Rick Morton
As Vice President of Engagement, Rick Morton shepherds the ministry’s outreach to individual, church, and organizational ministry partners as well as the ministry’s commitment to publishing resources that aid families and churches in discipling orphans and vulnerable children. Prior to Lifeline, Rick served for 15 years as a college and seminary professor, and he also served local churches in Tennessee, Louisiana, and Mississippi. He is an accomplished writer and sought after speaker. Most notably, Rick is the co-author of the popular Orphanology: Awakening to Gospel-centered Adoption and Orphan Care and the author of KnowOrphans: Mobilizing the Church for Global Orphanology. Rick and his lovely wife Denise have been married for over 32 years, and they have 3 children, all of whom joined their family through international adoption. God has continued to grow their family, and he now enjoys the role of “Doc” to his precious granddaughter!
Appears in 564 Episodes
Celebrating Social Work Month: Lifeline's Unsung Heroes
Join hosts Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton in this special episode of The Defender Podcast as they express gratitude to the unsung heroes of Lifeline Children's Serv...
Honoring our Global Partner on International Women's Day
The latest episode of the Defender podcast delves into the celebration of International Women's Day by highlighting the work of Global Orphan Care Partner in Pakistan....
Global Partners in Life
In this episode of the Defender Podcast, join us in an inspiring conversation with Beau Sides, the founder and president of Global Partners In Life, a non-profit organ...
Gender & Sexuality in Today's Culture
In today's episode of The Defender podcast, we sit down with Rev. Zach Coffin, whose incredible journey began with a miraculous encounter with God at the age of 5 when...
Hope for the Journey
In our latest episode of The Defender Podcast, we welcome Justin Myers, the Director of Programs at Show Hope discussing the Hope for the Journey Conference. Justin pa...
Love, Marriage, and Family: A Biblical Perspective for Stronger Homes
In this insightful episode, Herbie Newell and Dr. Rick Morton explore the significance of Valentine's Day through the lens of Christian values, emphasizing the importa...
Finding Strength in Our Call
Join Dr. Rick and Kara Clark in this follow-up episode as they expand on the "Coping with Emotional Exhaustion" episode from last year. They delve into the intersectio...
The Landscape of International Adoption in 2024
In this episode, Lifeline's very own Karla Thrasher and Jana Lombardo join the podcast to talk about the landscape of international adoption. Listen in as they reflect...
Overcoming Winter Blues
In today's episode we are joined by Lynn Becket, a seasoned professional with a background in social work and extensive experience in foster care and adoption. Listen ...
Journey of Healing: A Pregnancy Counselor's Path Through Abortion
In today's episode of the Defender podcast, Dr. Rick Morton engages in a deeply moving conversation with Alexis Morris, a pregnancy counselor at Lifeline Children's Se...
Chelsea Sobolik Update and New Book
In 2023 Chelsea Sobolik shared of her family's adoption journey. Now home from India, she joins today sharing the exciting changes that have happened since last year. ...
Best of 2023: Chelsea Sobolik and Adoption's Impact on her Life
For the first episode of 2024, we are taking a look back at one of our most-listened to episodes of 2023. Chelsea Patterson Sobolik joins the podcast today to talk abo...
Best of 2023: The Power of Play
As we approach the end of 2023, we are sharing one the most popular episodes this year. Ann Maura Hinton, Program Director of Bridge Educational Services at Lifeline, ...
The Gift of Advent
Today on the podcast, we have a special holiday episode! Herbie and Dr. Rick reflect on the goodness and grace bestowed upon us by the Lord throughout the year. Christ...
The Vest Family: How a tragic event brought understanding and perspective
Today on the podcast, we are joining you with a special story from our annual fundraising event in Birmingham, Alabama. The Vest family shared not only of their intern...
The Anderson Family's Unforgettable Adoption Journey – Part Two
Today on the podcast, Kenny and Kristen Anderson join us again with an update on their adoption. In August, we talked with the Andersons as they were about to head to ...
Surviving the Holidays: Part Two
Today, Angela Mains joins the Defender Podcast to talk through practical tips for helping your child successfully navigate the dysregulation of the holidays. The holid...
Surviving the Holidays: Part One
Today, Angela Mains joins the Defender Podcast to talk through surviving the holidays with children who come from hard places. We know when parents can stay grounded, ...
An adoption story...ten kids later and seven brought home through adoption
Today on the podcast, Pastor Chris Johnson and his wife, Alicia Johnson, join the podcast to share their adoption story. They have ten children and adopted seven of th...
Zac Rowe from Gateway Church - From Pain to a Purpose
Today on the podcast, Zac Rowe joins to talk about his personal connection to adoption and the work the church he helps lead, Gateway Church, is doing for adoption. GU...
Justice for Orphans - Sandra Flach
Today on the podcast, Sandra Flach joins to talk about Justice for Orphans, the nonprofit she founded. GUESTSandra Flach founded Justice for Orphans, a nonprofit minis...
A Conversation with Todd Unzicker
Today on the podcast, Todd Unzicker, Executive Director of North Carolina Baptist Convention, talks about the church pressing in and caring for orphans and vulnerable ...
How can churches fill in the gap when families are in need?
Today on the podcast, Nancy Osborne and Brent Eliason join and talk about Harbor Families and how the Lord is working through this ministry. Many families do not have ...
Special Needs Adoption - The Rinehart Family's Story
Today on the podcast, the Rinehart's join and share their story of how special needs adoption has impacted their life for the better. Three of their nine children were...
A Conversation with our Romanian Partner
Petry Groza, Lifeline's partner in Romania, joins the podcast to share about Regen, his ministry to orphans and vulnerable children in Romania. He and his family work ...
Willie and Korie Robertson - NEW Movie, The Blind
Korie and Willie Robertson join the Defender podcast to talk about the new movie about their family, The Blind, coming out as a limited release on Thursday, September ...
A story of redemption, hope, and open adoption
Renee Eggebraaten, her son, and his birth mom join the Defender Podcast to share their journey of hope, redemption, and open adoption.GUESTRenee Eggebraaten lives in R...
From a crisis pregnancy to finding new life in Jesus
Today on the podcast, Kathryn Barnhill, adult adoptee, joins the podcast to share her adoption story. She speaks to her experience as an adult adoptee and her journey ...
Milestones of Adoption
Today on the podcast, Claire Davis and Jennifer Travis join the podcast to talk about supporting children as they journey through various milestones of adoption. GUEST...
When a Church in Kansas and Ministry in India Partner Together
Today on the podcast, Jeremy Wynne joins the podcast to talk about being a global partner with Lifeline and the difference being made in India. GUESTJeremy Wynne is th...