A Few Words About Dr. James Dobson

March 2000

Dear Friends,

A warm "hello!" to you from Focus on the Family! Dr. Dobson is away from the office right now — working feverishly on a brand new book — and he has asked me to write this month’s letter in his absence. My name is Diane Passno, and I serve as Executive Vice President of Constituent Services here at the ministry. Some of you may recognize my name from the March 1997 edition of Family News, in which I shared excerpts from some of the correspondence we have received. While Dr. Dobson is out of town, I thought I’d take the opportunity to respond to some of the common questions friends such as you ask about Focus on the Family.

There are three areas that come immediately to mind. As a "veteran" who has been with the organization for almost two decades, I’d like to give you an inside perspective on each area of interest.

1. Why did Dr. Dobson start Focus on the Family?

Some of you have heard the story of how, in the mid-1970s, Dr. Dobson became increasingly concerned about the moral decline in our culture and its harmful effects on the institution of the family. He felt that the Lord wanted him to start a radio program to address this issue, so he resigned his professional positions at the University of Southern California School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. The "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast was born, and it reflected Dr. Dobson’s desire to give voice to the concerns of thousands of families across the country whose values and beliefs were under assault.

A few years later, when Focus was still in its infancy, Dr. Dobson felt that the Lord was clearly leading him to spend some time in earnest prayer for the ministry. Accordingly, he set aside three days to fast, pray, and seek God’s guidance. Several days later, Dr. Dobson’s good friend, David "Mac" McQuiston, walked into his office for a chat. During the course of their conversation, they discovered by accident that both of them had been fasting those same three days at the Lord’s direction. At that moment, the two men clearly knew that God now wanted them to pray together for the ministry.

Although it was raining heavily outside, they went to Mac’s car and humbly prayed together in the parking lot. Their desire for themselves and for the entire staff, which consisted of only eight people, was to relinquish control and release the ministry completely into God’s hands. During the course of that two-man prayer meeting, they were reminded of the verse in 2 Chronicles that reads, "... the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly" (2 Chronicles 29:36b). Indeed, in the 23 years since that time, we have seen Focus on the Family grow from a small cluster of one-room offices to a multimedia organization heard in 97 countries. Nevertheless, that same passage of Scripture still adorns the hallways in our current headquarters, continually reminding us that every corner of the ministry belongs not to Dr. Dobson nor to any group of people, but to the Lord.

2. What is it like to work for Dr. Dobson?

People often wonder what it is like to serve under an organizational president who views "success" in terms of listening to God’s voice, rather than experiencing rapid growth or receiving worldly praise. Indeed, Dr. Dobson has always made it clear that our goal is not to win the acclaim of men, but to humbly follow the Lord’s leading and allow Him to use us in whatever manner He sees fit. It is a lesson that every employee of the ministry has learned at one point or another. Our Executive Cabinet meets on a weekly basis to discuss issues relevant to the direction of the ministry, and several years ago, a relatively new member of our staff was asked to make a presentation. While well intentioned, his remarks outlined a plan for significant growth and expansion in a number of departments. After the presentation had been made, Dr. Dobson gently reminded him that Focus on the Family’s purpose is not to perpetuate growth, but to meet the needs of the hurting people who get in touch with us on a daily basis. Dr. Dobson has often remarked that the size of the ministry is irrelevant. We must be prepared to "downsize" Focus on the Family if that is God’s best for His work.

Because of our commitment to the cause of Christ, we endeavor to maintain the highest possible standards in every operation. This dedication to excellence keeps every employee on his or her toes! Perhaps it would be best to let Dr. Dobson explain why this organization has become such a "high touch" ministry. Rolf Zettersten, a former executive vice president here at the ministry, included this quote from Dr. Dobson in the book Turning Hearts Toward Home:

The problem is that people draw conclusions about the validity of [Focus on the Family’s] testimony from the way we respond to their needs. If the person who answers the phone is rude, or if the accounting department fails to pay an invoice on time, or if we mishandle a letter, those who have been rebuffed will conclude, ‘Dobson sounded OK on the radio, like he really cares, but he is just another phony who is in it for himself.’ In other words, our failures become a slur — not on our own names, but on the Gospel itself. We represent Jesus Christ in every transaction, in every corner of this ministry. Therefore, our standard must be nothing short of excellence.1

To cite a practical example, this means that when people call Focus on the Family with a question or a need, we will do our utmost to make sure that they are able to talk to a real person on the other end of the line, rather than fumble their way through an automated telephone system. It has been suggested numerous times that Focus install a voice mail system, but Dr. Dobson has never permitted it. He said, "In a world that is becoming more and more impersonal and distant, there should be an organization where a friendly voice, a prayer or a helping hand is available. I want Focus to be that place of friendship and support for those who contact us." He has often described an imaginary sign at the front of the headquarters that says, "We care about you here."

