Dear Friend:
Do you remember what you were doing 15 years ago? The year was 2010. You may recall that social media was on the rise, Instagram made its debut, the Apple iPad was introduced, and Duke University won the NCAA basketball championship. And, of course, the cost of living was much lower than it is today.
Here in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a new broadcast ministry called Family Talk—now the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI)—was founded.
A Journey of Faith and Family
February of 2010 was a time of transition. I knew the Lord was propelling me to do more to help families and our culture as I sensed His guiding hand on my back to move forward and start the ministry of Family Talk.
In the first few months, we had only a handful of staff and our Christmas card list of constituent names, but we persisted and aired the first Family Talk broadcast on May 3, 2010, on just a few Christian radio stations. Today, we are pleased to reach millions of listeners on more than 1,500 stations, and we pause to remember 15 years of…
helping husbands and wives build healthy relationships,
growing strong and godly families,
and standing for truth and righteousness in an increasingly godless culture.
As we celebrate the 15-year anniversary of JDFI together, let’s take a brief moment to look back and take a glance at what’s ahead. We have some exciting new developments that will allow us to help families in America and around the world.
Inspiring Testimonies
Over the years, I have been honored to host interviews with many influential leaders and voices. There are too many to list here, but you may recall my interviews with guests such as:
Rev. Franklin Graham, Dr. Ben Carson, Eric Metaxas, Charlie Kirk, Dr. Alveda King, Kirk Cameron, Joni Eareckson Tada, Greg Laurie, Jack Hibbs, Bill Gaither, Barry Meguiar, Penny Nance, Mark Levin, George Barna, Anne Graham Lotz, and so many more. Their insights and stories have enriched our broadcasts and newsletters while inspiring countless families.
And you’ve responded enthusiastically to Family Talk programming and JDFI resources. Here are just a few of the testimonies that friends like you have shared with us.
We are so grateful for Dr. Dobson and Family Talk radio. The programming has been so helpful and informative. We really enjoy hearing the variety of programming—from the Honorable Michele Bachmann to Dr. Dobson’s interview with Bill Gaither, and the wonderful redemptive story of Rebekah Hagan reversing an abortion. Dr. Dobson has stood when no one else would. He has stayed in the forefront of so many issues and we are incredibly grateful for his ministry. –Arnold and Caroline
I listen to the broadcast every day. It’s the first thing I listen to when I get up in the morning and it always gives me great information. My husband and I hosted a grandparenting event based off the information we learned on the program. It has encouraged me and others to take a more active role in the lives of our grandchildren, having been informed through your program what they are facing in today’s society. –Erin
Thank you for all your work over the years. You have really touched lives. You helped me raise my young daughter. We’ve called your organization over the years and received resources that helped us both navigate life. Thank you again. You’ve done a heck of a job over the years. –Mary
Extending the Legacy
Fast forward to 2024 when JDFI announced the launch of key initiatives aimed at extending and expanding the legacy of my ministry, including:
Dr. Dobson’s Timeless Truths: The daily Dr. Dobson Minute offers wisdom and guidance for everyday life (available now), along with audio editions of my classic books (coming soon), and a native language global app designed to reach millions for Christ (also coming soon).
The Dobson Culture and Policy Centers: A JDFI platform dedicated to addressing current cultural and policy issues from a Christian perspective.
These initiatives are producing guidance from a biblical perspective for families today and for the future.
In addition, we currently have more than 600 recordings of the popular daily Dr. Dobson Minute ready, with new editions being prepared to include video and a social media expansion.
Our hard-working staff members are diligently continuing to expand distribution of JDFI’s powerful content—which is needed now more than ever—across all types of digital platforms, including a refreshed website, a new global app, blogs, podcasts, and a myriad of social media sites.
JDFI is also extremely blessed that our Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gary Bauer, faithfully represents our call for a Christian perspective on policy issues with the current administration in Washington, D.C.. Gary was part of a recent intimate dinner with President Trump and other Christian leaders during the White House’s celebration of Good Friday and Easter, and he also experienced an exciting moment at the National Day of Prayer, on May 1, 2025. Here’s a short recollection from Gary:
I expected to remain in the audience as the event unfolded. I was surprised and honored when President Trump called me personally up to the stage to join him and others as he prepared to sign an executive order creating a new Religious Liberty Commission. The Commission will develop policies and recommendations to defend religious liberty, with a particular focus on “parental rights in religious education, school choice, conscience protections, attacks on houses of worship, free speech for religious entities, and institutional autonomy.” 1
Honoring Fathers
As we recognize Family Talk’s 15th anniversary, we also want to remember an essential group of men that we seek to support with biblical truth and resources: Christian fathers. Sadly, dads are often comic fodder in contemporary media, but we know their godly role is vital in shaping the lives of children, families, and in society. In fact, Jesus describes God’s relationship with us through the imagery of a father.
Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him! (Luke 11:11-13, ESV).
God compares Himself to a father who seeks to give favorable gifts to his sons and daughters. What greater testimony can we have of the importance of fathers?
As loyal friends, you know I have always emphasized the importance of fatherhood, and JDFI continues to support and uplift fathers in their journey as you will see in this month’s special offer.
Thanking you
Our 15-year anniversary celebration would not be possible without thanking you for being an integral part of the JDFI ministry. Through your contributions and prayers, God has enabled us to touch the lives of millions of listeners and readers over the years. Marriages have thrived. Families have been healed and reconnected. Individuals have been saved by the grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Certainly, God has blessed JDFI, and we trust that He will continue to enable us to offer biblical guidance, hope, and healing to this and future generations.
While much has happened over the past 15 years, there’s one thing that hasn’t changed—and will never change—and that is JDFI’s clarion call to defend the values of family, faith, and freedom. We will continue to pursue the following goals:
protect, preserve, and promote the institution of the family and the biblical principles on which it is based;
seek to introduce as many people as possible to the gospel of Jesus Christ;
promote the sanctity of human life, God-honoring sexuality, religious freedom, respect for the American founding;
and righteousness in the culture.
Matching Your Support
Our monthly offer for June recognizes the vital role fathers play in building a legacy for their children with my book, Your Legacy. We’re also excited to share a special opportunity to multiply the impact of your generosity this month.
The JDFI Board of Directors has authorized release of previously reserved funds of up to $250,000 as a matching grant for immediate ministry needs, so that every dollar received in June, up to $250,000, will effectively double your contribution to advance the mission and further the gospel’s lasting impact for families.
The gracious hand of God has continuously been with us through the years, as evidenced by your faithful friendship, and we are truly thankful for your support and prayers. None of this would be possible without you, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of families across the nation.
James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
Founder Chairman
James Dobson Family Institute
P.S. Stay tuned for more updates and inspiring content coming soon! Follow Dr. Dobson and JDFI on social media and visit drjamesdobson.org for the latest news and resources.
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[1] Bauer, Gary, “Revisiting the National Day of Prayer” (May 7, 2025) Dr. James Dobson Family Institute website.
This letter may be reproduced without change and in its entirety for non-commercial and non-political purposes without prior permission from the Dr. James Dobson Family Institute. Copyright, 2025 JDFI. All Rights Reserved. International Copyright Secured. Printed in the U.S.
