LEAD Pods: Recent Episodes
USMB
LEAD Pods are the official USMB podcast devoted to leadership development and spiritual growth for Mennonite Brethren churches.
Wendell Funk has spent three decades building a successful career with significant impact in his community. He currently serves 3,000 business leaders as the president and CEO of the Wichita Independent Business Association. In this episode, Wendell joins Matt to talk about what it looks like to honor God in the marketplace, primarily through genuine relationship-building with everyone he meets, Christian or not.
Wendell traces his faith story from a childhood in a Christian home and reflects candidly on how his priorities shifted across each "chapter" of his career. He and Matt dig into practical territory: how business principles can strengthen the church, how church principles (like small groups) can strengthen a business, and how success and humility aren't actually in tension when success is used to benefit others.
The conversation closes with two distinct pieces of advice, one for leaders further along in their careers, and one for young professionals, built around Wendell's memorable "keep the ball in play" golf metaphor. For all stages, Wendell encourages us to stay anchored to a "commitment line" through life's (and our career's) highs and lows.
This week Matt sits down with Brady Bergman, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Wichita and former firefighter of over 20 years, to talk about one of the trickiest parts of parenting: letting kids fail. Brady shares how his path to counseling began informally, doing peer support work with fellow firefighters and walking alongside men in the church long before he pursued his license, and how that lay experience shaped his approach even more than his formal training.
The conversation digs into what Brady calls "allowing our kids to safely suffer consequences," starting with attachment theory and secure base parenting in early childhood, then moving through the escalating stakes of the teen years, driving, dating, and heartbreak. Brady offers memorable, practical frameworks along the way, including the "uh-oh" method for calm, consistent consequences, the difference between helicopter and "Apache helicopter" parenting, and the idea that as parents get their own identity tangled up in their kids' success, they can unintentionally rob them of the chance to build resilience and self-worth.
The episode closes with a candid conversation about parental guilt and grace, along with Brady's conviction that modeling growth and owning mistakes matters more than parenting perfectly. Brady and Matt tie the conversation back to faith throughout, touching on neuroplasticity as a modern echo of Paul's call to renew our minds, and Jesus' promise that "in this life you will have trouble."
Pastor Nathan Ensz of Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, Oregon, returns to the podcast to talk about sabbaticals, what they are, why the Bible points toward them, and what he learned from taking one in 2024 after seven years at Kingwood. Nathan traces the idea back to the biblical pattern of Sabbath rest, the seven-year cycle of rest for the land, and the year of Jubilee, and explains why he believes ministry makes rest especially essential even though Scripture gives no direct command for pastors to take a sabbatical.
Nathan is honest about his own hesitation. He knew of pastors whose sabbaticals had gone badly and worried his own might too, until his wife, Kelsey, pointed out that a sabbatical is for the whole family, not just him. Once he was away from Kingwood, he and Kelsey discovered how much of their identity had become tied to his role as pastor rather than his identity as a child of God, a realization he calls one of the most important parts of the experience. He also describes the practical side of two and a half months away: family milestones, visits to other churches, real rest at home, and watching his associate pastor Josh lead well in his absence, which reassured him that a sabbatical is a gift to the church family as much as to the pastor.
The conversation closes with Nathan's encouragement for anyone approaching a sabbatical (including Matt, who is preparing for his own this September) to figure out what genuine rest looks like for them personally rather than copying someone else's plan. Nathan also previews the sabbatical workshop he will lead at USMB Gathering 2026 in Salt Lake City and reflects on how USMB has done well encouraging churches to embrace this practice.
If you were a Christian music fan in the early 2000s, Hawk Nelson needs no introduction. Jason Dunn fronted one of the era's biggest Christian punk-rock bands, touring nearly 280 shows a year, appearing on NBC and feature films, and selling out theaters before he was old enough to understand what was happening. In this episode, Jason traces the whole arc with Matt, how a youth group worship band became a label act, what fame does to a 20-something, and how he ended up writing a number-one Christian radio single he describes as pure mockery.
The heart of this episode is what happened after the spotlight. Jason talks openly about pouring out to fans night after night while no one was pouring into him, the slow drift into cynicism and addiction, and the year he lost both his band and his marriage. He describes the bottom honestly: blowing through everything in New York City, crashing on friends' floors, and finally driving home to Canada with his truck, his dog, and his guitar, collapsing in his parents' driveway. It's a modern prodigal story told without a filter.
But it doesn't end there. Jason shares the unlikely night his faith became real for the first time, the family he has now, and why he believes his calling today is less about music and more about becoming the accountable presence he never had. For pastors and leaders, his reflections on deconstruction, the danger of pedestals, and the cost of giving without receiving are worth the listen. Jason's new album, Formerly Known As, is out now.
This is a big episode, and not just because of the topic.
After more than 150 episodes as LEAD Pods, we've officially got a new name. Today Matt shares a little context for the rebrand at the top of the episode, but the short version is this: we're now the Christian Leader Podcast, and we think the name better reflects who we're for and what we're about.
We're kicking off this new chapter with a conversation that matters. Matt sits down with licensed counselor Micki Pollman, kids pastor and former teacher Crystal Nachtigall, and Tabor College neuroscience professor Dr. David Stevens for a wide-ranging discussion on ADHD, ADD, neurodivergence, and how trauma shapes the way kids learn.
Whether you're a parent, a teacher, a church volunteer, or a pastor, chances are you've got someone in your life who's wired differently. This episode will help you understand what's actually going on in their brain and how to show up for them well. From co-regulation to the "can't vs. won't" question, the conversation is full of practical, compassionate guidance you can put to work right away.
Peggy Goertzen is back for her fourth appearance on LEAD Pods, and she's bringing history to life once again. As director and archivist of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies at Tabor College, Peggy is the go-to voice for all things MB heritage.
In this episode, she traces the roots of why Mennonite Brethren started gathering in the first place, taking us back to the 1870s when MB immigrants fled persecution in Russia and settled across Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas. By 1879, scattered churches came together for a national gathering because, as Peggy puts it, they simply didn't want to be alone.
From love feasts and long sermons to big debates about missions, military service, and evangelism funding, Peggy draws a straight line from those early gatherings to why USMB still comes together today. With the 2026 Gathering in Salt Lake City just around the corner, this one is worth sharing with your whole team. Details at usmb.org.
After five years at the helm of MCC as the world faced some of its most turbulent times in recent history, US Executive Director Ann Graber Hershberger is passing the baton, and she couldn't be more at peace about it. Incoming director Rukshan Fernando brings a remarkable story of his own: born in the US, raised in Sri Lanka amid civil war, and shaped by decades of work across social work, Christian higher education, affordable housing, and nonprofit leadership.
Together they reflect on how this leadership transition has unfolded, what it looks like to hold a role loosely and hand it off well, and how MCC's new strategic blueprint is shaping the organization's next season. They also dig into what makes MCC distinct, and why keeping Jesus at the center is so essential.
MB church leaders will also want to catch the practical segment near the end, with tangible ways your congregation can connect with MCC's work, from school kit drives to pastor cohorts to learning tours abroad. Visit mcc.org to learn more.
This week Matt sits down with three members of the Gathering planning team, Kelsey Ensz, Drew Pankratz, and Alec Alvarado, for a behind-the-scenes look at what to expect for the USMB national convention this July in Salt Lake City.
The three share the heart behind this year's theme, Cultivate: Living on Mission with Jesus, rooted in 1 Corinthians 3 and the MB family's longtime commitment to disciple-making. They discuss what went into selecting the speakers and workshops, along with details of what to expect if you plan to bring your kids or students along with you.
Plus, we take a fun detour into Salt Lake City itself, with tips on hiking, Pioneer Day festivities, and why July is a great time to make the trip a family vacation. If you've been on the fence about attending, this episode just might be what pushes you to register. Get the details at usmb.org.
Andy Owen and Kyle Goings return to LEAD Pods for a timely and energizing conversation about one of the church's most urgent challenges: developing the next generation of leaders before a looming leadership crisis arrives.
Andy serves as executive pastor at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kansas, bringing over 20 years of international ministry experience from Thailand to his work of equipping leaders today. Kyle serves as next gen pastor at Ridgepoint and director of USMB Next Gen, where he focuses on calling and developing young leaders across the denomination.
The conversation tackles why leadership development feels so hard even when everyone agrees it matters, and what the data actually says about where the church is headed. Kyle unpacks striking statistics from Barna showing that more Protestant ministry leaders are now over 65 than under 40, with one in four pastors expected to retire by 2030. He also shares encouraging signs from Gen Z, a generation showing increased spiritual hunger not seen since the Jesus Revolution of the early seventies.
Andy offers a personal story about turning 50 and discovering a passage in Numbers 8 that reframed his entire approach to ministry, shifting his focus from doing the work to equipping others to do it. Together they offer practical steps any church leader can take, and Kyle makes a strong case that every church can and should have a summer intern, pointing listeners to leaderpipeline.net for free resources.
This episode is a candid and hopeful call for leaders to stop waiting for the next generation to be ready and start doing the work of developing them now.
Amy Jackson-Kincaid joins LEAD Pods for an eye-opening and faith-filled conversation about foster care, the guardian ad litem program, and the vital role churches can play in one of America's most pressing needs.
Amy serves as district administrator for the Guardian Ad Litem Program in North Carolina, overseeing nearly 600 children across three counties. She is also an ordained minister and associate pastor at Boone Mennonite Brethren Church, and serves on the USMB board.
The conversation covers how the foster care system actually works, what a guardian ad litem does, and how Amy went from offering one weekend of respite care in 2002 to leading a program that serves hundreds of children today. She is honest about the weight of the work and the hard days, but equally passionate about what becomes possible when churches decide to show up. From providing duffle bags of essentials to supporting foster families with meals and practical help, she outlines accessible ways any congregation can get involved.
Grounded throughout in James 1:27, this episode is a clear and compelling call for church leaders to see foster care not as someone else's problem, but as pure religion in action.
Pastor Aaron Halvorsen joins LEAD Pods for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about preaching, pastoral identity, and the often unglamorous but essential work of long-term ministry.
Aaron is the lead pastor of Community Bible Church in Olathe, Kansas, where he has served for over a decade and will soon celebrate the church's 60th anniversary. He shares his journey from the Pacific Northwest to Kansas, his unexpected entry into the Mennonite Brethren world through church planting, and what it has meant to put down deep roots in one church and one community over the long haul.
The conversation explores Aaron's passion for expository preaching and a preview of his upcoming talk at the USMB convention. Aaron reflects honestly on the dangers of measuring ministry success by visible results, the temptation of stagnation, and the challenge of maintaining joy and gratitude in the busyness of pastoral life.
Along the way, he offers encouragement for pastors to embrace the slow, invisible work of watering, trusting that God is growing things we cannot always see, and makes a compelling case for why gathering together as a denominational family is worth showing up for.
Pastor Endashaw Kelkele joins LEAD Pods for a wide-ranging conversation about immigrant church leadership, mission, and faith shaped by perseverance.
Endashaw is the lead pastor of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Denver, where he has served for more than three decades. He shares his story of growing up in Ethiopia during a time of Christian persecution, fleeing to Kenya, and eventually immigrating to Colorado—where he never expected to become a pastor, but felt God’s clear call to shepherd a growing community.
The conversation explores what it’s like to lead a bilingual, multicultural church navigating generational change, shifting language, and cultural tension. Endashaw reflects on the challenges and opportunities of serving first- and second-generation immigrants, raising up young leaders, and helping the church remain centered on the mission of Christ rather than control or comfort.
Along the way, he offers wisdom for pastors and church leaders serving in diverse communities, insights into evangelism through everyday work, and encouragement for churches seeking to come alongside immigrant congregations with humility, trust, and partnership.
Pastor Jon Annin joins LEAD Pods for a thoughtful conversation about leading change without losing people. Jon is one of the speakers for the USMB Gathering this summer, and this episode offers a window into his heart for ministry, renewal, and sustainable leadership.
Jon shares the story of returning to Stony Brook Church, a small church in Omaha that had experienced significant decline, and how patient, courageous change led to health, growth, and renewed mission. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from serving in both large and small churches, the importance of building teams that can say both yes and no, and why church health can’t be measured by size alone. The conversation also explores church planting, video campuses, and how pastors can lead change wisely in a season when both culture and ministry feel especially demanding.
