The Three F's of Kingdom Leadership: Faith, Focus, and Favor

In the bustling world of Christian leadership, where the demands are constant and the stakes are eternal, Don Oglesby, CEO of Homes of Hope, Inc., offers a profound yet simple framework for success: Faith, Focus, and Favor. His journey, spanning nearly three decades, is a testament to the power of truly believing God is real and allowing Him to be the ultimate CEO.

Don's story with Homes of Hope began not as the literal founder, but as the 'adopting daddy,' taking a fledgling idea and nurturing it into a thriving organization. Homes of Hope addresses two critical needs: affordable housing development for low-income, workforce, disabled, or elderly individuals, and, just as important, workforce development for men overcoming addiction. They've built 746 single-family homes across South Carolina, providing stability and a foundation for families to thrive. Their men's program, a Christ-centered after-recovery initiative, boasts a remarkable 92% success rate of remaining sober for at least one year, transforming lives and equipping men with valuable construction skills that lead to high-demand, well-paying jobs.

The Gift of Skills

Don vividly recalls a pivotal moment when one of their first graduates, equipped with new credentials and an employer, came into his office. Don expected to hear gratitude for a second chance or renewed faith. Instead, the man held out his hands and declared, 'You gave me a skill. And it's my skill, and nobody can take it from me. And people are willing to pay me for it.' This profound statement underscored the transformative power of tangible skills, elevating the man's self-worth and providing a sustainable path forward. It's a testament to Homes of Hope's commitment to not just offer a hand-out, but a hand-up, fostering true generational change.

From Matthew 25 to Matthew 28: A Holistic Approach

Homes of Hope operates on the principle that people in a Matthew 25 crisis (basic needs like hunger, sickness, and housing) are often not ready to hear a Matthew 28 message of discipleship. By addressing immediate needs through affordable housing and skill development, they build relationships and create an environment where spiritual growth can flourish. This holistic approach ensures that stability precedes discipleship, allowing individuals to truly engage with their faith journey.

The Three F's: A Blueprint for Kingdom Leaders

Don's core advice for Christian CEOs and leaders revolves around his 'Three F's':

• Faith: "Believe God's real," Don emphasizes. It's not enough to acknowledge His existence; leaders must truly entrust their organizations to Him. Don's personal practice of dedicating two hours every Wednesday morning to listen to God, acknowledging Him as the true CEO, has been a cornerstone of Homes of Hope's success. This radical trust removes the pressure from human leaders, allowing divine guidance to lead the way.
• Focus: "Do exactly what He called you to do." Don recounts a powerful conversation with a mentor during a challenging 'wilderness' period. When asked how many houses he wanted to build, Don replied, '50.' The mentor's response was a game-changer: 'What if God only wanted you to build five?' The lesson was clear: God will fund what He calls you to do, not necessarily what you desire. Homes of Hope has never deviated from its core mission of men's development and housing, even as their methods have evolved. This unwavering focus ensures alignment with God's will and His provision.
• Favor: "Let him do what only he can do." Don understands that human effort plants and waters, but only God makes things grow. Favor isn't earned; it's a divine blessing that accompanies obedience and focus. By staying true to their calling, Homes of Hope has witnessed exponential growth, from humble beginnings to a multi-million dollar organization impacting countless lives.

The Journey of a Lifetime: Guided by God's Hand

Don's own journey, from a calling to ministry to gaining business acumen and financial expertise, was divinely orchestrated. He believes his business background, coupled with his theological training, uniquely equipped him for the entrepreneurial demands of nonprofit leadership. Homes of Hope's reputation as an innovative nonprofit stems from this blend of spiritual guidance and practical business principles.

In a world often driven by human ambition, Don Oglesby's story is a powerful reminder that true Kingdom leadership is about surrendering control, listening intently to God's voice, and courageously obeying His direction. It's a journey of faith, focus, and the incredible favor that follows when God is truly the CEO.

(To hear the full story behind Homes of Hope, check out Don's Book, "Still Desperate in the Promised Land" available here: https://www.stilldesperate.com/ )