for leaders is simple but powerful: “Who are you listening to?” In a world filled with competing voices, Tammy encourages leaders to slow down, listen to God, and faithfully follow His calling. Connect with Tammy De Armas and learn more about Passion Life: 🌐 https://passionlife.org 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

  6. Aug 25

    Episode 30 - Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice with Denise Mountenay

    What happens when a painful personal story becomes a calling to bring truth, healing, and hope to others? In this episode of Lifeline for Leaders, Linda Thomas sits down with Denise Mountenay, President of Advancing Truth Alliance and Together for Life Ministries, for a deeply personal conversation about trauma, abortion, faith, forgiveness, and her decades of pro-life advocacy. Denise shares how her own journey led her from darkness into a relationship with God—and ultimately to a mission of speaking truth for the unborn and for women and families affected by abortion. She also introduces Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice, a documentary bringing together personal testimonies, medical expertise, and the science of life before birth. Denise shares why she believes this resource is especially important for pregnancy care centers, pro-life organizations, schools, and churches, and her vision for making condensed versions available to help equip those serving women and families. 🎬 Watch the Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice Documentary: https://youtu.be/AaJlRacfDOc Her encouragement to leaders is simple but powerful: “We need God.” As we serve on the front lines, we are called to seek Him daily and be salt and light for such a time as this. Connect with Denise: Learn more about Denise Mountenay, Advancing Truth Alliance, Together for Life Ministries, and Truth Matters: The Impact of Choice through the resources shared with this episode. 🎧 Listen to Lifeline for Leaders on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. ▶️ Subscribe on YouTube for new episodes and leadership insights. 💼 Follow Lifeline for Leaders on LinkedIn for resources, encouragement, and conversations that equip leaders to serve with courage and compassion.

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Lifeline for Leaders is a podcast created to strengthen, encourage, and unite those serving in pregnancy care clinics and pro-life ministries. Hosted by Kirk and Linda Thomas, the podcast features thoughtful conversations with leaders, ministry partners, authors, and experts who understand the unique challenges of this work. Each episode offers practical insights you can use right away, along with stories and perspectives that remind you you’re not walking this journey alone. Whether you’re navigating leadership decisions or facing a demanding season, Lifeline for Leaders exists to provide community, connection, and clarity—helping you move forward with confidence and purpose.