In this special role-reversal episode of LEAD Pods, host Matt Ehresman steps into the guest seat as he is interviewed by Lacey Scully, the editor of the Christian Leader magazine. Together they explore the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and what it means for church leaders today. Matt shares how he personally uses AI tools in his work, from podcast production to daily church communication, and why he believes AI can be a gift to ministry leaders when it's used thoughtfully and wisely.
This conversation isn't about hype or fear; it's all about discernment. Matt and Lacey talk honestly about the ethical concerns surrounding AI, the risks of losing authenticity, and the importance of keeping the human (and spiritual) elements at the center of ministry. Along the way, Matt offers practical examples for pastors and church leaders who are curious about AI but unsure where to start. The goal isn't to replace people, but rather to leverage these tools without losing your soul.
Pastor, theologian, and author A.J. Swoboda joins LEAD Pods for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership and formation. A.J. is one of our keynote speakers for the USMB Gathering coming up this July, so this episode gives a sneak peek into his heart for ministry and insight into life as a pastor in today's unique culture.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode! A.J. shares thoughts about doubt and deconstruction (the main topic of his talk at Gathering), why it's so important for various denominations to learn from each other, and why he tells his students to always express gratitude to ChatGPT. This episode introduces A.J. as a thoughtful, grounded voice and invites pastors to reflect on how they are being formed as they lead in an increasingly complex world.
This week pastor and denominational leader Jesse Swiers reflects on reconciliation as a foundational Christian practice—and why it is often far more complex and painful than we expect. Drawing from Scripture, Anabaptist theology, and his own lived experience, Jesse explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, the role of community in peacemaking, and why reconciliation requires both humility and courage.
In the real world where we all lead, reconciliation may not always be fully possible, and separation may become necessary. Jesse speaks candidly about leading through denominational division, navigating theological disagreement with integrity, and remaining an agent of peace even in seasons marked by grief and loss. Throughout the episode, he offers practical wisdom for pastors and leaders seeking to pursue reconciliation faithfully, grounded in Scripture, shaped by community, and anchored in the reconciling work of Christ.
In this episode, author and Barna senior fellow Mark Matlock unpacks new research on the rapidly growing number of “spiritually curious” Americans. He explains why many assumptions about the unchurched no longer hold, what today’s seekers are actually longing for, and how curiosity—not hostility—is shaping their questions about meaning and purpose. Mark also explores why many Christians prefer certainty over curiosity and why creating space for honest questions is essential to healthy discipleship.
He also offers practical guidance for churches navigating this cultural shift. Mark shows why evangelism today is a long-game, relational journey and why building a “curiosity-friendly” church culture means rethinking attractional models, prioritizing spiritual formation, and making room for real relationships. Throughout the conversation, he offers hope for church leaders: people are more open to spiritual conversations than we realize, if we’re willing to slow down, listen well, and enter their stories with genuine curiosity.
This week Matt sits down with higher-ed leader Greg Brock for a thoughtful look at why so many Americans are facing significant loneliness. Greg unpacks his research on trust, generosity, and crisis leadership, and shares how simple human practices like eye contact, shared meals, and meaningful conversation have become rare in our tech-driven world. Greg traces the cultural shifts accelerated by COVID, smartphones, and changing social habits, exploring why loneliness has become a public health crisis affecting every generation.
The conversation also highlights the huge opportunity this moment presents for the church. Greg explains why deep, embodied community—not perfect sermons or polished programming—is what people are longing for, and how habits of solitude, presence, and intentionality help us become the kind of people who can build that community well. Matt and Greg reflect on practical steps for pastors, parents, and leaders as they invest in Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why showing up with curiosity and genuine interest may be the most transformational ministry practice we have.
In this Christmas-themed episode, Matt welcomes Pastor Stuart Curry from Bridgewater, South Dakota, to talk about his new devotional The Keeper of the Light. Stuart shares the heart behind his book—a 25-day journey through Advent designed to help readers slow down, refocus, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas. Drawing from his own life as a pastor and father of eleven, Stuart reflects on how hope, peace, joy, and love form the foundation of the Christmas story and continue to shape our faith today.
Together, Matt and Stuart explore how easy it is for pastors and families alike to get swept up in the busyness of the season and lose sight of its true meaning. Stuart offers gentle, practical wisdom for finding stillness amid the chaos and keeping Christ at the center of our celebrations. Whether you’re leading a church or simply trying to hold on to peace this holiday season, this conversation will remind you that we’re all called to be “keepers of the light,” shining Christ’s hope in a world that desperately needs it.
In this special Reformation Day episode, Matt sits down with Tony Petersen, pastor at Mountain View Church in Clovis, and Ryan Loewen, assistant professor of theology at Tabor College, for a deep dive into Martin Luther’s world-changing legacy. Together they unpack the tension and turmoil of the 1500s, from indulgences and corruption in the medieval church to Luther’s rediscovery of grace and the birth of Protestantism. They trace how Luther’s courage and his translation of Scripture reshaped faith for everyday believers, setting off waves of reform that continue to ripple through the church today.
The conversation also explores how Luther’s influence helped spark the Anabaptist movement, and how early Anabaptists carried the Reformation’s emphasis on Scripture, discipleship, and surrender to Christ even further. Tony and Ryan connect the dots from those early reformers to our modern faith, reflecting on what still needs reforming in the church today and how followers of Jesus can live as “permanently submerged” people—fully surrendered to Christ and guided by His Word.
In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Jeremy Matlock from Hillsboro MB Church to talk about something every church cares about but often struggles to define—discipleship. Drawing from years of experience as a missionary, teacher, and pastor, Jeremy shares the story behind his new book Discipleship Discussions, a simple, adaptable resource designed to help believers grow in their faith and guide others to do the same. He explains why discipleship doesn’t have to be complicated or intimidating, and how sometimes the best thing we can do is just start—do something—and trust God to work through it.
We also explore why so many churches overthink discipleship, what it really means to “make disciples who make disciples,” and how mentoring relationships can be both intentional and deeply personal. Jeremy offers practical insights for pastors and everyday believers alike, reminding us that discipleship isn’t just for the “super serious”—it’s the calling of every follower of Jesus.
Every two years, Mennonite Brethren from across the country come together for a unique family gathering: the USMB National Convention. In this episode, USMB National Director Aaron Box returns to LEAD Pods to share why this event matters and what makes it different from a typical conference. He unpacks the heart behind convention, from strengthening relationships across our churches to shaping our shared mission for the future.
As we look ahead to July 2026, Aaron also gives us a preview of what’s being planned, how leaders are thinking about the schedule, and why your presence matters. Beyond business sessions and workshops, convention is a chance to experience the joy of being one family on mission together. Toward the end of the conversation, Aaron also shares highlights from his recent travels, offering a glimpse of what God is doing in MB churches and communities across the country.
This week Matt sits down with the brand-new editor of the Christian Leader magazine, Lacey Scully. Lacey shares her journey from growing up in a creative, faith-filled family in Kansas to serving overseas in missions and the Peace Corps, to eventually stepping into this role with USMB. Her story weaves together a deep love for writing, a passion for helping people, and a heart for the church. Along the way, she reflects on how God has shaped her through seasons of adventure, marriage, parenting, and ministry.
Now just a few weeks into her new position, Lacey talks about honoring the legacy of longtime editor Connie Faber while also dreaming about the magazine’s future. She shares her hopes for telling diverse stories from across the USMB family, highlighting both large and small churches, and creating content that draws readers closer to Jesus. This conversation is a great introduction to Lacey’s heart, her vision for the Christian Leader, and the eternal work happening in our MB churches today.
Discipleship is at the heart of following Jesus, but what does it actually look like in our everyday lives? In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Tim Geddert along with first-time guest Michele Fiester to explore what it means to both grow as disciples and help others do the same. Drawing from their recent articles in the Christian Leader, Tim and Michele bring rich insight from their experiences in the classroom, the church, and the neighborhood.
Together we talk about the balance between formal discipleship structures and Spirit-led, everyday opportunities, the importance of community, and the lifelong call to keep learning from Jesus. Michele shares honest reflections from her own discipleship journey, while Tim highlights how the Gospels themselves give us a picture of both the cost and the joy of following Christ.
- Read Michele's article
- Read Tim's article
This week we welcome Phyllis and Arthur Mann, longtime MCC leaders currently based in Thailand, who oversee MCC’s work across a wide stretch of Asia. With decades of service experience, the Manns share a unique perspective on global ministry, leadership, and the challenges of pursuing peace in complex cultural contexts.
Together we explore how MCC partners with local organizations, what it looks like to lead across cultures and generations, and why listening and humility are essential in global leadership. The Manns also describe their firsthand experiences with peace-building and relief efforts in regions marked by conflict.
For leaders in any context—whether in a local church, a nonprofit, or cross-cultural ministry—this episode offers rich insights into servant leadership, the value of partnership, and the hard but hopeful work of building peace.
In this episode, we welcome Dr. Eric Foster-Whiddon to LEAD Pods to introduce an exciting new initiative from Tabor College: Graduate Studies in Ministry. With a background in both pastoral ministry and academic scholarship, Dr. Foster-Whiddon brings a deep passion for equipping local church leaders in accessible, meaningful ways.
Together we explore how this initiative was formed in partnership with USMB districts, what makes it distinct from traditional seminary paths, and how it blends academic rigor with practical ministry training. Dr. Foster-Whiddon also explains how mentorship, spiritual formation, and Anabaptist theology are woven into the curriculum, and how the courses aim to raise up leaders from within our own churches.
If you’ve sensed a call to ministry, want to deepen your theological grounding, or simply care about the future of church leadership in the MB world, this episode casts a hopeful and compelling vision for what’s next.
In this insightful conversation, counselor Erica Haude returns to LEAD Pods to talk about mental health, emotional wellness, and the unique challenges church leaders face. Drawing on her experience as a licensed clinical professional counselor, Erica unpacks practical ways to navigate anxiety, depression, and burnout—especially for pastors and ministry leaders who often carry more than they realize.
Together we explore how to recognize the “dashboard lights” in our emotional lives, how therapy and faith can work hand-in-hand, and why grounding practices and emotional awareness matter more than ever. Erica also speaks into how social media and technology are impacting the next generation and offers helpful distinctions between anxiety and depression.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, running on empty, or simply curious about how to grow in emotional health, Erica shares wisdom, encouragement, and accessible next steps to help you keep going—and growing—with intention.
Spiritual formation is more than a buzzword—it’s the slow, intentional process of becoming more like Jesus. But for many pastors and church leaders, formation often gets pushed aside in the rush of ministry demands. In this episode, we explore what spiritual formation really looks like, and why it’s essential—not optional—for those in leadership.
Galen Wiest joins us to talk about cultivating rhythms of rest, reflection, and renewal, and how practices like silence, sabbath, and spiritual direction can help sustain long-term health in ministry. We also explore the tension between productivity and presence, and how leaders can shift from striving to abiding.
This episode is an invitation to pause, breathe, and consider how your soul is really doing—and what it might look like to lead from a place of deeper formation.
This year marks two significant milestones worth our attention and our celebration. While we've already spent time reflecting on the 500th anniversary of the Anabaptist movement, 2025 also marks the 100th anniversary of the Mennonite World Conference (MWC). Recently, leaders from around the globe gathered in Germany and Switzerland to commemorate both anniversaries, and this week, we get the inside scoop from two of our USMB representatives: Gertrud Geddert and Sebastian Mireles.
In this episode, Gertrud and Sebastian help us reflect on where we’ve come from, how the global Church is growing, and what it looks like to follow Jesus together across languages, cultures, and continents. Their stories and insights remind us why global connection matters and how honoring our past can strengthen our faith for today and the future.
What does entrepreneurship have to do with the Church? In this episode, we’re joined by President David Janzen of Tabor College to talk about the unique intersection of business, creativity, and calling.
President Janzen shares why Christian entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to shape culture, solve real-world problems, and live out their faith in bold, innovative ways. We also explore the heart behind Tabor’s new Business & Entrepreneurship Center, how it’s training the next generation of faith-driven leaders, and why churches should care deeply about cultivating entrepreneurs.
Whether you're a business leader, a pastor, or someone with a big idea on your heart, this episode offers fresh encouragement for thinking differently about vocation, risk, and Kingdom impact.
