Finish Line Podcast Episode 52

John Rinehart, Author of Gospel Patrons, on the Patterns Among the World’s Most Generous

You may want your career, income, and influence to serve God’s Kingdom, yet still wonder how your role outside vocational ministry fits into the bigger story of the gospel.

What could change if you began seeing generosity not simply as giving money away, but as partnering deeply with people God has called to lead, preach, serve, and build?


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Meet your guide

John Rinehart, founder of Gospel Patrons and author of the book Gospel Patrons, spent years wrestling with the role of businesspeople and professionals in God’s Kingdom. After working in sales, studying at Talbot School of Theology, and traveling around the world with his wife, he discovered historical stories of generous Christians whose resources, relationships, and influence helped fuel major movements of the gospel.

John explains how these behind-the-scenes partnerships have appeared throughout Christian history, from supporters of Bible translation and revival movements to modern business leaders helping expand access to Scripture. His research convinced him that ministry is not reserved for pastors and missionaries. God also equips people in business, medicine, finance, technology, and other professions to strengthen those doing frontline gospel work.

Rather than waiting for greater wealth or the perfect opportunity, John encourages small, repeated steps of faith and generosity. By the end, you may see your profession and resources as an active part of how God has equipped you to participate in His Kingdom.

What you’ll gain

  • How your profession can become part of gospel ministry
  • Why major gospel movements often depend on generous partners
  • How small steps of giving prepare you for larger opportunities
  • Why generosity grows through action rather than good intentions
  • How relationships can turn giving into deeper ministry partnership
  • Why obedience matters more than having extraordinary financial resources

Inspired? Take your next step

Try the Game of Life Simulator

Step into a four-minute interactive experience and see what unfolds as you decide how to manage your resources.

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Game of Life Simulator Mobile Screenshot

Quotes to Remember

  • “Why do I work? What is money for? What’s the role of business people in the Kingdom of God?”
  • “Behind every great movement of God, there is always going to be a behind-the-scenes generous, professional person who says: I’m in!”
  • “The work of the Kingdom of God is not just for pastors or missionaries.”
  • “No matter what gift you have, you can bring it to the table and God wants to use it.”
  • “I think the historical patronage partnerships were significant because they unlock the way God works.”
  • “Tithing isn’t the finish line of Christian giving, it’s the starting line.”
  • “God is going to introduce you to people who need your support.”
  • “Every great step of faith we’re ever going to take is preceded by 100 tiny little steps of faith that lead us to be ready for those moments.”
  • “You will be ready to step into your moment because you’ve already stepped into 100 smaller moments.” 
  • “If we want to have great faith, we’ve got to use it.”
  • “You grow in giving by giving.”
  • “Gospel patrons who live lives of radical, inspiring generosity are people who first and foremost have understood and grasped the gospel.”
  • “We become like that which we worship.”
  • “One of the themes I see among great gospel patrons is that their true and pure genius is obedience. They’re gifted is all sorts of ways, but when God speaks, they move.”
  • “The generous life is the most joyful life there is.”

Links from the Show

Bible References from the Show

Luke 8:1-3 | The Patron Women Accompanying Jesus

1 Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, 3 and Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager, and Susanna, and many others, who provided for them out of their means.

Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.

Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.

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Use Our
Free Guide

Have you considered the ways you are uniquely called into generosity? We’re not all called into the same adventure.
Generosity Profile Image
Enter your information below and we’ll send you our free PDF guide to explore the specific adventure you were called into.
Generosity Profile Image

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