In this wisdom-packed episode of The Beacon Show, join Tamara Jackson for a compelling conversation with Todd White, who recently transitioned from President of Barna Group to CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance. Drawing from over 35 years of executive experience, Todd reveals how business principles can transform ministry effectiveness and drive kingdom impact. Learn how strategic thinking and financial stewardship create thriving faith-based organizations that advance God’s kingdom.
Watch Todd’s full interview on YouTube!
A Foundation of Faith and Family
Todd’s story begins in Ventura, California, where he grew up in a tight-knit, faith-filled community. As the eldest of three children, Todd developed a strong sense of responsibility early on. His childhood was marked by joy, camaraderie, and the guidance of parents who modeled Christian values. Reflecting on his upbringing, Todd often marvels at how God’s hand was evident even in the smallest details of his life.
After attending a Christian school through ninth grade, Todd transitioned to public high school, where he formed lifelong friendships and excelled academically. This foundation of faith and community would shape his approach to leadership and decision-making in the years to come.
Initially aspiring to become a dentist, Todd’s journey took an unexpected turn during his college years. Encouraged by his father to explore business, he discovered a natural talent for accounting. This realization led him to pivot his academic path, earning his degree in accounting and passing the CPA exam.
Todd’s first role at a small CPA firm provided invaluable experience, exposing him to the complexities of entire businesses rather than isolated accounts. This foundation laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ventures and later leadership roles in both secular and faith-based organizations.
Balancing Business Efficiency and Ministry Impact
Todd’s career took a transformative turn when he joined Gospel Light Publications, a for-profit organization with a clear missional focus. It was here that Todd began to understand the delicate balance between business efficiency and ministry impact. As CFO, he embraced the challenge of stewarding resources to maximize their impact for God’s kingdom. The principles of revenue growth, cost management, and efficiency became central to his leadership philosophy, rooted in the biblical parable of the talents.
“Growth is what the Lord looks for—whether in faith, people, or resources,” Todd explains. This conviction guided his transition into the faith-based world, where he discovered the profound importance of applying sound business principles to ministry work.
In 2013, Todd joined the Barna Group, a premier research and thought leadership organization serving faith-based communities. Under his leadership as president, Barna expanded its influence, producing over 120 research reports and deepening its partnerships with churches and nonprofits.
For Todd, the key to Barna’s growth lay in embracing change, solving complex problems, and maintaining a steadfast focus on the mission. He approached challenges with a unique blend of optimism and realism, often likening business strategy to sports. “The game of business is about creativity, hope, and perspective,” he shares, highlighting the joy he finds in tackling even the most daunting challenges.
A New Chapter at Rescue Mission Alliance
In December 2024, Todd transitioned to a new role as CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance (RMA), a nonprofit dedicated to serving the homeless and marginalized in Southern California. This move marks the culmination of Todd’s journey, combining his business expertise with his passion for ministry. At RMA, Todd envisions building on the organization’s legacy to expand its reach and deepen its impact.
Reflecting on this new season, Todd acknowledges the bittersweet nature of change. “God has released me from my role at Barna and prepared me for this next chapter,” he says. With a heart for missional work and a commitment to excellence, Todd is poised to lead RMA with the same integrity and vision that have defined his career.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders
For Todd, legacy is not about personal accolades but about leaving organizations and people in a better place. His advice to young leaders is both simple and profound: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Growth comes from taking risks and learning from mistakes.”
Through his journey, Todd exemplifies what it means to integrate faith, wisdom, and business acumen to create lasting impact. As he steps into his role at RMA, his story continues to inspire leaders to pursue excellence and embrace the challenges that come with serving God and others.
About Todd White
Todd White is a strategic leader who bridges the worlds of business excellence and faith-based impact. As President of Barna Group, he helped transform Christian research and thought leadership, growing the organization’s influence while maintaining its mission focus. With over 35 years of executive experience, Todd brings a unique blend of financial expertise and mission-driven leadership to faith-based organizations. Starting his career in accounting, he discovered his true calling in helping ministry organizations operate with excellence and purpose. His entrepreneurial mindset and passion for solving complex problems have made him a trusted advisor in both business and ministry contexts. In December 2023, Todd embarked on a new chapter as CEO of Rescue Mission Alliance, where he continues to demonstrate how business principles can drive meaningful social and spiritual impact. Known for his optimistic yet practical approach to leadership, Todd champions the idea that organizational excellence and kingdom impact go hand in hand. He lives in Ventura, California, where he stays active in his local community and church.