How do you train church leaders across dozens of countries and cultures without losing sight of Scripture and mission? In this episode, we talk with Doug Heidebrecht about his work with Missional Leadership Training (MLT), a global program that equips church leaders to disciple others using a biblically grounded, culturally adaptable model.
Doug shares how MLT got started, what makes it unique, and how it continues to grow and expand. With a focus on training trainers, MLT is helping multiply disciples in sustainable and meaningful ways. If you're passionate about leadership development, missions, or global discipleship, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into what God is doing around the world.
Learn more about MLT:
- Video from Multiply
- Downloadable PDF
If you'd like access to the MLT content, please contact Doug at dougheidebrecht@mbseminary.ca
What does it look like when one church intentionally makes space for multiple languages, cultures, and styles of worship? In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Holman, lead pastor of Butler Church in Fresno, California—a truly multi-congregational church made up of four distinct communities under one roof.
Scott shares the beauty and complexity of leading a church that includes services in English and Spanish, along with a long-running Lao congregation. We talk about what unites these groups, how they make decisions together, and what it takes to build a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and shared mission. Whether you're navigating cultural diversity in your own church or curious about what true unity in the body of Christ can look like, this conversation is packed with honest insights and hopeful vision.
How do you go beyond just “having interns” to actually developing future leaders for the Church? In this episode, we’re joined by Kyle Goings and Andy Owen, who share the story behind Ridgepoint’s Leadership Academy—a structured, intentional program designed to raise up leaders through hands-on ministry experience, mentorship, and spiritual formation.
Kyle and Andy explain the difference between internships and residencies, how they’ve built a culture of leadership development across departments, and why confirming a person’s calling is just as important as giving them ministry skills. Whether you’re leading a large church or serving in a small congregation, this episode offers practical wisdom for anyone passionate about investing in the next generation of leaders.
Church planting isn’t one-size-fits-all—especially when it happens in the same streets where you once lived a very different life. That’s the story of City Church in Pueblo, Colorado, where Pastor Mario Trujillo leads a ministry shaped by personal transformation, community brokenness, and deep gospel hope.
In this episode, Mario shares how his past prepared him to reach his city in powerful ways, what it looks like to truly “move into the neighborhood” like Jesus did, and how God provided a new building in a truly miraculous way. Whether you're involved in church planting, urban ministry, or simply want to hear a testimony of God's faithfulness, this episode will encourage and inspire.
When disasters strike, how can churches respond in ways that tangibly share Christ’s love? This week, we talk with Jim Holm, co-chair of the California unit of Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS), an organization dedicated to rebuilding homes after natural disasters.
Jim shares behind-the-scenes details about how MDS operates, including their “four pillars” that guide decisions on when and how to get involved. He also provides updates on the devastating Los Angeles wildfires from earlier this year, describing both the enormous challenges faced and the inspiring ways volunteers are bringing hope to impacted communities.
Whether you have practical construction skills or just a heart to serve, Jim explains how everyone can play a meaningful role. This episode is a reminder of the power of compassionate, practical service—and how, together, we can offer healing and hope in the wake of tragedy.
In a world driven by consumerism, how can we help our kids develop healthy, God-honoring financial habits? On this episode, we talk with author Matt Bell, who shares insights from his book, Trusted, about teaching kids the biblical perspective of money and stewardship. Matt explains practical ways to start early and engage our children on three levels—heart, head, and hands—to create lasting habits and foster genuine generosity.
Matt shares practical ideas, real-life examples, and encouragement for parents who might feel overwhelmed or unsure about teaching financial principles. Whether you’re just getting started or want to reset your family’s approach to money management, this episode offers helpful tips and reminds us that it’s never too late to teach our kids how to be wise stewards of God’s resources.
This episode is sponsored by MB Foundation. MB Foundation has partnered with Matt to provide many free resources for church leaders related to Trusted. Check out the free resources today at http://mbfoundation.com/trusted.
No two church plants look the same, but every successful one shares a common thread—God’s faithfulness. In this special narrative episode, we explore the journeys of three thriving MB church plants: SouthLife Church in Wichita, Lighthouse Church in Oaklawn, and Lakeview Church in Tooele County, Utah.
Each church faced unique challenges, from failed launches and financial struggles to reaching communities with little to no evangelical presence. Through it all, their leaders learned to “trust the story” and follow God’s lead. Whether you're passionate about church planting, curious about how new churches take root, or simply looking for encouragement in your own faith journey, this episode is filled with inspiring stories of perseverance, strategy, and God’s provision.
Read this story in the latest issue of Christian Leader:
https://christianleadermag.com/the-story-of-three-church-plants/
Preaching is more than just delivering a message—it’s a sacred responsibility. This week, we sit down with Brent Warkentin, lead pastor at Ridgepoint Church, to discuss what goes into preparing and delivering impactful sermons. Brent shares his personal approach to sermon prep, why he practices each message out loud multiple times, and how he stays fresh after decades in ministry.
We also explore the tension between topical and expository preaching, the importance of authenticity, and how humor can disarm tough conversations. Whether you’re a pastor, teacher, or just interested in how sermons come together, this episode offers valuable insights on preaching with both confidence and humility.
How do we develop strong leaders for the future of the church? At Mountain View Church, leadership development isn’t just a program—it’s part of the culture. This week, we’re joined by Dave Thiessen, executive pastor at Mountain View, to talk about their approach to mentoring, training, and sending out the next generation of church leaders.
From summer apprenticeships to international internships and the Elijah program, Mountain View has created multiple pathways for young leaders to gain hands-on ministry experience. Dave shares practical insights on why leadership development matters, how to give responsibility to emerging leaders (even before they feel ready), and how churches of any size can start investing in future pastors and ministry workers. Whether you’re a leader looking to develop others or someone exploring a call to ministry, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement.
Mountain View website: http://mountainview.org
Leadership Pipeline: http://leaderpipeline.net
What makes Anabaptist history radical, and how does it shape who we are today? In this episode, we’re joined by Valerie Rempel, former dean of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary and a trusted historian in MB circles, to explore the significance of Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary.
Valerie walks us through the bold decisions of early Anabaptists, the importance of believer’s baptism, and the challenges of allegiance to Christ above all else. We also reflect on how these radical beginnings continue to influence our faith, from a commitment to discipleship to navigating today’s cultural and political complexities. Whether you’re familiar with Anabaptist history or hearing these stories for the first time, this episode will inspire you to think deeply about what it means to live as a follower of Jesus.
This week, we sit down with Connie Faber and Janae Shafer, the dynamic duo behind the Christian Leader magazine. They share how each issue comes together, from planning themes to collaborating with writers across the USMB family. With a mission to connect churches, celebrate stories, and inspire action, the magazine plays a vital role in reflecting the heart of the Mennonite Brethren community.
Connie and Janae also discuss the challenges of balancing print and digital formats in today’s fast-paced world and their vision for highlighting the rich diversity within the MB family. Whether you’re a regular reader or new to Christian Leader, this episode will inspire you to see the magazine in a whole new light—and maybe even get involved!
Learn more or subscribe at christianleadermag.com.
This week, we’re joined by USMB National Director Aaron Box to explore the role of generosity in leadership. As we dive into the history of Giving Tuesday and its impact, Aaron shares practical ways we can live out generosity—not just in giving, but in how we lead others. From creating a culture of service in our churches to fostering servant leadership in every sphere, Aaron highlights the importance of putting others first and leading with open hands.
We also discuss how generosity can transform leadership in any context, even in roles where it feels countercultural. Whether you’re a pastor, business leader, or emerging leader, Aaron’s insights will challenge and inspire you to think differently about what it means to lead well. Tune in to discover how generous leadership can build trust, empower others, and reflect the heart of Jesus.
Give to USMB here: usmb.org/givingtuesday
Supporting missionaries abroad has long been a valued part of our heritage, but how can we live ‘on mission’ right here at home? Today we’re joined by Heidi Quiring and Silvia Lopez from Multiply to share the latest updates on mission programs like SOAR, Action, and Trek—each designed to help people of all ages make a difference locally and globally.
Multiply is reshaping their programs to show that missions can be an accessible, ongoing journey for everyone. In this episode, Heidi and Silvia offer practical tips to help us make mission part of everyday life. If you or someone in your church is ready to learn more, visit multiply.net to explore these opportunities!
Leadership development is one of USMB's core commitments, and finding new ways to grow, stretch yourself, or gain new skills is a crucial part of leadership. In our busy world where we all feel short on time, how can we continue to grow, find new resources, and discover meaningful new ideas?
Earlier this year USMB launched Leadership Fuel, a website devoted to sharing curated leadership resources for pastors and church leaders. On this episode, Jordan Ringhofer (Pacific District Conference district minister) and Kyle Goings (USMB NextGen chair) explain how Leadership Fuel came to be and how you can contribute resources that have been helpful to you.
Beyond that, Kyle and Jordan also share how they intentionally continue their own leadership journeys, with practical ideas of how we can document and store new ideas and thoughts for future projects. This episode is SUPER practical, so if you're ready to grow in your leadership, start by listening to this episode, and then check out Leadership Fuel!
This week we chat with Pastor Matt Thrift about his new book, Follow, and the heart of discipleship. Matt shares his journey from Southern Baptist circles to finding a home in the Mennonite Brethren tradition, drawn by our mix of strong theology and practical love for others.
Matt explains that discipleship isn’t about checking boxes but developing a real, ongoing relationship with Jesus. We also discuss how churches can balance evangelism and discipleship without sacrificing one for the other. Matt reflects on personal challenges, like embracing rest and Sabbath, admitting how hard it can be to step away from busyness.
If you’ve ever struggled to keep spiritual practices like prayer and Bible reading from feeling routine, Matt offers some practical insights. He encourages us to see discipleship as a lifelong journey rather than something we can “finish.”
Learn more or buy Matt's book here.
Building bridges across cultural and religious divides can seem daunting, yet it's at the heart of authentic Christian ministry. In this episode, we meet Cody and Janna, two young workers preparing to serve in the Middle East through Multiply who show us how genuine relationships can transcend perceived barriers.
Through their ministry in this region so far, Janna and Cody have discovered a Middle Eastern life that differs significantly from how the Muslim world is typically portrayed in our media. Their stories reveal the incredible warmth and hospitality that is very common in this region, and a surprising openness to discuss religion and American culture.
Ministry and evangelism are difficult in these cultures, but slowly and patiently building sincere relationships is a crucial step to gain trust that leads to important conversations about faith. Learn more in this week's episode, and we invite you to consider partnering with Cody and Janna as they prepare for this exciting new ministry opportunity!
Many Christians in America today feel ill-equipped to share their faith with Muslims. Our media and our culture tend to paint Muslims in a certain way that often makes us feel intimidated and maybe even scared, but those biases are almost always unfounded and unfair. As we hear from today's guest, sharing about Jesus really comes down to humility, curiosity, and sincerity, regardless of our cultural backgrounds.
Today we speak with Nasser al’Qahtani, Multiply's Regional Team Leader for North Africa and the Middle East. Nasser is a former Muslim himself, and he has amazing stories of how God has done wonders in his life and opened incredible doors for him to teach around the world. Nasser is a gifted storyteller and an engaging biblical scholar, so enjoy this episode as we hear how God is at work in the Middle East and how we can appropriately share our faith with others.
Nasser's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NasseralQahtani
Nasser's Multiply profile: https://multiply.net/global-worker/nasser-alqahtani
Next year marks a significant anniversary for our MB history and heritage, so we're preparing for a big party! The roots of our MB tradition can be traced to 1525 and the birth of the anabaptist movement beginning in Zurich. For those of us involved with USMB, it's helpful for us to remember that our heritage and our roots go way beyond our U.S. history, and this event is a meaningful chance to learn, remember, and reconnect with our Mennonite and anabaptist brothers and sisters around the world.
This week our guests are César Garcia, the general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference, and Dr. Tim Geddert, our USMB delegate to UWC. We hear some behind-the-scenes planning for the anniversary event coming up next year, but César and Tim also share important reminders of what it means to be Mennonite, why adult baptism is such a big deal, and what we can learn from our larger Mennonite family around the world.
To learn more about the anniversary events in Zurich, visit mwc-cmm.org or anabaptism500.ch.
This week we get to know James Moore, the recently appointed eastern district minister. In addition to this important role, James is also the lead pastor of West End MB Church in Lenore, North Carolina. James discusses the joys and challenges of serving in both roles, including his role in helping immigrant Congolese churches become more self-sustaining.
