Our Story

"I will never forget the day and the conversation that marked the beginning of my journey with Scatter. I was sitting in my office on the upper floor of the US headquarters of the Missions agency I was leading, chatting with a senior leader in our organization. He had spent most of his adult life in the Arabian Peninsula. His statement that day changed everything for me; it revealed my lack of understanding of God's mission in the world and the framework we had created to fulfill that understanding.

In addressing some of the changes we needed to consider regarding how we engaged from the West, he remarked,

“The Filipina maids have done more for the spread of the Gospel in the Arabian Peninsula than all the traditional missionaries combined. ”

As the words settled in, I felt frustration and curiosity rising inside me. This fascinating and potent mixture of emotions continues to fuel our journey at Scatter.

I was frustrated by how I had overlooked something so significant. God was using a group of people that did not fit my image of a "missionary"—people who lacked special training or a specific calling, weren't raising support, and weren't part of a mission agency. They didn't fit in the journey I had known and had devoted much of my life trying to replicate. God was dismantling my assumptions right before my eyes. My curiosity grew about what else I might be mistaken about.

Reflecting on this experience, I realized that I had no idea of the journey that lay ahead of me. And maybe that was a good thing. As I continued my journey, challenging more of my assumptions, I recognized three fundamental paradigms at work in the world that needed to shift..."

Read more from our CEO about where we’ve been, where we’re going, and why we exist HERE.

Our Principles

01 Start with the Good

We begin at the beginning: Inherent goodness in every person and community. We practice a strengths-based approach to seeing opportunities in every problem, beauty before deficit, and redemptive solutions in the face of intractable realities.

02 Infinite Dignity

Every person possesses inherent worth and deserves to be treated with respect and compassion regardless of their circumstances or background.

03 God is Already (T)Here

We recognize the divine presence already at work in every community and situation, meeting people where they are with grace and understanding.

04 Inconvenient Mutuality

True partnership requires mutual sacrifice and commitment, embracing the discomfort that comes with genuine relationship and shared responsibility.

05 Tenacious Solidarity

We stand alongside communities through challenges and triumphs, demonstrating persistent commitment and unwavering support.

06 Durable Hope

We maintain steadfast optimism and faith in positive outcomes, even in the face of long-term challenges and setbacks.

07 Uncompromising Curiosity

We approach every situation with a learner's mindset, constantly seeking to understand deeper truths and new perspectives.

08 Bias for Building

We prioritize constructive action and creation over criticism, focusing our energy on building solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

09 Criticize by Creating

The most effective critique comes through demonstrating better alternatives, offering constructive solutions through positive action.

Our Core Team

Andrew Scott

Co-Founder, Speaker, Relationship Builder

As a leader and speaker, Andrew has been leaning into paradigm shifting conversations for years. First as president of a large non-profit and now as CEO of our team here at Scatter. He is relentless in his pursuit of God's answers to big questions. He is the biggest champion of Scatter's "All of Life" message, empowering every Jesus-follower to see their life and work as valuable to God.

Jonathan Thiessen

Co-Founder, Speaker, Venture Builder

As a leader and serial entrepreneur Jonathan has founded and led startups in local and frontier markets. He is passionate about how a more deeply integrated practice of life, learning in community with others how to love our global & local neighbors well. His path began with fourteen years in Siberia and Central Asia, and now continues as a visionary venture builder in regions around the world. He lives on a Georgia apiary with his wife and three kids.

Dana Tucker

Relationship Builder, Strategic Planner, Finances

Dana is an accomplished entrepreneur who delights in discovering where God is at work and joining Him there. She brings expertise in leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, organizational development, team building, and business growth. Dana is known for asking thoughtful questions and pursuing answers with courage. At Scatter, she helps organizations clarify vision, mobilize resources, and pursue meaningful impact.

David Schmidgall

Theological Leader, Formation Expert, Partnerships Builder

David loves shaping spiritually integrated spaces and people — through roles as executive director, pastor, spiritual director, trauma therapist, teacher, and artist. As a licensed psychotherapist trained in spiritual direction, David is passionate about going deep and thinking wide about cultural transformation, solving intractable problems, and cultivating environments of human flourishing. Outside of work, he and his wife live in Washington, DC.

Matt Benson

Theological Leader, Operations Expert

As former executive in higher education and a large non-profit, Matt's commitment to God's plan for the world has made him a trusted partner in the development of Scatter. His expansive view of the Kingdom of God and rich theological background bring depth and grounding to our team. Matt's ability to ask creative and challenging questions helps us thrive at Scatter. Outside of work, he is a husband and father.

Our Extended Team

Alyssa Basham

Marketing, Design, Branding

With an undergrad degree in theology and an MBA in marketing, Alyssa brings both of those passions together to serve the Scatter team. As Marketing Contractor, her role is to maintain a unified brand identity across all of our Scatter content including social media, email marketing, video production, curriculum design, and website development. She is deeply motivated by God's heart for beauty and excellence in work. Outside of her work as a contractor, she and her husband live in Nashville, TN.

Ewout Van Oosten

Curriculum, Content Development, Program Design

Ewout van Oosten is a Dutch-born entrepreneur and cross-cultural leader, with 25+ years spent building organizations from the ground up — including scaling an international youth ministry across dozens of countries. He's especially drawn to developing curriculum and content that helps people grow, a thread that's run through his work in education, youth leadership, and program design. He now brings those skills to our Scatter curriculum. Outside of work, he's a husband and father of three sons.

Sarita Stringfield

Administration

With a Master’s in Biblical Studies and a Master’s in International Education— Sarita's background has taken her across different countries and into a variety of roles in ministry, education, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work. On the Scatter team, she handles all things administration, creating the framework that allows people to focus on what they do best and helps Scatter move forward with clarity. Outside of work, she is a wife and mother of 3. She recently stepped into one of her favorite roles yet—grandmother!