In this Leader to Leader episode of The Multiplication Factor, Scott Brown sits down with Albert Reyes, President & CEO of Buckner International, a 146-year-old global ministry serving vulnerable children, families, and seniors.

Reyes shares how spiritual formation at home, a life of service, and intentional investment in people have shaped his leadership—and how culture, not strategy alone, fuels lasting multiplication.

1. A Legacy Rooted in Scripture (01:03–02:18)

• Buckner International was founded after the Civil War to serve orphans and widows

• Anchored in James 1:27 as a guiding vision for compassionate service

• Reyes serves as the sixth president in nearly a century and a half of ministry

2. Spiritual Formation Begins at Home (02:18–03:31)

• Faith was modeled daily by his parents—not outsourced to the church

• Scripture reading, discipleship, and service were woven into family life

• Leadership fruit flows from early, faithful investment

3. Serving Others as a Way of Life (03:31–04:34)

• Lessons from poverty shaped a lifelong commitment to humility and service

• Education and opportunity are meant to be stewarded for others

• Jesus’ model of servant leadership becomes the pattern

4. Feeding on Scripture Daily (04:34–06:14)

• A slower, more reflective approach to Bible reading and journaling

• Scripture as daily nourishment—“never miss a meal”

• Ongoing learning through sermons, podcasts, and trusted teachers

5. Multiplication Through Modeling (06:14–07:33)

• Values are more “caught than taught”

• Incarnational leadership—letting others observe faith in action

• Investment happens through proximity and example

6. People Before Programs (07:33–08:52)

• Staff treated as the organization’s “number one customer”

• Leading with care, prayer, and personal connection

• Healthy internal culture multiplies external impact

7. Culture Is the CEO’s Calling (08:52–09:19)

• The CEO as chief cultural architect

• Culture sustains vision when strategy alone cannot

• Christlike character fuels long-term growth

8. Honoring Past Leaders & Embracing the Future (09:19–10:45)

• Grace for previous leaders and their contexts

• Leadership transitions require patience and perspective

• Eighteen years of steady groundwork now bearing fruit

9. A Bold Vision for Growth (10:45–12:14)

• Board-approved expansion plans for retirement communities and family services

• Disruptive questions opened doors to national growth beyond Texas

• A season of execution, expansion, and renewed mission impact

Albert Reyes is President & CEO of Buckner International, leading one of the oldest and most respected faith-based human service organizations in the U.S. and abroad. His leadership is shaped by Scripture, service, and a deep commitment to multiplying leaders and mission impact.

Leader to Leader is a Christian Leadership Alliance podcast series highlighting transformational leaders and the ways God multiplies fruit through faithful leadership.

Follow and subscribe to the Leader to Leader Podcast on CLATV in the Godcaster.fm app or wherever you listen.

🔗 Learn more about the sponsor: faithsearchpartners.com

“Culture eats strategy for lunch—but Christlike character multiplies fruit for a lifetime.”

Key Themes & TakeawaysAbout the GuestAbout the Podcast

In this episode of the Leader to Leader Podcast, Dr. Justin Irving, Professor of Leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, shares insights from more than 25 years of investing in and developing ministry leaders. He reflects on the mentors who shaped his own journey, the spiritual disciplines that sustain him, and the vital importance of community and friendship in leadership. Dr. Irving reminds us that thriving leaders never go it alone—and that effective leadership begins with pouring into others.

About ECFA:
We thank ECFA for sponsoring the Leader to Leader Podcast. Trust is the cornerstone of impactful ministry, and for over four decades ECFA has held ministries to biblical standards of financial accountability and governance. Today, more than 2,700 organizations display the ECFA seal, demonstrating their commitment to faithful stewardship. Learn more about ECFA and its new Standard for Leader Care at ECFA.org.

Key Takeaways:
• Leadership thrives in community—don’t go it alone.
• Mentoring others is at the heart of effective leadership.
• Daily engagement in Scripture, prayer, and worship sustains the soul of a leader.
• Every task—no matter how small—can be an act of worship.
• Biblical models like Barnabas remind us that encouragement multiplies impact.

Scripture References:
1 Timothy 4:15 – “Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them.”
Psalm 90 – “Establish the work of our hands.”
Acts 4 & 11 – The example of Barnabas, the Son of Encouragement.

Memorable Quotes:
“Developing other leaders is the heartbeat of what effective leadership is about.”
“Leaders who go it alone tend to get isolated. Deep friendships are essential for thriving.”
“Even the mundane tasks of leadership can be doxological—acts of worship.”

Guest Bio:
Dr. Justin A. Irving serves as Professor of Leadership at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. His passion is to equip current and emerging leaders through teaching, mentoring, and writing that integrates biblical principles with practical leadership development.

Links & Resources:
Christian Leadership Alliance – ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org
ECFA – ECFA.org
Follow and subscribe to the Leader to Leader Podcast wherever you listen.

Margaret’s Story: From Survival to Thriving

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Margaret, who opens up about her powerful journey from simply surviving life’s challenges to stepping fully into a life of thriving.