Before James became a pastor, he served a full career as a police officer in Lenore. He still occasionally helps out with special events around town in this capacity, and his unique role as both a pastor and police officer lead to a distinct perspective on bridging the gap between the church and the community. James emphasizes the importance of prayer and the benefit of working together as we all aim to more effectively reaching the younger generations.
This week, Fred and Esther Leonard from Mountain View Church in Fresno, California, share their passion for global missions and how they've integrated it into their church's DNA over the past 31 years. The Leonards discuss their upcoming "Live the Mission" conference and their extensive experience in missions work across 37 countries. They emphasize the importance of partnering with local leaders, empowering nationals, and creating sustainable mission strategies that don't rely solely on American funding or leadership.
Fred and Esther share practical advice for churches looking to engage in missions, including starting small by adopting a missionary, sending short-term teams, and balancing local and global outreach. They stress the importance of a "theology of presence" and the power of prayer in mission work. They also share inspiring stories of how their church's involvement has transformed lives and communities around the world, highlighting the need for a long-term commitment to see lasting change. This episode offers valuable insights for church leaders looking to cultivate a missions-minded congregation and make a global impact.
This week we speak with Donna Sullivan and Lori Taylor, two long-serving staff members of USMB who are retiring and concluding their careers this week. Over their decades of experience, their roles have changed significantly over time, and today they discuss some of their favorite experiences and reflections on their careers in church administration and ministry.
Behind-the-scenes heroes like Lori and Donna often go unnoticed and under-appreciated, but their impact and their influence on our churches can't be overstated. Their day-to-day work truly was a ministry, and we've been blessed by the fruit of their labor.
Both Lori and Donna acknowledge USMB is in a season of significant transition, and while they both are excited to exit and spend more time with family and friends, they also look to the future of USMB with great anticipation and promise as new leaders get settled in their roles.
Donna and Lori, congratulations on a job well done!
Our resident MB historian Peggy Goertzen is back for another episode of history and storytelling, this time recounting the early days and foundation of the Latin America Mennonite Brethren (LAMB) district. Back in the 1930s, MB pioneers Peter E. Penner, Harry Neufeld, and others were trailblazers in reaching Spanish-speaking people near the Rio Grande Valley. After years of hard work and multiple challenges, these leaders eventually established several Spanish-speaking MB churches, as well as El Faro (The Lighthouse), an important Christian school for children in the region.
In this era of our history, two MB trademark priorities were once again evident: In our mission work, we have a rich history of elevating both evangelism AND discipleship. This outreach to Spanish-speaking communities was one of the first times we openly welcomed a new ethnic group to our family of churches, and that spirit of inclusion continues today.
Peggy is a fascinating storyteller, so we hope these stories from our past leave you inspired and encouraged for your next season of ministry!
Here's an amazing stat you may not expect: A billion dollar disaster now occurs in the U.S. every 18 days. Between tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, and other natural disasters, thousands of people across the country are left with significant needs after unforeseen disasters, and many have to completely rebuild their homes and their lives.
Luckily, Mennonite Disaster Service has been around for decades, and their team is equipped to do amazing acts of service to get people back on their feet and restore hope to broken communities. Kevin King has been their national director for 20 years now, and today we get to hear amazing stories of how communities have been healed and the amazing power that can come from a team of volunteers willing to serve. MDS's goal is to "make the path as level as possible from the pew to the project," and you'll hear today how you and your church can "pray, pay, and go" to share the hope of Jesus to broken communities around the country.
Following the recent retirement of Don Morris, Aaron Box was recently announced as the new USMB national director. Aaron has been an MB pastor for many years and was active on the USMB Leadership Board, but many of you likely don't know Aaron yet. As he prepares to transition into this new role, we wanted to take some time for you to get to know Aaron's history and hear his heart for ministry.
Aaron has more than 20 years of ministry experience, including the past 13 years as senior pastor of North Park Community Church in Eugene, Oregon. Throughout his experience, Aaron notes he is "MB by choice" and is energized by our history and distinctives. Looking ahead, Aaron says his experience and gifting are well-suited for ongoing growth and advancement in our areas of focus: church planting, intentional discipleship, and leadership development.
We're excited about this new season in the USMB story, and we hope this conversation helps you get to know our new leader!
Brian Harris is back on LEAD Pods this week discussing his new role as the southern district minister. After previously serving as the church planting mobilizer, Brian now acts as a "pastor to the pastors" by providing support, coordination, and advocacy across the southern district of MB churches.
In this interview, Brian shares insights from his first few months of meeting with church leaders, unpacking themes like the desire for collaboration between churches on initiatives in missions, leadership development, and pastor encouragement. There are notable challenges for our pastors today, but there are also exciting opportunities to unite and take advantage of our diversity so we can learn and grow together.
Don Morris has served in MB leadership for decades, most recently as USMB national director. As he prepares for retirement, this week we look back on Don's career as he reflects on the joys and challenges facing our denomination. Much has changed in church leadership and in American culture, but our MB family of churches has also grown and expanded so much with guidance from Don's leadership.
In this episode, Don shares some encouragement for those of us leading congregations today, thoughts on how to transition out of leadership well, and what excites him most as we look forward to the future of USMB.
You likely know the names and some details about your grandparents, but can you list all eight of your great-grandparents? Most Americans can't, and although we may not have had very close relationships to them, there is a lot of value in "generational storytelling" where we can learn from our family history and be proud of where we came from.
On this episode, we talk with author Elaine McAllister. She is an accomplished author of seven published books, and she is passionate about helping others record their family histories through writing, photos, and preserving heirlooms and documents. Today Elaine shares how (and why) we can research our ancestors, what "sentimental trash" we should hang on to, and how to pass on meaningful stories to future generations.
As we inch closer to summertime, we're also preparing for our biennial USMB pastors' conference and national convention coming to Omaha this July. On this episode we're joined by Kelsey Ensz and Daniel Rodriguez who both serve on the planning committee for the convention. They both share stories of how past conventions have been helpful to their ministries and provide some details of why YOU should consider joining us this year.
To learn more or sign up, visit usmb.org/usmb-gathering-2024.
We made it to 100 episodes! Wahoo! Thank you for listening over the past four years.
Today Matt talks with the entire USMB staff as we look back and reflect on our favorite episodes, go through some fun trivia, and share details about a $100 prize giveaway for the listeners. The USMB staff also shares a bit about their hearts behind the ministry, and we look ahead to what the next 100 episodes may look like for the podcast.
Thanks for listening with us, and be sure to 1) follow us on social media, 2) comment on this episode's post, and 3) share your response for a chance to win the gift card!
This week Matt talks with Scott Thomas, the new interim USMB Church Planting Mobilizer. Scott shares his extensive experience in church planting, having been involved with literally hundreds of church plants across the U.S. during his time with Acts 29 and serving as a lead pastor for 17 years. Scott passionately discusses the importance of continually planting new churches and why it's a crucial strategy for both spreading the gospel AND revitalizing existing churches.
Scott emphasizes that every USMB church, no matter its size or resources, can get involved in church planting efforts through prayer, finances, sending out members to plant, and more. With his decades of experience and wisdom, Scott casts a vision for the USMB conference to multiply disciple-making churches.
We all work hard for our paychecks, and sometimes it can feel like our income falls short of our financial needs--maybe especially for those of us employed by a local church. That may be true, but today our guest Brian Kluth has an important reminder to share.
God, not our day job, is our primary provider. Our salary is one way God provides, but it's not the only one. There are many ways God chooses to bless those who say yes to His calling on their lives, and it's up to us to trust Him to ultimately bring provisions.
Brian is far from a prosperity gospel teacher. Instead, his years of experience as a pastor, financial expert, and missionary provide story after story of how God has surpassed each of his needs. His teaching has helpful reminders for all of us, both for practical financial day-to-day decisions, as well as a God-centered mindset that reminds us where to place our trust.
Brian will be one of the featured speakers at our convention this summer, so get to know Brian now, and sign up to join us this July in Omaha!
Like it or not, most ministries require a budget. And even if they don't, Jesus was clear that His followers needed to have an appropriate and God-honoring view of money. As church leaders, how can we realistically encourage and grow our generosity? What steps can we take to earn our congregation's (and our community's) trust so they can be confident their offerings are used appropriately? How can we model generosity to our churches, and just how transparent do we need to be?
This week we're joined by the self-proclaimed "Generosity Monk," Dr. Gary Hoag. Gary is one of our featured speakers at our upcoming convention in July, and he has devoted his career to increasing generosity and teaching healthy giving practices to church leaders around the world. Today he shares practical advice and insightful wisdom that we would be wise to consider in our local churches.
According to recent research, the number of Americans with a biblical worldview continues to decline. In our world where secular culture boosts the ideas of self-authority and subjective truth, how can believers stay anchored to Jesus and the Bible? How can we help our kids navigate this new world, and how can we guard ourselves against competing worldviews?
Natasha Crain is this week's guest, and her popular books, blogs, and podcasts are all about this topic. How can we wrestle with truth without losing our faith, and does Christianity really stand up to academic scrutiny? Natasha shares the latest stats and trends, and also encourages us to hold on to prayer and trust in God's supernatural work to lead and guide us in today's culture.
Many people would agree that our relationship with our spouse is among the most important things in life, likely second only to our relationship with Jesus. If the Church believes that, why aren't there more resources for marriage ministry in our local churches? What are some of the biggest issues facing couples today, and how can church leaders help build strong marriages that last?
Nathan Ensz is the lead pastor of Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, Oregon, and he has created a marriage retreat with sessions designed to strengthen and encourage the modern marriage relationship. In this episode, Nathan shares details about his teaching, but also has insight on how we as church leaders can talk about relationships in a way that doesn't exclude the singles in our churches.
As we launch into a new year, we're continuing our theme from December of what our denomination can do to better prepare a new generation of leaders in our MB churches. This week, Dr. Quentin Kinnison and Dr. Darren Duerksen from Fresno Pacific University share details about their Bridge to Ministry Pathway that makes it easier for students to earn a master's degree in ministry.
Plus, Quentin and Darren share their desire to equip Gen Z and Millennials to lead and use their talents to serve the local church. Since they work with college students every day, they also share insight into Gen Z's motivations and goals and how church leaders may be able to utilize young leaders for a new season of ministry.
USMB recently hosted a live webinar where we addressed the topic of the perceived leadership gap in our churches today. Statistics show that pastors are getting older, enrollment in ministry majors is on the decline, and our culture at large is dismissive of careers in the local church. With this truth in our USMB churches and other denominations around the country, how we can address this issue now and start preparing the emerging generation of leaders?
On this final episode of 2023, we hear from Kyle Goings, Wendell Loewen, and Joanna Chapa to discuss this growing concern. The presenters share a wealth of stats and background that led to this decline, what trends they're currently witnessing, and some initial steps we can take to better prepare leaders for TODAY--not just the future.
This is a very interesting and crucial time to be involved in Christian higher education. In our denomination, we have two colleges we support that teach within the USMB Confession of Faith, and this week we talk with the two presidents leading these institutions.
Dr. David Janzen is in his third year as the president of Tabor College, while Dr. André Stephens is in his second year as president of Fresno Pacific University. Since they started their positions around the same time and their schools are similar in many ways, these men are often linked together as leaders of our MB education initiatives.
We cover a lot of ground in this episode. Both presidents share encouraging updates about the spiritual climates on their campuses, plus what they're currently working on to prepare future leaders of the church. Issues surrounding the cost of college and student loan debt are also high on their minds, and they share how both Fresno and Tabor are actually more affordable than you might think.
Preparing young Christian leaders should be a crucial goal for all of us in the MB family, so be encouraged by these stories and remember to pray for Dr. Stephens and Dr. Janzen as they lead our education institutions.
Our MB faith tradition is full of incredible stories and faithful heroes. In this week's episode, Peggy Goertzen (the director of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies) shares insight and introduces us to some of the first MB leaders established in the U.S.
She shares two particularly interesting and noteworthy stories of how early MB pastors took huge risks to start a school for black children in North Carolina (at a time when this was unheard of!), plus early and important outreach to the Comanche tribes in Oklahoma.
We have a rich history to be proud of, and these stories highlight the common thread of our ongoing efforts to care for others while sharing the Gospel.