In addition to quoting Dr. Dobson directly, Rolf Zettersten offers some insights of his own concerning what it is like to work at Focus on the Family. He noted that Dr. Dobson’s attention to detail and his desire to go the extra mile for our constituents has rubbed off on the rest of the staff:

If you understand the principles by which James Dobson lives, you can predict his behavior. He holds certain convictions so deeply that you know he will never violate them. Some members of the [Focus] staff who seem frequently to spark his irritation see him as difficult to please. In truth, they have never really understood the principles by which he operates: attention to detail, respect for every person who reaches out to us, avoiding waste and the desire for superior quality in everything bearing the Focus name. If you know these cherished ideas and implement them, James Dobson is an easy man to work for."2

Our leader may have high standards for his employees, but I can unreservedly vouch for the care, respect and compassion with which he treats each one of us. I’m reminded of the days when the ministry was still operating out of Pomona, California. Several members of our staff were actively involved in the pro-life movement, above and beyond their efforts to defend the unborn through their work at Focus. On one occasion, as a result of their participation in a peaceful protest in front of an abortion clinic, some employees were arrested and sentenced to one week in jail. Without blinking an eye, Dr. Dobson paid those employees’ salaries — out of his own pocket, not out of the ministry’s budget — for the duration of their sentence!

More recently, his care for the Focus staff was displayed after our Renewing the Heart conference in Anaheim, California. A member of our team, exhausted after the two-day event, was flying standby and had already missed several flights while trying to get home. She was waiting alone in the crowded Los Angeles airport when Dr. Dobson —also on his way home — saw her and came up to her to chat. When he learned of her plight (anyone who has been stuck at LAX knows how nerve-wracking it can be!), he phoned a friend of his, who immediately made arrangements for her to get back to Colorado Springs. Our Renewing the Heart team member was astounded that Dr. Dobson — who was also tired and who had a plane to catch himself — would take the time to help her get home for some much-needed rest after a long weekend.

As much as our employees admire Dr. Dobson, there are hundreds of thousands of other individuals around the world who have shared stories of his influence in their lives. To be quite honest, we’ve been a bit surprised by the ways God has allowed this ministry to find favor with so many people. Two recent polls indicate that many people view Dr. Dobson as an incredibly significant leader. The first, conducted by the Christian Web site iBelieve.com, named him as one of the "Most Influential Christians of the 20th Century." The survey covered five different categories, and he earned the top honor as the most influential individual in the Education and Theology arena. (The other honorees included C.S. Lewis in Arts and Sciences, the Reverend Billy Graham in Evangelism and Outreach, Mother Teresa in Public Service, and Reggie White in Sports).3 The second poll, hosted by an Internet news service called The Religion Wire, commended Dr. Dobson as the Christian leader who has made the best use of print and electronic media in the 20th century.4 Indeed, the Lord has blessed this ministry with opportunities to address family issues and promote biblical principles through a variety of media: radio, TV, magazines, videos, newspaper columns and the Internet.

Before moving on to the third question, I should note that we’ve certainly made our share of mistakes here at Focus, and we’re keenly aware that we have fallen short of the mark on numerous occasions. And while we’re humbled and honored by the acclaim that Dr. Dobson and the ministry have received, we’re fully aware that the credit for our success belongs to the Lord. We rejoice in the knowledge that "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like the shifting shadows" (James 1:17). It would be foolish to take pride in our own accomplishments, for every story involving the ministry is really just a testimony of the power of God and His grace in the lives of hurting people.

