Herbie Newell
Herbie Newell serves as the President & Executive Director of Lifeline Children’s Services, holds an MBA in Accounting from Samford University and brings years of experience from his work as an independent auditor at WAKM Companies, LLC. Serving as Lifeline's Executive Director since 2003, Herbie has significantly expanded international outreach, obtained licensure in 17 states, and led the establishment of the foster care arm. A passionate advocate, he co-founded (un)adopted in 2009, focusing on equipping orphaned children with life skills for community transformation. Herbie, also the author of "Image Bearers: Shifting from Pro-birth to Pro-Life," emphasizes that being pro-life extends beyond opposing abortion, urging a broader ethic that includes fighting for racial equality and embracing every individual with the love of Christ. Herbie and his wife, Ashley, reside in Birmingham, Alabama, and are the parents to three children.
Appears in 549 Episodes
A Season of Change: Defender Podcast Update
After eight incredible years, the Defender Podcast is taking a short sabbatical. In this episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the journey so far, shar...
5 Years Waiting for China Adoption
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline’s Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss the heartbreaking ...
Adoption Counseling Redefined: A New Resource from Lifeline
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Christy Mack Segars, Vice President of Domestic Services at Lifeline Children’s Services, introduces the new Design Adoption C...
The Changing Landscape of the Pro-Life Movement: A Conversation with Jor-El Godsey
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Jor-El Godsey, president of Heartbeat International, to discuss the evolving landscape of the pro-l...
Championing Life in 2025
In this first episode of 2025, Herbie Newell is joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline Children's Services' Senior Director of Church Partnerships, to discuss the si...
Love: Advent Week 4 – Reflecting Christ's Sacrificial Love
In this final episode of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the greatest gift of Christmas—God’s love. He shares a powerful story from Lifeline Children's Se...
The Waiting Season: Lessons from Advent and Adoption
In this special Christmas episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the profound lessons of Advent and their parallels to adoption ...
Joy: Advent Week 3 – The Shepherd's Song of Praise
In this Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell reflects on the joy found in the true meaning of Christmas. As we approach the third week of Advent,...
Best of 2024: Opening Hearts and Homes – The Hart Family's Foster Care Journey
In this special Best of 2024 episode, originally aired on May 15, 2024, we revisit a heartfelt conversation with Matthew and Makyna Hart, ministry leaders from Movemen...
Preparing the Way: Advent Week 2 – Making Space for Jesus
In this second week of our Advent series, Herbie Newell reflects on the theme of preparation. As we enter the busy holiday season, he challenges us to pause amidst the...
Best of 2024: Heartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions
In this rebroadcast of one of the best episodes from 2024, The Defender Podcast revisits a powerful conversation between Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's S...
Waiting in Hope: Advent Week 1 – Trusting in God’s Promises
In this special Advent edition of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell explores the theme of waiting as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ. Reflecting on th...
A Heart of Thanksgiving: Reflecting on God’s Goodness Through All Seasons
As 2024 draws to a close, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton reflect on the significance of cultivating gratitude, even amidst life’s challenges. Drawing from Scripture...
Empowering Churches to Care: A Conversation with Andy Cook of Promise 686
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton welcome Andy Cook, President and CEO of Promise 686, a ministry dedicated to equipping churc...
Embracing the Call of Adoption During National Adoption Month
Join Herbie Newell and Karla Thrasher on this special National Adoption Month episode of The Defender Podcast as they explore the profound impact of adoption on vulner...
Engaging the Vulnerable: A Conversation with Josh Benton of Send Relief
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, Dr. Rick Morton and Herbie Newell sit down with Josh Benton, National Vice President of Send Relief, recorded live at the Sout...
Orphan Sunday: A Call to Action for the Church with Pastor Chris Johnson
In this special episode of The Defender Podcast, host Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton are joined by Pastor Chris Johnson, Lifeline’s Senior Director of Church Partne...
Heartbreaking News: The Future of China Adoptions
In today's episode of The Defender Podcast, Herbie Newell is joined by Karla Thrasher, Lifeline's Senior Director of International Adoption, to discuss a devastating a...
2024 Mid-Year Ministry Update: Celebrating Lifeline’s Impact
In this episode of The Defender Podcast, hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton provide a mid-year update on Lifeline Children's Services' ministry efforts in 2024, c...
Pastor Greg Matte on Adoption and Community Impact
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, hosts Rick Morton and Herbie Newell engage in a heartfelt discussion with Pastor Greg Matte of Houston’s First Baptist Church ...