If there's one single issue MBs are known for, it might be the idea of peacemaking. While that may still be true today, our official and documented views on peace and war have shifted in recent history. Our denominational leaders reworded Article 13 of our USMB Confession of Faith ten years ago now, with a strategic shift away from addressing only violence and war and instead broadening what it looks like to live a life of peace.
On this week's episode, we talk with Larry Nikkel, who was chair of the USMB Board of Faith and Life at the time of this change. Larry shares how this shift came about, what kinds of impact the change had on our churches, and what it looks like to be a peacemaker today.
Sadly, headlines of war around the world are very common today, and division among friends and family members is likely more common now than it was ten years ago. So how can we be agents of peace in our churches, families, and other relationships? Larry has some thought-provoking questions and advice to share that we would all be wise to consider.
Tim and Donna Sullivan have served in USMB leadership for 30+ years. As they are both in the process of transitioning into retirement, we take time in this episode to hear them reflect on our denomination and the southern district specifically. What has changed over the years, what opportunities are they currently excited about, and does anything make them nervous in this season of ministry? Why are denominations important, and how can we continue to work together to serve and mutually benefit each other? They also share thoughts on succession and how to work together as husband/wife ministry partners.
Tim and Donna have served well, and their heart for ministry will encourage you as they share stories from their ministry.
Pastor Terry Hunt has served as a leader on the USMB national level for several decades now. As he prepares for retirement from one of these roles, Terry reflects on his tenure as the Eastern District minister, which included major growth in the district; a name change; and the addition of several Ethiopian, Hispanic, and Congolese immigrant churches.
Terry chose the timing of this transition strategically so he can serve and encourage future leaders. His focus and dedication to succession is a wise model for all leaders to follow, and Terry encourages us to move forward with prayer and faith in God that He will continue to provide quality leadership across the USMB family.
Enjoy hearing these reflections and encourgements from Pastor Terry, and join us in praying for all of the areas of USMB where new leadership will be needed in this new season of ministry.
If we're honest, many of us don't really know what to do with the Old Testament. We know it's important, but some of the stories are hard for us to understand in our modern American evangelical context.
In this week's episode, we talk with Dr. Tim Geddert about his new book "The Beginning of the Story: Understanding the Old Testament in the Story of Scripture." Tim taught New Testament courses at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary for 37 years. Although Tim has focused on the New Testament in his career, his new book tackles common questions and misconceptions that Christians have about the Old Testament.
He says properly understanding the Old Testament is crucial for understanding the New Testament and Jesus' teachings. Tim discusses several challenging aspects of the Old Testament, such as violence and war, Old Testament law, and the reward/punishment narrative. He emphasizes the importance of reading the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus and the New Testament writers.
We hope today's episode and Tim's book will be helpful tools to better understand the Old Testament as an essential part of the biblical story.
Every successful church, ministry, or business needs to do the hard work of getting to know and serving its local community. Jason Quiring & Drew Pankratz are doing just that in Saratoga Springs, Utah where evangelical Christians are in a significant minority compared to the hugely influencial Latter-Day Saints churches around them. Jason, Drew, and the other leaders of Greenhouse Community Church are very intentional in how they invest in their local community, and the language they use--and don't use--as part of their ministry efforts.
As the North American culture continues to become increasingly post-Christian, we can all learn lessons from Jason and Drew and their "slow/fast" approach to befriend their neighbors, earn their trust, and establish relationships where conversations about faith are more effective.
Jon Fiester and Abby Giwojna know their neighborhood well--and it can be a rough neighborhood. Renewal MB Church in Rapid City, South Dakota is located in a part of town known for drugs, gang activity, and (frankly) a lack of hope. While planting a church in this type of community brings a set of challenges, it also brings unique opportunities.
In this week's LEAD Pods, Jon and Abby share how they "live missionally" in their community day-to-day by intentionally working alongside police officers, offering free coffee to teenagers, and being ok with a broken foosball table. Your community likely doesn't look like theirs, but their dedication to knowing and loving their neighbors is something we can all learn from!
Like it or not, artificial intelligence is here and.... well, everywhere. Technologies like Chat GPT have evolved rapidly, and nearly every week we see headlines of new ways AI is being used in virtually every industry.
So how does this affect the church? Are there tools that can help pastors be more effective? What are the moral issues we need to wrestle with? How much can we rely on these tools before it starts to be too much?
As you'll hear in this episode, AI isn't a pastor. We still have a relationship with Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, so we are uniquely positioned to lead our churches in ways machines never could. Still, it's also possible AI could help us with some elements of our work that could make us more effective.
We dive into this crazy new world with some help from Jason Moore, one of the leading voices in the early days of AI in the church.
Most U.S. churches were forced to develop at least some type of online ministry during the COVID shutdown. Now that we're past that stage, how should we think about our online presence? Does online church "count," or are we just giving our congregations excuses to be lazy? Are there times when online church might be morebeneficial than in-person worship? What new tools do we need to keep an eye on, and how can we develop those strategies?
Today we're talking with Alan George, a pioneer in the online church space. Alan was the online pastor for Life.Church for more than a decade, and he has really helpful insight for how we should view online ministry, regardless of the size of your church staff or budget.
After decades of planning and a few failed attempts, Ridgepoint Church recently launched their first church plant--with a path and strategy that no one expected. On today's episode, we hear from SouthLife pastor Kevin Friedberg and Andy Owen from Ridgepoint share the story of how this new church came to be, with pieces fitting together from literally around the world to benefit an underserved community in Wichita.
So many people in our culture today struggle with anxiety and depression. Addictions and temptations related to pornography are also incredibly common. Since Christians are humans too, these struggles and addictions are often found within the walls of the church, and even some of the best Christian leaders in the world wrestle with these issues.
We want to make one thing really clear in this episode: Whatever your role or title is, there is hope, encouragement, and lightwithin reach for you if you're facing any of these struggles. Hiding and ignoring these issues often make them worse, and you were never meant to face this alone.
On this episode, Pastor Brad Burkholder openly shares his story of overcoming depression and pornography and re-discovering a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit. After years of struggle, Brad has a pretty incredible testimony of discovering a newfound desire for Jesus and freedom from the bondage of depression and anxiety.
You're not alone, and we hope Brad's hope-filled transparency encourages and inspires you.
The war in Ukraine has been continuing for over a year now, and there continues to be a lot of darkness in the midst of so much destruction. It's also true that our friends in MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) have been directly involved with providing aid and resources to help those affected with material, emotional and spiritual support.
On this week's episode, we're joined by three ladies directly involved with MCC's relief and peacemaking efforts. Ann Graber Hershberger (MCC's executive director), Pastor Yvette Ngale (MCC U.S. board member) and Anna Rubel (MCC staff member from Ukraine) have firsthand insight and stories to share about what's happening on the ground in Ukraine, how MCC is helping, and what wecan do to help provide for and support those affected the most from the ongoing war.
Learn more about MCC's efforts in Ukraine here: https://mcc.org/stories/crisis-ukraine
MB Foundation has been an important and influential ministry of USMB for more than 30 years now, and many good things are happening there! On this week's episode, President & CEO Jon Wiebe shares insightful history of the Foundation, as well as some exciting stories of how their growth has led to increased generosity to churches in our denomination as well as to individuals in need around the world.
We should all strive to honor God with our finances and practice biblical stewardship, and MB Foundation offers several tools to individuals, local churches, and other ministries to help us do that. Along with the stories and tools outlined in this episode, you can also learn more at mbfoundation.com.
Many of us try to avoid talking about it, but EVERYONE benefits from a thorough plan for the end of life. Robert Carlton (active member at Hesston MB) spent his career helping individuals and families navigate through the world of Hospice, senior resources, wills, and end-of-life planning, and he shares important things we should all think through on this week's episode. Some of these conversations can be hard and awkward, but a well thought-out plan now can bring peace and even joy when your family faces the loss of a loved one.
In recent years we've shared several stories of how immigrant pastors from around the world are getting established in the U.S. and joining our USMB church family. In today's episode, we hear the encouraging story of how Pastor Alex Mutabazi left a difficult life in the Congo to become an MB pastor in Nashville. In his words, the "hand of God" has been upon him and his church with miracle after miracle leading to where he is today.
Pastor Terry Hunt has been an influential leader in Alex's life, as well as several other immigrant pastors who are doing amazing and important work of helping immigrants get established with new lives in the U.S. There is so much hope and potential for these new MB church plants, so be encouraged and inspired as you hear from Pastors Terry & Alex!
This is a pretty historic episode of LEAD Pods for several reasons! First, we talk to bestselling author and pastor Paul David Tripp, author of more than 30 books ranging all kinds of topics related to faith and church leadership. Second, we recorded this conversation LIVE as part of a recent MB Foundation webinar that was co-hosted by our friends Rick Eshbaugh and Bruce Jost.
We've talked about finances a few times before, but instead of getting into the weeds with spreadsheets, budgets, and debt-reduction strategies, today Dr. Tripp shares about the heart behind our finances. Everyone is worshiping something, and our money typically goes to what our heart is most drawn to. So what about you? Are you honoring God with your finances, and how can you train and encourage your church family to "redeem" money? Check out https://mbfoundation.com/redeemingmoney for more resources on this topic for your church, including free copies of Dr. Tripp's book.
Vanlalhmachhuani Gelatt, who you may know as Amy, has an incredible story of God's faithfulness. Born in India with a very interesting family history, Amy has experienced miracle after miracle in her life that led to her coming to study in the U.S. Now she and her husband Josh lead North Oak Community Church in Hays, Kansas where she is active in ministry and evangelism.
Throughout her story, Amy learned to trust and lean on God's plan when things didn't always work out as she had hoped, but she also experienced amazing amounts of God's favor and blessing that led to where she is today. Her story will encourage and inspire you, and remind you of God's relentless faithfulness!
Being a pastor--at any level--is hard work. Especially over the past few years, church leaders have had to deal with stresses and challenges that can be uniquely difficult. We all want to lead flourishing ministries while also maintaining healthy families and stable mental health. That may seem increasingly difficult, but it is possible with the right boundaries and right guardrails in place.
On this episode, we talk with Bill Clem. Bill is the director of the Center for Pastoral Flourishing at Western Seminary, and he has a big heart for helping pastors avoid burnout in ministry. He has decades of church leadership experience in a variety of roles, including several years at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. He has first-hand experience and tons of research/resources to help lead your ministry and keep your sanity in modern church leadership.
Many of us feel guilty when we're honest about our personal prayer lives. Maybe you feel like you don't pray often enough, or you're intimidated when asked to pray out loud, or--if you're honest--the idea of leading or attending prayer meetings feels boring and irrelevant.
Of course that's not how God wants you to feel, and there is a lot of freedom to pray in ways that feel natural to you and fit your personality. On today's episode, Jana Hildebrandt has some helpful tools for us and also shares her personal journey through prayer. What used to feel like a guilt-ridden necessity has really come to life for her, and her story and perspective will hopefully encourage and inspire you as well.
Planting new churches continues to be a high priority for USMB leadership, which notably led to hiring Brian Harris as our church planting mobilizer last summer. Brian has been on the job for several months now, and on this week's episode, Brian shares the latest news after his travels around the country and what he's learned so far as he speaks to leaders and develops his longer-term strategy.
As the familiar verse from Matthew says, the harvest is indeed plentiful. Brian reminds us there is definitely still a need for more churches in our communities, and there are unique ways established churches can work together to plant new churches or help resource other teams who are looking to plant. Regardless of the size of your church or your position in leadership, there are ways all of us can work together to help bring the gospel to those near and far ready to hear the good news.
"In our latest podcast episode, we dive into the exciting world of Chat GPT and its potential uses for local churches. Our guest discusses how this innovative technology can revolutionize worship services by assisting with song lyrics, prayers, and even sermons. Additionally, we explore the many ways Chat GPT can streamline day-to-day operations, making church staff more effective and efficient. Whether you're a pastor, church administrator, or just someone interested in technology, this episode is a must-listen. We explain what Chat GPT is and give a comprehensive overview of its future uses in the church, so don't miss out!"
... Ok, if you know about Chat GPT, you know the drill here. That paragraph above was written by an intelligent, new AI system called Chat GPT. This incredibly smart computer is quickly taking the world by storm, and most of its users are blown away by the many ways it could affect our lives moving forward. Among the implications and questions to wrestle with is how (and if) we should use this technology in the church.
