Former Board Member Put Financial Expertise to Use for Foreign Missions

July 18, 2013

Former Board Member Put Financial Expertise to Use for Foreign Missions

July 18, 2013

Gordon Kauffman (far left) served on the HCJB Global Board of Directors, pictured in 1983, when Ron Cline (front row, center) was president.

(July 18, 2013 - by Ralph Kurtenbach) Accepting an invitation to serve in international missions, Gordon Kauffman Sr. joined an evangelical agency's board of directors to offer his expertise and help with budgeting, audits and long term financial projections.

"We didn't have a lot of non-missionaries on the board at that time," said Ron Cline, who just a year later became president of the mission, HCJB Global. He said that Kauffman was just the third "outsider" in the agency's 50-year history to serve alongside missionaries on the board. "Gordon brought a knowledge and expertise in finances, in specific areas, that we had never had on the board," said Cline, who now is the mission's global ambassador.

Born in Chicago on Sept. 5, 1917, Kauffman later became a certified public accountant. Eventually his career choice resulted in his being partner in charge of the Grand Rapids, Mich. office for the firm Deloitte & Touche.

For 25 years he and his wife, Jeanne, raised their family in Grand Rapids. Through the years there, they attended and served at Immanuel Reformed Church and Calvary Church, both in Grand Rapids. They supported numerous mission endeavors throughout the world.

In addition to serving on the board of HCJB Global of Trustees from 1981-86, Kauffman was president of the Grand Rapids Round Table and was a member of the University Club. He served as a board member with the Mutual Home Federal Savings and Loan Association.

In his free time he enjoyed watching baseball and college football. He was an avid hunter and enjoyed fishing. The Kauffmans enjoyed summer vacations at their cottage on Big Star Lake.

During Kauffman's time on the board, Cline found him to be "a man of wisdom and integrity." The Kauffmans opened their home to missionaries passing through Grand Rapids, according to Cline. "Even after he completed his three terms on the board, he continued to help when asked, and continued to be at the HCJB events as possible," he said.

Gordon Kauffman
1917-2013

Kauffman, died on Tuesday, June 11, in Barrington, Ill., just months after Jeanne's death in February. He was 95. Survivors include a son, Gordon L. Jr.; daughters Christie, Pam (Jon) Sneed, Cindy Stravers and Sandi (Stephen) Freed; 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, June 18, at Zaagman Memorial Chapel in Grand Rapids, Mich., with graveside services at Pine Grove Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Mel Trotter Mission, 225 Commerce Ave. SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503,

Sources: HCJB Global, ZoomInfo.com, Zaagman Memorial Chapel

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

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Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.