Growing up in an unstable environment, Margaret carried many of those struggles into adulthood—impacting her career, relationships, and sense of self. But through intentional choices, faith, and supportive community, she discovered that breaking old cycles and creating a new path forward is possible.

🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Margaret recognized unhealthy patterns and chose change.

• The role of faith and resilience in overcoming setbacks.

• Practical habits that fueled her transformation—journaling, setting boundaries, and rest.

• Why small daily practices can lead to lasting growth.

• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who encourage and uplift you.

  
  

✨ Key Quote

“I started to see challenges as opportunities to grow.” – Margaret

🕒 Episode Highlights

• 0:00 – Introduction & Margaret’s background

• 5:30 – Recognizing cycles of survival

• 12:15 – Faith as a foundation for resilience

• 18:40 – Small habits that bring big change

• 25:00 – Lessons for anyone seeking to thrive

In this episode of Journey to Thriving, Brian Taylor, CEO and Chief Investment Officer of Cornerstone Management, shares his journey of integrating faith and investment management for over 30 years. Serving nearly 90 faith-based organizations, Brian reflects on his upbringing in a Christian home, his passion for missions and business, and how God reshaped his view of leadership.

He opens up about moving from control-driven leadership toward a surrendered, compassionate model that mirrors the Father’s heart. Through meditating on Scripture, engaging vulnerably in small groups, and cultivating prayer, Brian has discovered a thriving leadership rooted not in striving for God but in working with Him. His wisdom offers encouragement for leaders navigating loss, celebration, and the call to align with God’s larger story.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• Brian Taylor’s background and call to integrate faith with investment management.

• Cornerstone Management’s work serving ~90 ministries, including Samaritan’s Purse, Compassion International, Taylor University, and Columbia International University.

• His spiritual turning point—moving from “a form of godliness” to surrendering control and embracing God’s leadership model.

• Transformative disciplines: Scripture meditation, small-group vulnerability, and prayer.

• The importance of grieving losses and celebrating with others in leadership.

• Defining thriving as being fully engaged with the Lord’s work through us, living out God’s desired impact in His larger story.

In this moving episode, we sit down with Vonna — a woman whose story embodies the spirit of resilience, healing, and hope. From walking through deeply painful seasons to discovering renewed purpose, Vonna shares her powerful testimony of what it means to go from simply surviving… to truly thriving.

What You’ll Hear:

• 🌱 How Vonna found strength in the midst of loss and uncertainty

• 💡 The role faith and community played in her transformation

• 🔥 What it looks like to rebuild your identity after life falls apart

• 🙌 Encouragement for anyone feeling stuck, forgotten, or broken

Why It Matters:
Vonna’s journey reminds us that healing isn’t always linear — but with courage, support, and a faithful God, it is possible. Her vulnerability will inspire you to believe again, hope again, and take the next step toward your own thriving.

In this powerful episode, Dustin shares his raw and redemptive story of transformation—from despair to freedom and purpose. You’ll hear how his journey through darkness led to a life rooted in faith, restoration, and thriving.

Dustin discuss the realities of rock bottom, the importance of community, and the role of spiritual surrender in true recovery. This is a testimony you won’t want to miss—real, honest, and full of hope.

Key Themes:

• Hitting rock bottom—and finding the way up

• The role of faith and mentorship in recovery

• How vulnerability opens the door to healing

• From surviving to thriving: Dustin’s message to others still struggling

Takeaway Quote:
“There’s nothing too broken that God can’t restore. You just have to be willing to step into the light.” – Dustin

Resources & Mentions:

• Learn2Live.org – Tools and support for your journey

In this heartfelt episode of L2L - Journey To Thriving, we delve into Karen's transformative journey from enduring trauma to embracing a life of empowerment and healing. Karen candidly shares her experiences, shedding light on the challenges she faced and the resilience she cultivated along the way.

Listeners will gain insights into:

• The pivotal moments that sparked Karen's path to recovery.

• The strategies and support systems that facilitated her healing.

• How she transformed her pain into a purpose-driven life, inspiring others in the process.

Karen's narrative is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and find strength in vulnerability. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone navigating their own healing journey.

In this powerful conversation, Doug Nuenke—Founder of 7872 Leaders and former U.S. President of The Navigators—unpacks the heart behind the Leader2Leader Journey to Thriving. Drawing from decades of discipling leaders, Doug shares how 7872 is helping men and women move from surviving to thriving by deepening their walk with God, strengthening relationships, and finding renewed clarity in their calling.

Whether you're a seasoned ministry leader or navigating transition, this message will encourage you to live with purpose and lead with joy.

Sadder. Harder. But way better. Leading where God leads you to go has more difficulty and sadness than you may have expected but in the end, the destination is better than you could have ever dreamed. 

In this episode of L2L - Journey to Thriving, Dr. Rob McKenna, Founder and CEO of WiLD Leaders, shares his transformative journey of leadership and personal growth. With a deep passion for developing leaders who thrive, Dr. McKenna reveals the experiences and insights that shaped his path. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, purpose, and the power of intentional growth.