In this episode, we asked Chat GPT to generate interview questions on this topic, and then we asked those questions to Chat GPT. It's basically interviewing itself, with a little help from our host, Matt.
Whether you're excited or a little creeped out by this tech, these are questions that leaders need to wrestle with, so we hope this conversation is helpful as we begin to wrap our minds around how AI might be used to better serve the church.
America is often referred to as a "melting pot" with a wide variety of cultures and ethnicities represented. Clearly we believe the Gospel is good news for everyone, and it's wise for us to be on the lookout for ways we can more effectively serve and minister to under-represented and under-served groups in our American culture. With more immigrants and refugees coming to our shores every day, how can the Church minister to these communities, and how can the USMB family work with them to prepare for the church of tomorrow?
Henri Ngolo is a minister and church leader from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who recently came on staff with the USMB team as our new integrated immigrant coordinator. Henri is working with many immigrant leaders who are forming new MB churches around the States, and many exciting opportunities are in the early stages through initiatives like the CORD program. Henri shares parts of his story on this episode and ways we can work together to better serve and minister to these immigrant families.
When you spend time reading the Bible, what kinds of things are you looking for? Does your understanding of the New Testament affect your view of the Old Testament, and vice versa? As you read, are you thinking mostly of yourself, or about God?
We all slip into ruts with our personal devotions, and sometimes a fresh perspective or reminder of biblical truths can bring life and deeper understanding of the stories and teachings found in the Bible. Today we're talking with author and pastor Ben Connelly about his new book, Reading the Bible, Missing the Gospel, and he has some compelling and thought-providing ideas that may change how you read the Bible this year.
In this final episode of 2022, we introduce you to Daniel Rodriguez, the new district minister for the Central District. Daniel has a unique story of how he was called into ministry, and he has a genuine desire to reach all the new people groups coming to the U.S.
The Central District covers several states, and Daniel's experience working in bilingual churches is proving to be helpful as he leads several different cultures represented in this district. Daniel shares details of what exactly district ministers do, what excites him about his new role, and what we can all do to be missionaries in our own communities.
For most couples, your spouse's career probably doesn't affect your day-to-day life THATmuch, but that's not always true when you're married to a pastor! There are some unique challenges--and unique joys--that come with being a pastor's wife, and today we hear about those from Melissa Wiebe and Heather Hubrich. Both of their husbands are pastors and church planters at Lakeview Church in Utah. While the pastor's spouse may typically fly a little under the radar, both Melissa and Heather have settled into their niche where they can give and serve the community while also caring for their families--and setting healthy boundaries for themselves.
Humans are messy, and (sadly) part of being human is dealing with conflict. Especially this time of year with elections and lots of time with family around the holidays, you're likely to find yourself in a difficult conversation at some point. How can we be peace-makers in a divided and difficult culture, and how we can we love those around us who believe and behave so differently than we do?
Remember: Conflict in itself is not sin. We have a choice in how we handle these things, and on this episode we have some practical takeaways you can work on. Wendell Loewen and Erica Haude both wrote articles about this in the most recent issue of Christian Leader, and today they share examples from Scripture and tips you can keep in mind for next time you're facing conflict with loved ones.
Changes in senior leadership can make or break any church or organization, especially when a senior, founding pastor retires. Succession is a crucial leadership discussion that often gets forgotten or delayed, but it's a topic we would all be wise to get a head start on.
Today we talk with Eric Nelson, the new lead pastor of South Mountain Community Church in Utah. Eric recently took over after their former leader, Paul Robie, retired at the end of last year. South Mountain took their time and the succession process worked really smoothly, so what outline did they follow, and what can we learn from their story? Eric walks us through each step, shares lessons he learned along the way, and provides some helpful things for us to think about as more and more churches are passing the reins on to the next generation of leaders.
"Let me tell you a story..."
Did we capture your attention? There's something about a compelling story that draws our hearts and minds more than just about anything else. Effective storytelling can be a leadership superpower, so how can our churches tell better stories? What's the process we should use to listen, capture, and share good stories, and how can that cycle help grow our churches and share the gospel?
On this episode we talk through this and much more with author Robert Carnes. Robert has written two books, including "The Story Cycle," which we talk about this week.
If you've considered taking a sabbatical before, maybe some of these thoughts have gone through your mind:
- People in secular jobs don't get this much time off. Why should I?
- I don't need time away. I'm doing fine and ministry is running well.
- I don't have anyone around me to pick up the slack.
- My team or leadership doesn't support the idea.
Taking time away for rest, renewal, and retooling is so important for ministry leaders. Time away from the grind of ministry is not only good for your own health, but churches also benefit. Ministries can only be healthy if their leaders are healthy.
USMB National Director Don Morris recently took a sabbatical, and on today's episode he addresses all of those concerns listed above and much more. Especially post-COVID, many ministry leaders are depleted, and that's not how Jesus intended for us to lead.
Back to school season is in full swing, so now is a great time to introduce you to Dr. André Stephens, the new president of Fresno Pacific University. FPU is our Mennonite Brethren school in Fresno, California, and many great things are happening on campus.
Dr. Stephens was selected as their new president this summer, and he brings with him a wealth of experience in higher ed and a very strong passion for the well-being of well-rounded students. On this episode, Dr. Stephens shares more about his background, what drew him to FPU, what he's learning about the MB family, and where he thinks higher ed is moving in the future.
Good things are on the horizon for FPU, so enjoy getting to know Dr. Stephens!
Church planting has long been one of USMB's main goals as a denomination. We want to actively be involved in more MB churches being planted--so much so that USMB leaders created a new position to focus on just that. Brian Harris recently started as our new church planting mobilizer. Brian has a great story of how he came to faith, how he started evangelizing, and what he plans to do to assist MB churches ready to take the leap into multiplying disciples through church planting.
Most of us have individuals with disabilities in our church family--or certainly in our communities. People with disabilities or differently-abled people are often overlooked in society, but that shouldn't be the case in our churches! Regardless of our church's size or resources, we should all be on the lookout to appropriately serve and reach out to those with disabilities, so how can we do that more effectively?
Dr. Quentin Kinnison is an associate professor at Fresno Pacific and has devoted significant time to the "theology of disability." In this episode Quentin shares many practical ideas and potential next steps for all of us to better serve this under-represented people group.
You've heard the buzzwords and are likely noticing the nearly-ubiquitous "Now Hiring" signs. The "Great Resignation" is upon us, and the post-COVID workplace is beginning to look a lot different from the office watercolors pre-2020. A bunch of people are looking to change jobs and shift their careers, so how will that affect the Church--and yourchurch?
You probably find yourself in one of two camps: Either your team is currently in the process of hiring/shifting staff positions, or maybe you have a great team that you don't want to leave. In this new workplace reality, how can we care for and honor our employees so they aren't tempted to leave?
This episode we're joined by Michael Buckhingham from Vanderbloemen. He has great insight and tips to help us turn the Great Resignation into the Great Recognition.
Now that (hopefully!) the worst of COVID is behind us, most of our churches are returning to in-person services. Where does that leave our online presence? Should we keep streaming, and how can we improve our online services to be a truly "hybrid" experience of what happens in the room?
On this episode we talk with Jason Moore, the author of the best-seller Both/And. Jason has several examples and insights to share from churches he has worked with who are effectively ministering to people online AND in-person.
More and more people are discovering churches online first. What does that mean for yourchurch? If guests read through your website or follow you on social media, would they "swipe right" on your profile and consider a first "date" by attending a service? What are new people looking for, and how can you implement those things for your church online?
Today we're joined by church communication expert Haley Veturis. Her personal experience with dating apps changed her thinking about churches' online profiles, and she has several thoughtful and practical steps we can all take to make sure a guest's first impression of your church leaves them wanting more.
Learn more about Haley and her company Digifora at http://digifora.com.
Today we have the privilege of getting to know Bruce Enns, the recently appointed general director of Multiply. Bruce has years of local church leadership experience after his time as an MB pastor in Saskatchewan. There have been lots of changes within Multiply over the past few years, but on this episode we get a peek into Bruce's heart for ministry and his vision for this next chapter of Multiply's work around the world.
Evangelism is always most effective when you take time to study and immerse yourself in the culture and community where you are serving. We often think of that when discussing overseas ministry, but the same can be true in cultures that look a lot like yours on the surface. Even when you have similarities in skin color and language, ministering in a big city looks considerably different from a healthy church in small, rural communities.
Today we talk with Ron Klassen, the executive director of Rural Home Missionary Association. Ron has decades of experience leading churches in small, rural communities, including an MB church in Oklahoma. We all fight the “grass is always greener” syndrome where we wish we had more money, better buildings, etc., but there are some unique and valuable opportunities that come with leading in small towns. Whatever the size of your church, Ron has valuable insight to share about finding unique strengths in your community that can lead to effective ministry.
The issue of human trafficking has to be one of the darkest and most difficult issues in our world today. Since we believe all humans are made in the image of God, we know that each woman caught in trafficking is important and meaningful, and the heart of God is for all of us to experience freedom and love, not exploitation.
With big problems like this, it can be easy to feel hopeless in the midst of all the darkness, but there is also hope and light. Today we talk with Cathy Turner and John Oelze from Hope Ranch, an organization near Wichita that serves women and gives them the tools they need to escape trafficking, discover God's love for them, and rebuild a meaningful life. We encourage you to check out hoperanchforwomen.com to learn more, give, or find ways to pray for these women who deserve our love and attention.
Apologetics and evangelism--both big words and big concepts that can feel daunting to "normal," busy people. As we continue our series on the podcast about evangelism and getting to know this year's convention speakers, on this episode we chat with Hillary Morgan Ferrer. Hillary is the founder of Mama Bear Apologetics, a group designed to help moms (and everyone else) find answers to difficult questions about our faith and culture. In our conversation, Hillary defines "apologetics," how it relates to evangelism, and what we can do to answer tough questions your kids may be asking.
Be sure to check out Hillary's books and the Mama Bear Apologetics podcast to learn more, and join us at the MB Convention this July in Kansas City! https://usmb.org/gathering2022/
Most of us have a tendency to make evangelism more complicated and more intimidating than it was intended to be. There are several examples in the Bible where brand new believers instantly shared their faith, and all of us listening know more about Jesus than those people did. So why is it so scary, and how can we do it more effectively--both to our unchurched friends and neighbors, and to Muslims around the world?
Today we talk with Aaron Meyers from the Crescent Project. Aaron shares some helpful and encouraging tips to have faith-filled conversations more easily in our day-to-day lives, and he also shares how God is at work reaching Muslims around the world through online and digital technology. Good things are happening, and evangelism doesn't have to be scary!
Most believers are familiar with the "Great Commission," but many of us also feel ill-equipped to successfully share our faith with unbelieving friends and neighbors. Today we speak with author (and MB convention speaker!) Gary Comer to hear his success stories of how he speaks with his atheist and Muslim friends, and practical tools we can use to become more effective "influencers" for Jesus in our day-to-day lives.
The world is a big--and small!--place, and we all have a lot to learn from each other. On today's show (episode 50!), we're talking with Bob Davis about his new role with ICOMB. We can experience the fullness of the kingdom of God best when we work and worship together, and there are lots of ways our local churches can more effectively engage with MB leaders around the world. Enjoy today's conversation, and then head to http://icomb.org to learn more!
This week we’re continuing our series as we get to know this year’s USMB convention speakers as we explore the topic of evangelism. Today we’re joined by Pastor Jeff Bell from Mosaic Church, and sharing the love of Jesus is in his DNA. There are a lot of important things for church leaders to think about in this episode: What kinds of events is your church hosting, and what is their purpose? Is evangelism part of your discipleship strategy? Are you so busy with church activities that you have nothing left for your neighbors? And when you ARE with non-Christians, are you “making spiritual conversations more normal, and normal conversations more spiritual”? Enjoy this conversation with Jeff and spend some thing thinking about your church’s (and your personal) evangelism strategies.
"Soul care" and "spiritual direction" are good-sounding terms you would probably affirm, but what do they actually mean? And are you (as a pastor or church leader) actually taking care of your soul? What even IS your "soul"?
Self-care and self-examination can be critical tools to ensure our own spiritual health, especially the longer we find ourselves in church work. The daily grind of ministry and life in general is real, and it's important we take time to discover what our soul craves and find ways to feed and nurture our true selves.
