Guideposts CEO John Temple: Modernizing Faith for a Disconnected World
In a time where many feel more isolated, faithless, and disconnected from their faith, John Temple seeks to “grow people’s spiritual well-being.” Temple currently serves as the CEO of Guideposts, a nonprofit organization that helps people connect with their faith.
While his goal over the years has remained unchanged, his delivery methods have changed dramatically. Temple has helmed the organization’s transition from a direct mail-based business model to a multimedia approach, leveraging apps, social media, and other digital platforms. “It’s no longer just about getting a book or magazine into someone’s hands,” he said. He continues to emphasize forming long-lasting relationships with users. “It’s about forming a relationship with them so they come to us when they need hope or inspiration.”
Temple aims to foster daily spiritual habits in all Guideposts users. Temple likened this process to training for a marathon in preparation for life’s difficulties, and explained, “When life’s big challenges come—whether it’s a cancer diagnosis, a divorce, or a job loss—you’ll already have the spiritual resilience to face them.”
Over the decades, Temple’s method has impacted countless lives. For instance, Temple recalled a pastor who turned to Guideposts’ sleep meditation app during a series of personal crises, including losing his home and facing a cancer diagnosis. The app helped him manage stress, rebuild relationships, and ultimately recover both physically and emotionally.
Debbie Macomber, now a best-selling author, also remains indebted to Guideposts. She turned to the organization for guidance at a crucial moment in her career – she had received countless rejections for her books. “She wrote to our founder, ready to give up,” Temple recounted. “He responded, telling her to keep going. Decades later, she’s sold hundreds of millions of books.”
Guideposts embraces inclusivity as a cornerstone of its mission – the organization is non-dogmatic and non-political. “We don’t tell you what to believe,” he said. “Our goal is simply to make you feel inspired and hopeful.” This approach has allowed Guideposts to reach a diverse audience, from devout Christians to those simply seeking positivity and encouragement.
Temple further believes that Guideposts can help people of any religious caliber feel more confident in today’s world. Rapidly advancing technology often makes our lives feel uncertain, and the key to navigating these changes lies in clarity of purpose. “Being sure about your purpose is the only constant,” he explains. “Everything else—apps, books, digital content—is just a tactic. The tactics will change, but the mission remains the same.”
Temple’s ambitious goal for the future is to support 5% of the U.S. population—about 17 million people. “When 5% of a population is motivated and focused, it can create massive change,” he explained. “If we can inspire just 5% of people to be more positive, kind, and humble, that hope will spread.” Temple’s faith in this goal rests on his belief in the transformative power of hope and community. Whether through digital innovation, events, or timeless messages of faith, he is determined to build a more hopeful and connected world.