When it comes to inviting the Church into the lives of vulnerable children and families, we often rely on strategies and playbooks we believe will work. But what if the real reason people aren’t engaging isn’t a lack of interest — it’s a simple, unseen barrier that no one has identified?
In this episode, we explore a brand-new study conducted by Pinkston, a leading marketing and communications agency, in partnership with the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). This research reveals how the public really thinks about foster care — and what truly motivates people to get involved.
Our hope is that this data doesn’t just gather dust on a shelf, but serves as a flashlight, illuminating hidden obstacles and helping us discover new ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families.
Jason Weber first speaks with D.J. Jordan, Senior Vice President at Pinkston, about the study itself. He then discusses the results with CAFO President Jedd Medefind and Jason Johnson, CAFO National Director of Church Engagement and Mobilization. They explore how this data can reshape the ways we engage the Church and empower more people to say “yes” to helping children and families.
This new research challenges our assumptions — and just might help you do your work in foster care more effectively. Download the full report in the resources section below.
Resources and Guests
Engagement in US Foster Care and Adoption: 2025 Data and Trends
Feature Resource: Everyone Can Do Something
We’re not all called to do the same thing, but we are all capable of doing something! Learn more about this book here and purchase at the link below.
Find the book on Amazon here.
Bulk order information here.
D.J. Jordan | Pinkston
Jedd Medefind | CAFO
Jedd has seen (and experienced!) that lives are turned upside-down when Christians begin to reflect God’s heart through adoption, foster care and service to orphans worldwide. This kind of love transforms not only vulnerable children, but also those who open hearts and homes to them. Churches begin to look different, too, as the entire community pulls together for children who’ve known great hurt. Finally, the change touches even onlookers, who encounter the Gospel not only in words, but made visible before their eyes.
Desiring to spur this kind of transformation through the Church, Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
Through CAFO, more than 225 respected organizations unite in shared initiatives, along with a wide network of churches. CAFO’s membership works in tandem to inspire and equip families, churches and organizations for effective service to vulnerable children and families — from adoption and US foster care, to aid and empowerment programs worldwide.
Prior to his this role, Jedd served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, leading the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In this post, he oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community- and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. As described by the Harvard Political Review, these reforms “fundamentally changed the government’s strategy for improving the lives of the downtrodden…”
Previously, Jedd held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. He also helped establish the California Community Renewal Project, which strengthens nonprofits in some of the state’s most challenged communities. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh.
Books written by Jedd include Upended and Four Souls. He also writes articles and op-eds for publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Comment Magazine, and engages radio interviews with both faith-based and mainstream outlets, from NPR and Al Jazeera to Moody Radio. Jedd’s most recent book, Becoming Home, offers a brief-yet-rich exploration of how families and communities can embrace vulnerable children with wisdom and love through adoption, foster care, mentoring and more.
Jason Johnson | CAFO
Jason Weber | Host