Above all else, spiritual director and soul care specialist Janine Westlund wants you to remember the words of Jesus from Matthew 11: You are beloved.
If you want to dive deeper into these topics after hearing from Janine, here are some resources you may find helpful:
GPS for the Soul: https://storage.snappages.site/4Z86ZC/assets/files/GPS-for-the-Soul.pdf
Daily Examen: https://storage.snappages.site/4Z86ZC/assets/files/Daily-Examen.pdf
Soul Custody by Stephen W Smith: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Custody-Choosing-Care-Only/dp/1434764729/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2PTJ4EVVDRXP&keywords=soul+custody+by+stephen+smith&qid=1644938184&sprefix=soul+custod%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-1
Jeff Hubrich has a pretty powerful testimony that you probably don't have. After leaving the LDS church, Jeff gradually learned about Jesus through a caring Christian friend who invested in his friendship for years. Jeff is now a pastor who strategically plans his church services specifically for the Mormons in his community--and it's working.
Even if you have a completely different testimony, we can all learn from Jeff's story and spend some time thinking about how and why we do things in our churches. Can you describe the culture of your neighborhood 10 blocks in every direction? What spiritual needs does your city have that you're able to meet? How can you invest in non-believers over the long haul, even if you don't get to see any fruit?
Jeff asks challenging questions and shares encouraging stories that we can all learn from. Enjoy hearing from Jeff in this episode, and then sign up to join us for the USMB convention coming to Kansas City this summer to hear more from Jeff!
You can't argue with the stats. Most U.S. pastors are getting older, young Christians aren't as active in local churches as they used to be, and--at least in this season--young people don't seem to be interested in vocational ministry. What is causing these issues, and how can we address them now as MB church leaders?
These are big and complicated discussions, but a group of MB leaders are coming together to form a new initiative to serve USMB congregations as well as emerging leaders. Today we talk with Kyle Goings and Russ Claassen about the new USMB Leadership Pipeline, a program aimed to provide hands-on training, mentoring, paid internships, and scholarship opportunities to young MB leaders. In addition to equipping these young people, we also hope this provides a pool of trained leaders ready to serve in our local churches.
If you or your church are interested in learning more about this program, visit leaderpipeline.net.
Like it or not, money is a part of our daily lives. Some people seem to naturally have a great handle on how to budget, save, and invest, while others struggle to make ends meet and come up with a long-term plan for healthy financial living. The Bible has a lot to say about money and how we use it, but it doesn't necessarily line out details about credit cards, ROTHs, or investment strategies.
Luckily we have experts like our friends at MB Foundation to help us work out those details. Nate Yoder returns to the show this week to do a deep dive on all kinds of areas related to finance--budgeting, mortgages, investments, retirement, will planning, and much more. Nate does a great job taking complex ideas and condensing them down to actionable steps we can all take to get on track, set realistic goals, and prepare now for longterm financial health.
Thanks to MB Foundation for sponsoring this episode, and thanks to YOU listeners for a great season of episodes this year on LEAD Pods! Merry Christmas and we'll see you in 2022!
COVID rocked the whole world and caused all of us to shift all kinds of things, including how we do church. Not only have the nuts and bolts details changed, but most pastors and church leaders also routinely find themselves in uncharted waters, exhausted from the barrage of challenges the last two years have brought us.
Sound familiar? Pastor Josh Shaw from Lighthouse Church in Denver is hosting a FREE conference for church leaders coming up January 28-29. Take advantage of this two-day experience to hear from great leaders, enjoy powerful worship where you don't have to plan anything, and be encouraged for your next chapter in ministry. You might even come away with a grant to help fund your ministry, and--did we mention--the whole thing is free?
Learn more about the Resilient Conference in this conversation with Josh, and also hear how his church learned to thrive in this difficult season of uncertainty. Get details or sign up for the conference at https://resilientconference.com.
David Janzen took over as Tabor's new president this July. If you haven't had a chance to meet him yet, this episode gives you an introduction to his background in education, his time as a student at Tabor, and even his involvement with a popular mobile app. While being a college president wasn't necessarily on his radar, President Janzen shares how he sees God at work, weaving his story together in a way that positions him well for leading Tabor into the future.
With enrollment up and new programs in the works, it seems good things are already in motion under President Janzen's leadership. Enjoy this episode, and welcome to the USMB family, President Janzen!
When you spend all or most of your life in the same culture, it's easy to become blind to the day to day "norms" around us. We're all "blind to our own blindness" and we forget what the world looks like to those living in other parts of the world. Still, it's wise and helpful for us to have a larger perspective and remember that all people are created in the image of God, and the world is much larger than North America.
On today's episode we're joined my Multiply missionaries Andy Owen (Thailand) and Travis Jost (Burundi). Both of them are currently back in the U.S. after extended times of service overseas, and they have fascinating insights to share both about their new countries as well as reflections on how America has changed since they left. They have very helpful things to share about racism, politics, COVID, and how our various cultures can work together to grow the church and further God's Kingdom.
None of us want to think about tragedies or disasters hitting our local churches, but wise leaders are always prepared. If your church encountered an active shooter, tornado, or sudden health emergency, does your team know what to do? How do you get started developing a security plan, and how much can you work in tandem with local law enforcement?
These are important questions we all need to consider. We hope and pray you never need a plan like this, but just in case you do, this episode will help you get ready. Greg Snider uses his years of experience in both law enforcement and the military to help churches protect themselves so we can focus on sharing the love of Jesus in a secure and safe environment.
Today's female leaders face several unique challenges--especially in the church. As more and more women are given leadership opportunities, they're often met with unexpected hurdles once they get there. How can female leaders (of all ages) develop an effective "leadership voice," and how can the men around them be supportive and helpful?
Author and speaker Kadi Cole returns to the show to provide helpful tools for all leaders to know how to pass the baton to future female leaders. How should you offer feedback and praise to female leaders? What analogies do we use that aren't actually helpful? How can the church model biblical leadership, and where do we still have room for improvement in this area? Kadi eloquently shares thoughts on all this and more in a relatable conversation from a biblical worldview.
What is LEAD Coaching, and how could it help you? Ed Boschman and Chandelle Claassen have both been coached themselves, and now they help lead (no pun intended) the LEAD Coaching program with USMB.
Coaching is an intentional one-on-one friendship where the coach helps you make progress on your goals and reach new levels of success and satisfaction--professionally and personally. Sounds nice, doesn't it? Learn more about this program on today's podcast episode and visit usmb.org/lead-coaching if you're interested in signing up.
Everyone (of all ages) should always feel safe at church, but we all know that unfortunately isn't always the case. We hope and pray our churches steer clear of abuse and scandal, but it's always best to be prepared and proactive to protect yourself and potential victims in your church family.
These things can be hard to talk about, but it's a topic we can't avoid in today's culture. On this episode we're joined by Nancy Kauffmann from Dove's Nest to provide some insight and advice for how churches can create and follow policies to keep kids and adults as safe as possible from potentially dangerous situations.
If you don't already have a safety policy at your church, get started by visiting dovesnest.net. Jesus made it clear that He loves children and other vulnerable members of society, so we should follow His lead and be prepared!
Conflict is unavoidable--especially in today's heated culture. Jesus calls us to be peace-makers, and healthy relationships were at the core of His teaching. How can Christians manage conflict and heated discussions well, and what peaceful practices can we adopt to help us prepare?
Jes Stoltzfus Buller is the Peace Education Coordinator at MCC, and she developed a free curriculum about these topics that your church may benefit from. Today we hear about Jes's interesting history of seeing conflict firsthand in Columbia and how she used those experiences to manage (and even thrive!) in a divided American culture.
Next time you find yourself in a conflict, remember these helpful tools and tips from Jes!
Modern research shows that stress, trauma, and anxiety can actually physically change our brains. Since we live in an era of chronic stress, that can have a significant impact on how we learn, how we grow, and how we interact with others. As important as these findings are, these things are rarely accounted for in our classrooms, leaving many students without crucial help they need to learn and develop effectively.
On this week's episode, we dip our toes in the deep waters of neurology and trauma research with Dr. David Stevens, a professor at Tabor College who is leading a new master's program training educators how to better care for and nurture today's students.
Even for those of us outside of education, these principles and this research can be very helpful in our leadership. Enjoy this slightly nerdy but super interesting conversation!
A healthy small group ministry is a crucial part of the American church today--especially for larger churches. As we grow in our faith, we all need a smaller group of friends where we can study Scripture and laugh, as well as be there for each other during hard seasons. Small groups can often provide that space, but building a healthy ministry takes a lot of work and intentionality.
Today our guest Joe Skillen shares some big picture ideas of how to lead small groups, but we also get into the details about how to choose a study, how often you should meet, pros and cons of open/closed groups, and much more. Whether your church already has a groups ministry or you're looking to start one soon, take advantage of this helpful insight from Joe!
(And stick around to the end to get his hot takes on the NBA free agent season.)
Your church probably does a lot of things, and you probably have a lot of ministries. One of the hardest things to do as a church leader is to effectively communicate all of your church's messages in a way where every message is heard by your congregation, as well as those outside the church in your community.
Doing that well is veryhard, especially if those various events and ministries don't share common goals and themes. Today's guest encourages us to find a single "thread" that connects everything we do. When you do that well, your church can be known for something positive in your community.
What is your church known for? Do you have a "thread" that ties everything together? How are you cutting down on the noise and clutter of church announcements to make sure the most important things stick out?
Mark MacDonald is an experienced church communicator, author, pastor, branding expert, and--yes--model. He takes churches through branding exercises to help them discover this thread that can set them apart and make them more effective in their communities. When you do this well, it's much easier to help others discover Jesus and grow in their faith.
Whatever position or title you have at your church, all church leaders (staff and volunteer) have a responsibility to lead teams well and create meaningful experiences where people can encounter Jesus.
That's a big responsibility! Ready for a leadership "secret" you already know? It's all about relationships--including the relationships between you and your team members, and between you and Jesus.
Today's guest is Carl Barnhill, the owner and creative director at Twelve:Thirty Media. Twelve:Thirty creates quality media packages for churches, and Carl has a ton of experience leading large church teams and creating powerful experiences. In today's episode we dive into an article Carl wrote outlining 8 important reminders for all of us in church leadership.
Read Carl's article here and be sure to check out all that Twelve:Thirty has to offer on their website. Now go take your volunteers out for lunch!
Teenagers have been given a bad rap. Sure, parenting teens brings a unique set of challenges, but you can do it, and this season doesn't have to be the horror story our culture makes it out to be.
Today we're joined by counselor and therapist Matt Gallagher to get his insight on how to parent teens, how to prep for that season while they're young, what they need the most, and how to cultivate a healthy relationship that lasts.
This episode is full of practical and insightful wisdom we could all benefit from, regardless of what stage of parenting you're in--or even if you're not a parent! Thanks to Matt for sharing this helpful content with us!
Teaching kids about Jesus is one of a parent's most important responsibilities. Today a lot of parents feel inadequate and aren't sure how to actually do that. The church can (and should!) help, but the most effect kids ministry occurs when the church and the parents work togetherto install Christian principles and values to the next generation.
J.L. Martin has been on both sides of this as a children & families pastor as well as raising four kids of his own. He understands the short attention spans, the awkwardness of praying out loud, and the importance of genuine faith conversations at bedtime. This episode is packed of super practical information that is helpful both for parents as well as those working in churches to give us the best chance at developing a healthy faith in our kids.
Kids ministry is a crucial part of most (if not all) churches, and rightfully so. Effectively ministering to kids and their parents is a huge responsibility and great opportunity to share the gospel with our communities.
COVID rocked the world in many ways, and children's ministry certainly wasn't an exception. Finding ways to reach children stuck at home was a challenge, and now that things are opening up, are there parts of our ministries that need to be shifted, removed, or started to adjust to this "new normal"?
Brittney Howard oversees the children's ministry at Prodigal Church in Fresno, and she and her team have been wrestling with all those questions. They found creative ways to minister during the shutdown and have great ideas of goals for the re-opening process. Be encouraged and maybe get some new ideas as we all walk through these rapidly changing times together.
