In this episode of The Better Samaritan Podcast, Kent and Jamie chat with Michael Cerna, CEO of the Accord Network, about the balance between innovation and relationships in the Christian relief sector. Michael shares his journey from Hope International to leading over 100 organizations, offering insights on how to drive progress without losing trust and collaboration.
Michael discusses the challenges of moving from a high-pressure consulting role to Christian development work, including burnout, resilience, and the importance of self-care. His candid reflections provide valuable lessons on setting boundaries and building supportive leadership for a sustainable career.
We also explore how diversity fuels innovation within the Accord Network's 120 member organizations. Michael explains how embracing different perspectives can lead to transformative change, even when consensus is challenging. This conversation highlights the beauty of collaboration across differences, reflecting the kingdom of God as we all strive to be better Samaritans in our communities.
Bio:
Michael Cerna is the CEO of Accord Network. He recently left his role as Director of Partnership Strategy with HOPE International. His journey in the Christian Relief & Development sector began with a research position in the West Bank and Palestinian territories before spending time with McKinsey & Company, a global management firm. Those experiences and the previous decade in this sector have helped Michael fulfill his passion for assisting faith-based NGOs to become more collaborative, effective ministries for God's Kingdom.
Resources:
Accord Network
Spiritual First Aid
Download your free copy of our Called to Serve: Navigating Your Christian Vocation in Humanitarian, Disaster, and Development Work e-book, which includes articles full of practical advice, insight, and encouragement. Each of the three sections concludes with thought-provoking questions and a prayer. We hope this e-book informs and guides you toward reflection, prayer, and next steps.
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This episode was produced by WildfireCreative
Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance
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(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to “do good, better” involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes, it will make us uncomfortable; sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction–especially in our blind spots.)
The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers an M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.
Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div., co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are the Co-Founders of Spiritual First Aid.
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