The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute Mission
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson’s flagship program, “Family Talk,” is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.
The Core Principles & Truths That Guide Our Organization
Mission Statement
To help preserve and promote the institution of the family and the biblical principles on which it is based; to seek to introduce as many people as possible to the gospel of Jesus Christ; and to promote the sanctity of human life, God-honoring sexuality, religious freedom, respect for the American founding; and righteousness in the culture.
Covenant
1. We believe “Through wisdom a house is built and by understanding it is established.” Proverbs 24:3
2. We will not allow ourselves to get so busy with the cares of life that we neglect our children.
3. We will make our voices heard regarding the impact of godly families – on our children and on culture.
Statement of Faith: We Believe...
1. In the Bible as the inspired, only, infallible, authoritative Word of God.
2. In the one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
3. In the deity of our Lord Jesus Christ, in His virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father and in His personal return in power and glory.
4. In the salvation of lost and sinful men and women, and in regeneration by the Holy Spirit as being absolutely essential.
5. In the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
6. In the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they who are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they who are lost unto the resurrection of damnation; and
7. In the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Overarching Ministry Distinctives:
1. To introduce as many as possible to the Gospel of Jesus Christ;
2. To protect and promote the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death;
3. To preserve and promote the institution of the family;
4. To preserve and promote the institution of marriage;
5. To preserve and promote parenthood and sound parenting;
6. To preserve and promote human sexuality as male and female with their unique and complementary characteristics;
7. To educate husbands, wives, fathers, mothers, and children and to give them Christ-oriented counsel;
8. To preserve and promote religious liberty as rooted in the dignity of humankind and protected by the First Amendment;
9. To encourage righteousness in the culture; and
10. To encourage respect for the American founding, its Constitution, the role of judges to interpret and not to make law, and the free enterprise system.
Our Board of Directors
Dr. James Dobson
Jon Gibson
Jon Gibson, President of the Jon Gibson Company, has spent more than 40 years developing residential and commercial properties spanning over 1,800 acres in ten cities. Among his notable projects was helping Dr. James Dobson relocate his ministry headquarters from Southern California to Colorado Springs. His longtime friendship with Dr. Dobson and their shared concern for America’s families have had a lasting influence on Jon’s philanthropic efforts. Beyond real estate, Jon has devoted decades to causes supporting families, mentoring at-risk youth, and caring for vulnerable children. His many roles have included serving on the founding board of Family Talk and supporting organizations such as the Christian Association of Youth Mentors and Firm Foundations Romania. A former U.S Air Force pilot, Jon and his wife, Marylois, have two children and eight grandchildren.
Hon. Michele Bachmann
Dr. Bart Brock
Dr. Bart Brock brings more than two decades of executive leadership experience with global consumer brands such as First Alert and Coleman, specializing in organizational transformation and strategic growth. A former accounting professor at Colorado Christian University, he holds an MBA from Emory University, a Ph.D. in organization development from Benedictine University, and is a licensed CPA. He is also the author of The Widower’s Night: A Journey from Death to Life.
Danae Dobson
Danae Dobson is an established author who also maintains a speaking ministry, addressing women at church-related events, such as banquets, teas, and conferences. She is also currently serving as senior editor at the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute.
Lisa Granger
Lisa Granger is an interior designer and active volunteer. She enjoys sharing her love of design, faith, hospitality and support with many. A graduate of Hope College, Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and later a second degree in Interior Architecture.
Wayne Mihailov
Wayne Mihailov serves as principal of Istina Group, a real estate and aviation investment firm. A Naval Academy graduate with advanced degrees in engineering and business, he served in the Navy’s Civil Engineer Corps before ascending to senior leadership positions across GE Capital. He is also a patent holder and certified Six Sigma Master Black Belt. Building on that foundation, Wayne founded several businesses, most notably Airline MRO Parts (AMP), a technology-based commercial aviation supply chain company. As CEO and managing partner, he built AMP into a $250M+ international business. Reflecting his deep commitment to Christian ministry and education, Wayne has served on the boards of Arizona Christian University, the Titus Foundation, and Center for Arizona Policy. He and his wife, Tanya, who is also a Naval Academy graduate and frequent board member, divide their time between Wyoming, Arizona, and Colorado, and are active members of Evident Life Church.
John Roise
John Roise is a U.S. Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War. He went on to have a successful career in corporate banking before launching several thriving entrepreneurial ventures. He is the owner of Lindsay Window & Door, with offices throughout the Midwest and Southern California. John is deeply committed to ministry and currently serves as chairman of the board for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, among other organizations. He faithfully uses his platform to glorify God through his words, actions, and generosity. John and his wife, Kelly, divide their time between Minnesota and Florida.
Alan Sears
Alan has a wealth of experience as a board member for many faith-based non-profit entities, as a leader and a world-class religious freedom litigator. He was the founding President, CEO, and General Counsel of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF).
Jay Snyder
Jay Snyder is a leader in the hospitality real estate industry, with nearly four decades of experience in the ownership, investment, and brokerage of hotels and resorts throughout the United States and Canada. He has played a significant role in shaping the modern hospitality real estate market through landmark transactions, strategic sales and marketing initiatives, and innovative deal structures. Jay’s extensive experience as an owner and broker, combined with a deep understanding of the luxury hospitality sector, has positioned him as a trusted advisor to owners, investors, and industry leaders navigating complex hotel and resort transactions. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jay has devoted more than six decades to serving in church and parachurch ministries. He has provided leadership and guidance across a range of organizations and initiatives. Jay’s professional career and longstanding commitment to service reflect a life defined by leadership, stewardship, and a dedication to creating lasting impact.
Dr. Roy Stringfellow
Advisory Members
Rebecca Hagelin
Rebecca Hagelin has championed faith and family values in Washington, DC for some 25 years. She speaks around the nation educating parents on how to combat the negative affects of the pop media culture on their children.
Bob McEwen
Bob was elected to represent Ohio’s Sixth district in the US House of Representatives in 1980. Prior to his Congressional service, he operated a successful Ohio Real Estate and Development firm, and served three terms in the Ohio General Assembly as the Senior Republican on the Financial Institutions and Insurance Committee.