Focus on the Family Cuts 21% of Colorado Springs Staff
- Posted by: Todd
- Posted on: Tue, November 18, 2008
- Viewed 237
- (14) comments so far
No word on how these cuts will affect Focus’s overseas jobs.
FOF depends on donations for about 95% of their income.
Me thinks that a big part of this, is, of course the current economic condition. I do wonder what part of it is the aging audience of FOF, and their lack of connecting with a new generation. Add to that the increased political tone of the organization in the past years. Almost like the perfect storm.
Your thoughts?
Focus on the Family is cutting over 200 jobs, over 21% of their work force of 950 employees at their Colorado Springs campus. Many of the cuts are in the marketing, operations, finance, and human resource departments. 53 positions were currently already vacant, so about 150 people will actually lose their jobs, and were notified recently.
Also gone: four of eight magazines that FOF publishes. They plan to put more of that content on-line...
Comments
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shane on Tue, November 18, 2008
Todd,
I could not agree more. FOF is not in touch with today’s culture, even the church culture they have lost some touch with. They have become highly political, IMO not a good thing for a non-profit. Just look at their logo, it’s 2008 not 1808! FOF needs some new younger leadership which can identify with our culture today. I am not talking about FOF compromising their values, but being able to relate in todays world. Time for some reconstruction at FOF, or maybe a government bailout http://www.mondaymorninginsight.com/images/smileys/wink.gif
Leonard on Tue, November 18, 2008
When I was a kid playing high school football we ran a series of plays. This was the mid to late 70’s. My cousin who was in high school in the mid to late 60’s knew our plays because he played against our school 10 years earlier. I worked on that campus in the late and early 90’s as a missionary to students but noticed the football team was still running the same plays. The difference was that in the 70’s we were winning with those plays, 15 years later we were losing because the game had changed.
FoF is still running plays from the 70’s and 80’s but the game has changed.
Brian Ayers on Tue, November 18, 2008
I tend to agree… I think what’s needed is a “re-branding” with a new look and new leadership as well as a refocus on what they originally set-out to do….
Dobson has written some great books and done some great work, but because he’s become such a political hot potato I, and I’m sure many others, am hesitant to use his material or the material from FOF because I don’t want to appear to be endorsing or agreeing with some of the stuff he likes to go on Fox&Friends;and say…. ....and publicly praying for rain at Obama’s DNC speech was just low.
Stretch Mark Mama on Tue, November 18, 2008
FoF is still around? Who knew?
Brian Newsome on Tue, November 18, 2008
I’m a reporter for The Gazette, in Colorado Springs, and I’m writing a story about this very idea that it is not just the economy, but the cultural struggle to retain and recruit young people. Anyone care to talk? Please e-mail or call at 719-636-0198.
Pat on Tue, November 18, 2008
Hmmm, did Dr. Dobson include these cuts in his letter about President-elect Obama and 2012? Maybe somehow he’s behind this too…..
Sue on Tue, November 18, 2008
In the 70s, my brother Dr. Dobson was wise - because he stuck to what he knew about. Somewhere along the way, first “the family” became an idol, then political power became the way and the truth. I am surprised that it took this long for their brand to falter. After the Letter from 2012 (which I was dearly hoping no one would notice), my husband said he wished we could ask for all the money we’ve sent them over the years back. They have got to the point where they are actually doing damage to the cause of Christ; it is time for them to stop. People at my church don’t take anything from them seriously anymore - I literally can’t use it among them.
Peter Hamm on Tue, November 18, 2008
New leadership would make a huge difference. Look at what happened with Crown Ministries, they succeeded after the death of their “big name”.
If this organization doesn’t get its act together, it will be a big loss for us. I do NOT like Dobson’s “political-ness”, but as a family advisor, I think he’s been pretty great. There has to be somebody who could take up the reins and attract people’s interest again.
Jermayn on Tue, November 18, 2008
Agree that the best thing Dobson could do would be to hand the batton over. Every minister must do it and dobson is no exception.
I love Dobsons stuff and most of it is still practical but just needs a different slant of it. Logo would be the first…
Good to see that they are going to release the newsletters etc over the Internet.
Ade on Wed, November 19, 2008
Gee, FOTF is bigger than it ever has been, has more followers and more support globally than ever before, has more methods of outreach including popularity with young children, teens and college students than ever before…but you could be right. It could be just a coincidence that their sudden lack of connection has occurred at the same time as Citicorp, Sun Microsystems, Pepsi, Toyota, AT&T;, Zappos, Gannett and major retailers restaurants and making massive layoffs and shuttering operations; and their 95% support base has watched their 401Ks loose 40% of value,..
Todd Rhoades on Wed, November 19, 2008
Ade,
What bubble have you been living in?
FoF peaked years ago from everything I’ve read.
Todd
Carol on Sun, November 23, 2008
It really saddens me to see us criticize godly men like James Dobson and analyze why its wrong that he hasn’t changed. I for one, am so thankful that this honorable man has stood up for what he believes when no one else would. Our world is changing, but God never changes. We should never question the motives of leaders when we are not in their shoes. What ever happened to God’s leading and obedience to that? If Dr. Dobson is following God’s leading, and who are we to question that, then I commend him. I do happen to believe that God still uses him greatly and I appreciate his willing heart. We should all be as passionate to serve God and others and not just cave in to the world and its view of how we should live. We’ve become so politically correct and immersed in social justice that we’ve taken our eye of off the balance of the complete word of God. Let’s get out of our “little box” way of thinking and give God some credit for being able to use his people in different ways. He can use the culturally relevant to reach whom he chooses and he can use Dr. Dobson to reach a different segment of people. As long as James Dobson has a humble heart, and I believe he does, God will continue to use him. Why do we think the economic times can effect everything but a ministry. That’s the big factor here. We could pray for this ministry and thank God for it, instead of being critical of it.
Casey Sabella on Mon, November 24, 2008
I stopped listening to Dobson years ago. Like others who have commented, most of his shows re-state the obvious politically and leave the hearer wringing their hands and wondering what they are going to do. It really doesn’t take any talent to point out the obvious - that goes for most talk show radio hosts as well.
The format is also difficult to stomach. The patronizing way in which Dobson and the moderator speak to one another is really annoying. I personally wish they would drop all the title stuff and refer to the man as Jim. Really a turn off after awhile.
In any case, if others are permitted to make changes, FOTF could be re-tooled and become a great source for good; but I agree, it is time for Dr. D to step aside.
Bill Thompson on Mon, November 24, 2008
Some of these posts I believe are a bit unfair. There’s no question that FOF is undergoing change. Their new logo reflects that.
But their problems are endemic to an economic system as much as (or more so than) anything else.
Check with just about ANY not-for-profit. There are layoffs and budget cut backs at nearly every singe one. FamilyLife, for instance, also has just released many employees . . . not for their content, but because of the economics. You may disagree with their message and methodology, but it’s not fair to blame that on their cut backs. And, their cutbacks aren’t nearly as drastic as many for-profit companies which have slashed jobs solely motivated by profit.
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