March 05, 2025

Lauren France, Founder, The Lydia Network

1 hour 2 minutes

Lauren France is passionate about connecting other people's passions and resources to meet greater needs. As the Director of Development and Marketing at Equipping Leaders International, she forges meaningful relationships with donors and builds the organization's Annual Fund.

About a year ago, Lauren founded The Lydia Network, a giving society of Christian women solving the global leadership crisis in the Church. This vibrant community funds the training of global church leaders across 38 nations in the global South. The Lydia Network funds critical initiatives but also nurtures a network of women committed to the discipleship of Christ.

Lauren believes in a mission-driven approach to philanthropy that prioritizes donors' hearts and identity in Christ. She believes fundraising is, first and foremost, a ministry. When she's not listening to Mozart or boxing at the gym, Lauren is spending time with her husband Jake and her two precious toddlers, Amelia and Lydia. She resides in North Carolina.

In this episode, Lauren discusses:

—The Lydia Network, what it is, and how it came to be

—Who Lydia was in the Bible and how women today can become modern-day “Lydias”

—The urgency of the global leadership crisis among pastors

—How God can use women for His kingdom purposes around the world

—How to view fundraising from a more biblical perspective

—Tips and tools to help you succeed at fundraising

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

To join The Lydia Network: CLICK HERE

Fundraising Resources:

DonorBox

Building a Case for Support

Building a Fundraising Plan

Webinar on Planning and Goal Setting for Nonprofit Fundraising

Building a Communications Plan for Fundraising

A Spirituality of Fundraising: The Henri Nouwen Spirituality Series

In His Image: 10 Ways God Calls Us to Reflect His Character

None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different from Us (and Why That's a Good Thing)

Follow The Lydia Network on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and thelydianetwork.com

Thank you for listening. If this content is helpful to you as you seek to live out your God-given calling to His glory, please donate today to help us continue to produce more inspiring content. Purchase our book, Women & Work: Bearing God’s Image and Joining in His Mission through our Work.

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