3. What are Focus on the Family’s goals?

This question may seem better suited for the beginning of the letter, but I’ve saved it for last because the answer helps explain the stories I’ve already shared. I mentioned earlier that Dr. Dobson started the ministry because he was concerned about child rearing and marriage from a biblical perspective. However, the convictions that drive him run even deeper than that. You may have heard about a statement that outlines our purpose called "The Campaign for Righteousness." Our goals are "to bring people to Christ who have never understood Him; to deepen the walk of those who have been nominal believers; to clearly introduce the doctrines of His Lordship: sin, repentance, forgiveness and justification by faith to those who don’t know God or those who only know Him as ‘Friend’ and Creator ... and to inspire those who are working at Focus to love one another in a way that is pleasing to Him and displays to all the love of Christ." What encourages me most about this statement is that Dr. Dobson "walks the talk" by living out these principles every day, both inside and outside of Focus on the Family. The Campaign for Righteousness is truly his life statement, driven by a desire is to make his time here on earth matter by bringing people into the Kingdom.

This mindset will seem particularly noteworthy to those of you who know a little about Dr. Dobson’s legacy. His great-grandfather, George McCluskey, was a dedicated man of God who, after years of daily prayer for his family, received an assurance that every member for four successive generations (including his own) would serve the Lord. Dr. Dobson’s own father, James Dobson, Sr., was a gifted minister whose prayer was that his son would grow to become a man who followed the Lord’s lead in every area of his life. Dr. Dobson’s desire to let our Heavenly Father determine the direction of Focus on the Family is a direct answer to the prayers of the godly men in his family who came before him. That is why he is careful never to take credit for the blessings the Lord has bestowed upon this organization.

Even though God’s grace is the reason for our existence, we’re keenly aware that He has used the prayers and support of good friends like you to keep us afloat. Dr. Dobson always says, to anyone who will listen, how much he appreciates those of you who have supported Focus over the years with your words of encouragement, your finances and, most importantly, your prayers. In fact, his eyes still get misty when he recalls the time he was racing through the Denver airport, trying to catch a plane. Suddenly, a complete stranger stopped him and said, "I want you to know that I pray for you every day." Obviously moved, Dr. Dobson asked the man’s name. In reply, the man said, "My name isn’t important. Just know that I’m praying for you." That event served as a powerful reminder to Dr. Dobson of the many friends who lift him and this ministry before the Lord on a consistent basis. All of us here at Focus are indebted to our friends for all you’ve done to help keep us moving onward and upward.

In short, I firmly believe that Focus on the Family has continued to grow as a result of Dr. Dobson’s desire to do God’s will in every particular and his commitment to consistency between his private life and public persona. I should also add that he is so careful with ministry donations that he makes Scrooge look like a spendthrift (especially for someone who doesn’t take a salary)! I’ll never forget the time Dr. Dobson’s car broke down in front of the entrance to our building in Pomona. Our facilities staff went out to work on the car and was able to repair it by buying a simple, six-dollar part. They came back into the building to report the good news to Dr. Dobson, who immediately insisted that the six dollars come out of his own pocket, and not out of the Focus budget. It was a relatively insignificant expenditure, but Dr. Dobson was adamant that the "blood money" of those who support us not be used to fix his car!

To boil it all down, there is one overriding passion that drives Dr. Dobson, and, by association, the ministry of Focus on the Family. In a word, we are committed to stewardship. Even though I’m writing this letter on his behalf, I think it would be appropriate, once again, to let Dr. Dobson sum it up for you in his own words. The following quote comes from a "Focus on the Family" radio broadcast, after he was asked how he wanted to be remembered. He said:

I don’t think it’s important that I be remembered at all. I don’t think it’s of any great significance in the great scheme of things that I be remembered, except by my loved ones—my family. For those, I would hope I would be remembered as a person who ... gave unselfishly and who loved Jesus Christ. For me, the most important reason for living is to anticipate that moment when I stand before the Lord and I hear Him say, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’ That I want more than anything else in my life. That is the ultimate goal I have for living— and to take as many people with me as to heaven as I possibly can.

With that, we’ll bring this letter to a close. I hope these brief comments have given you a deeper understanding of Dr. Dobson and the beliefs and convictions that drive him. He’ll resume his responsibilities as the writer of Family News next month. Until then, please continue to remember the Dobsons and everyone here at Focus in your prayers, as these are hectic days for us. And of course, please don’t hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do for you and your loved ones. I have personally loved reading and hearing what you are thinking about over the years ... you have enriched my life immensely! May God bless you this month!

Sincerely,

Diane Passno
Executive Vice President

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