Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stacy Murray Medcalf. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stacy, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

I have been blessed to be a part of founding two non-profit organizations; one with my husband, The God Factor Ministries, Inc., and the other, The Cause, Inc., along with my husband and friends, Lewis and Marcella Harvey. In 2010, I was coming upon the 5th Anniversary of surviving breast cancer. My husband and I, and our friends were on the way to a gospel concert to see Dr. Lonnie Weaver and Genesis and were in discussion about having an event to celebrate that milestone. While discussing things that we could incorporate in the celebration, we began to talk about all of the health issues we all had experienced, as well as our family members. That discussion turned into a four-day event promoting health resource awareness related to all sickness and disease. Healthcare workers, health organizations, physicians, insurance companies, funeral homes, churches, local government, and area businesses joined in our initiative and offered free healthcare screenings, services, information booths and door prizes to bring awareness to the community. That discussion turned into what is now a thriving non-profit organization that assists patients and their families with resources and information as they go through health challenges. The God Factor Ministries was founded in 2011/2012 while my husband, Rev. Larry Medcalf, was recovering from open heart surgery. As a minister, he was troubled about the division that existed among churches, preachers and the various denominations. After watching a series by Rev. Bill Winston, entitled the God Factor, he was inspired to start an initiative that would promote Genuine Unity in the Body of Christ, thus the God Factor Ministries was birthed with the premise “Factor God First in Every Equation”. We strive to bring believers together regardless of their race, gender, denomination or any other obstacles that hinder “oneness” according to the scriptures. Both of our companies/non-profits are dear to my heart because they come from a place of life experiences and serve to make life a little better for all.

Stacy, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am the 7th Child born to Rev. Thomas (Sr.) and Karolyn Murray. Life experiences watching my parents in ministry at church and in the community allowed me to see compassion, love, humility and a spirit of servitude. It all would serve as a resource for my adult life to draw from and pick up that mantle. The work of The Cause, Inc. requires us to deal with individuals who are ill. There are so many paths of need that can be associated with healing, but often are not readily available for lack of knowledge or access. We serve as patient advocates in finding medical equipment, resources for treatment, transportation, providers, insurance and even end of life information. We partner with area businesses/entertainment providers/restaurants to even offer a night out to destress and step away from the challenges the patient and their families are facing. We take pride in making a difference in the lives of others in helping to improve their quality of life. We offer assistance to any and everybody, located anywhere. Because I did not have information and resources while going through breast cancer, I vowed to always share information to help others. The journey we have been on has been instrumental in me becoming a Christian Mental Health Specialist, Life Coach, as well as being a patient advocate. Our introduction into ministry, for my husband and I, came at an early age in life. Our families come from a community where everyone worshiped together without stereotypical division because of religious orientation. We were able to incorporate this concept when The God Factor Ministries was founded. We serve as a conduit to churches, pastors, and the community to assist in breaking down any barriers that hinder individuals from worshiping together as the Bible instructs. We sponsor events throughout the year that offers the opportunity for unity to be at the forefront where individuals come together to share in song, dance, ministry, testimony, and the preached Word. In 2020, my husband started a weekly Facebook Live broadcast, The God Factor Ministries Monday Night Live, to offer encouragement during the Covid 19 pandemic and the social unrest that was going on in the country. The broadcast focuses on Biblical principles and sharing hope through the scriptures. My husband passed away in 2022, but The God Factor and the Monday Night Live broadcast have continued. Various guest pastors, preachers, laypeople have come and shared on the broadcast to continue the goal of offering encouragement through the scriptures.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

The initial capital for The Cause, Inc. came from the American Cancer Society during our Church Association’s annual gathering in August of 2010. We were advertising our first event and a representative from the ACS was in attendance to do a presentation on what they offered. They were so inspired by our concept that the representative called her superiors and was given permission to sponsor $1,000 towards our event. As a result of the ACS donation, our Association, The Providence Regular Missionary Baptist Association matched the donation with $1,000.

The initial capital for The God Factor Ministries came through sponsorships and support from local businesses, in-kind donations, department store volunteerism, grants and area physicians. From the inception of both, nonprofits, we continue to raise capital from a variety of the aforementioned avenues. We have been blessed to have sponsors who continue to support our efforts, both financially and through in-kind donations.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Our social media audience for our ministries is enhanced by our attempt to capture moments. Because we incorporate others in our events for both nonprofits, we strive to promote the individuals who will be participating, as well as sharing audio, video and photos that show their participation. We also use flyers, newspaper articles, as well as invitations to reach a larger audience. Our weekly broadcast on Facebook also serves as a source that helps build our social medial audience, especially when we have an event or there is a guest speaker.

Being consistent in making post and sharing videos, images, etcetera is key. The more you are seen the more people recognize you, which creates a wider territory especially when your content is shared.

I have also found that hash tagging like-content helps to boost and build the audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thegodfactorminist.wixsite.com/
• Facebook: The God Factor Ministries and The Cause, Inc.
• Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@godfactorministriesinc.156
• Other: email
  [email protected]

Image Credits

Kathy Murray-Burs
Sonja Almonte