All relationships can be messy, but the parent/child relationship is particularly interesting. As parents get older and their kids become care-givers, that can be a rocky transition, even for the closest of families. Knowing how to navigate new boundaries, difficult life adjustments, and challenging health diagnoses can lead to a lot of stress for both the parent and the child. How can we prepare ourselves in advance for that stage of life, and what does "success" even look like?
Today we talk with Lisa Keith from FPU who is currently facing this challenge with her parents. After they moved in with Lisa a few years ago in great health, all of their lives were forced to shift once health and memory issues rapidly entered the picture. Lisa is handling the challenges with a lot of grace, and today she reminds us that there is always a silver lining as long as we keep proper perspective.
Sometimes unlikely pairings can lead to significant and important partnerships. In recent years, many Congolese immigrants have found a new home in the U.S. in MB church families. Henri Ngolo has been one of those influential leaders, and MB district ministers Terry Hunt and Rick Eshbaugh have been instrumental in helping these new Congolese church plants grow and thrive in the U.S.
Many immigrants coming to the U.S. today are viewing that shift as a missionary assignment. The U.S. NEEDS church leaders from around the world, and we have much to share with them. Together, we can have a huge impact on the kingdom of God locally and around the world.
A lot of positive change has already come from these Congolese partnerships, and exciting things are on the horizon. Enjoy this episode and be encouraged!
The sudden emergence of COVID-19 rocked all of our worlds, but church leaders had to move quickly and make tough decisions about how their congregations would meet. Those tough decisions seemed to keep coming for basically an entire year, and that pressure can put a huge strain on leaders--especially in particularly divided times.
Today we talk with three of USMB's district ministers to hear what theyhave been hearing from our local MB pastors around the country. We hear some encouraging success stories, and we also share stories of burdens we've all had to learn to carry together. As the world starts to slowly reopen, we hope this conversation leaves you encouraged and ready to see what God is up to in this new season of ministry.
Many of our listeners are on staff at a local church, meaning our literal job is to spread the word about Jesus. As great of a privilege as that is, often times people working in the marketplace have more opportunities to build relationships and share about their faith with non-believers. Business leaders have tremendous opportunities to share the love of Christ by the way they lead, how they treat their employees, and how they view their business.
Jason Lansdown owns two Chick-fil-A restaurants in Wichita, and he is a fantastic leader. His faith plays a critical role in how he leads his teams and runs his restaurants, and he is very intentional about financial generosity and leadership development in the next generation.
How can you honor God with your day-to-day work? How should the church view wealth and business success? Should churches start utilizing more business principles in their leadership? This is a great episode with lots of practical advice, so enjoy this great conversation with Jason (and then go grab a Chick-fil-A sandwich).
All of our lives have been affected by the spread of the Coronavirus, but few of us have been hit as directly as Tabor's president, Dr. Jules Glanzer. After catching COVID, his health declined dramatically and led to an extended stay in the hospital. As his symptoms got worse, he even had a vision of entering heaven that led to significant shifts in how he's choosing to spend his days now.
Even for a proud Sterling grad (!), Dr. Glanzer's story is encouraging and inspiring. He also shares important leadership lessons we can all take away from this challenging time. Thank you, Dr. Glanzer, for sharing your story so openly with us. Enjoy, listeners!
Losing a loved one is one of the hardest parts of the human experience. It's also true that knowing how to support grieving friends can be a tricky tight rope to walk. Everyone grieves differently, and knowing how to walk alongside people on that journey can be a real challenge.
Today we talk with Jenny Akina, a Grief Share leader from Fresno. Her husband passed away years ago, and her journey with her own grief has given her a big heart for others going through the grieving process. This week's episode has valuable information both for those who have recently lost a loved one, as well as those of us who want to support friends and family members currently going through the grieving process.
Grief is hard, and it's a topic the church doesn't often address. The Bible instructs us to mourn with those who mourn, so hopefully this conversation gives you the tools to do that well.
Debt. College. Mortgages. Tithing. Roths. Wills.
Like it or not, money is a big part of our lives. A lot of us didn't get great training for the nuts and bolts of a healthy financial life, and it can be challenging to know where to begin--especially if you find yourself in a tough financial situation.
Today we talk with Nate Yoder from MB Foundation about all of this and more. How can and should we use our money to have a healthy financial outlook ourselves, and what does God have to say about our money? This is a practical and helpful episode where we think you'll learn a lot, so enjoy and get in touch with MB Foundation if you could use additional help!
After a few weeks off, we're BACK with a special two-part episode! Several big cultural events took place while we were away, and we wanted to spend some time as a family talking about the violence at the capitol and the current political landscape. Don Morris and Tim Sullivan guide us through what the MB statement of faith has to say about events like these and provide some comfort and encouragement for these times we're in.
We also talk with lawyer Lyndon Vix about free speech and the first amendment. These days there's lot of talk about "big tech" shutting down sites like Parler and taking certain leaders off platforms like Twitter. These are big and complicated issues, but as leaders, it's important for us to be educated and informed about cultural discussions like these.
Buckle up--we cover a lot of ground today. But we hope you leave encouraged and confident in your faith of who is really in charge in these troubling days we face.
Singles often get overlooked in today's churches. Sometimes churches inadvertently do or say hurtful things to single (no pun intended) them out, and we would all be wise to do a little check-up to ensure we're ministering to and meeting the needs of this important demographic in our churches.
Main takeaway: Singles aren't weird or broken or misfits, and they need to be included and welcomed in our churches.
Lisa Anderson is the Director of Young Adults at Focus on the Family, and she's also the host of the Boundless Show, their prolific podcast with nearly 700 (!) episodes. Lisa is a ton of fun and a wealth of knowledge on this important topic.
Enjoy this final episode of 2020 and we'll see you next year!
Gavin and Micah are leaders on staff at Axiom Church in Peoria, Arizona. Their church plant has seen a lot of success in recent years because of their desire to remain authentic and reach out to people who may otherwise feel left out of the traditional church.
Gavin and Micah are artists, and that artistic soul reveals itself in the culture at Axiom. Your church may not look or sound like theirs, but we can all learn from their desire to lead from their true selves. Our communities sense that authenticity, and leading from that space will be an appealing way to display the love of Jesus.
Be encouraged and inspired!
Church plants often lead to powerful spiritual growth and revival. Plus, Jesus called us to go out into the world and make more and more disciples. As successful and rewarding as church planting can be, actually starting a new church in the real world comes with a unique set of challenges.
In today's episode we talk with two young MB pastors who have completed the church plant process and are now working on launching second campuses. Join us as we hear from Christian Kohs in Minnesota and Phil Wiebe in Utah to hear more about their church planting journeys, their vision for their new campuses, and how we can all work together to most effectively share the good news of Jesus.
2020 has been quite the year. The combination of COVID and politics and race issues and natural disasters has been hard on all of us, and most of us could probably do a better job of taking care of ourselves.Today we're joined by two MB therapists with tips on how to manage our mental health, care for each other, and even find ways to thrive--and not just survive--the messy world we find ourselves in.
Thanks to Cheryl Dueck Smith and Carlin Buhrman for sharing their insight and advice with us!
The world of politics seems to just get messier and messier. This is a big week in America as we prepare for the upcoming election. The issues represented by our votes are big and important, and most of us feel compelled to share our thoughts and our convictions in various forms online. While there's nothing inherently wrong with that, you've probably seen Christian friends post things that maybe they shouldn't have, or maybe you've found YOURSELF in a heated Facebook debate you didn't intend to be in.
It's messy, and it's hard to know how Jesus would want us to act online--especially in divisive seasons like this one. Luckily, we chat with an expert today, and Sam Hoover has some excellent tips and advice we would all be wise to follow as we aim to be "good Christians" online--especially this week!
The Mennonite Brethren family is much larger than just those of us living in the U.S. We have thousands of MB brothers and sisters around the world, and we all need each other to be most effective.
In this episode, Rudi Plett (the director of ICOMB) and Ed Boschman (USMB representative) share how God has been at work in these world conferences and how we can best work together to help spread the good news of Jesus and develop our church leaders around the world.
The story of Jesus and the woman at the well is a well-known and favorite story from the Gospels, but how should that interaction affect our lives and our ministries today? Copper Hills Church in Peoria, Arizona used that story as a model of how they wanted to serve their community. After years of dreaming and hard work, they now oversee the Copper Hills Center for the Arts, which is an awesomeand powerful outreach to their community.
Today we talk with Cathy Beachy, the director of the Center for the Arts. She shares not only details of how this works in their community, but she also shares ideas of how all of us in all of our churches can shift our mindset on "outreach" and how we can benefit our community, meeting common needs just like Jesus did for the woman at the well.
This is a fun and inspiring episode. Thanks for joining us!
Your age and the culture you were raised in play a huge role in how you see God and how you view the church. On this week's episode we dive into a study on all current generations, with a special highlight on the emerging generations of Millennials and Gen Z. What characteristics define them, how are they different from those who came before them, and what should the church be doing to reach them more effectively?
Kyle Goings is an experienced youth pastor who has studied this topic more than just about anyone. And (shhh!) don't tell anyone: He actually isa millennial. This is a fast-paced episode that will greatly benefit your ministry, especially if you find yourself lacking in representation from these emerging young adults.
Who exactly are the Mennonite Brethren? Where did we come from, and what makes us unique from the hundreds of other Christian denominations?
Don't miss this episode! Peggy Goertzen is the Director and Archivist of the Center for Mennonite Brethren Studies, and Wendell Loewen has been an MB pastor and professor for many years. Hear them blitz through our MB history and share practical handles you can use to explain this faith story to those who may be unfamiliar.
Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) does important work around the world in the areas of relief, development, and peace in the name of Christ. In today's ever-changing culture, one way they do that is by providing resources, training, and intentional effort to support and build diversity. Dina Gonzalez-Pina specializes in the areas of gender and ethnic diversity, and she shares practical insight in today's episode for church leaders.
Wherever you land theologically about women in church leadership, your church likely has room for improvement in how you develop female leaders. In today's episode, author Kadi Cole encourages us to "be as effective as possible in the theology we believe," while also capitalizing on the leadership potential in women that often goes unnoticed.
This is a crucial topic for today's church. Take advantage of the practical leadership and insight we can all learn from in today's LEAD Pod episode!
The "capital C" Church is alive and well in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and you'll see why when you hear from USMB leader Nzuzi Mukawa. Nzuzi has a passion for evangelism, whether he finds himself in a church, in the marketplace, or taking advantage of the "diaspora" as the world becomes a smaller and more global community.
Be encouraged and be challenged as you listen to this episode. The U.S. has a lot to learn from global leaders like Nzuzi!
How healthy is your soul? Do you have baggage you've been carrying that you need to deal with? Most of us have knowledgeof Scripture and the promises of God, but do we have integrationin our day-to-day lives?
Dr. Reimer was scheduled to be one of our speakers at the USMB 2020 Convention. Today we dive into his book Soul Care and share ways church leaders can better care for their own souls so they can effectively lead and shepherd those around us.
The issues of labor and sex trafficking in the U.S. and around the world are heart-breaking. We believe all men and women are created in the image of God, and we all deserve to be treated with kindness and respect. These issues are big and systemic, so what can we do in our individual families and churches to help make a difference?
Today's guest Christa Wiens shares important info about the problems, but also offers practical solutions we can all implement to chip away at this big and important problem.
Not a day goes by with new headlines about racial injustice, and the topic of legal immigration will likely be an issue we'll face for years to come. Pastor Aaron Hernandez has a unique perspective as he leads a church literallyon the border to Mexico. In this episode, Aaron explains what life is like for Hispanic church leaders today, and he shares several important messages for white Christian leaders.
The Bible is pretty clear that all Christ-followers are called to evangelize, but sharing our faith can be scary. On top of that, a lot of us have experienced ineffective (and maybe even hurtful) evangelism, and we don't want to associate ourselves with that. Beyond the threat of hell and cheesy Christian tracts, how can we build relationshipsin a way that leads others to Christ?
Luckily, we have two experts to dissect this with us on this episode. Ed and Jameson have great tips, personal examples, and practical encouragement for all of us to build--and share--our faith with those around us.
Every leader leads meetings. We've all been in great meetings, and we've all been in bad meetings. We want to help YOU lead them well, and this week we have great insight from Paul Robie of South Mountain Community Church in Draper, Utah. Grab a pen and get ready for some practical tools for you and your team!
When you are fluent in a language, you're able to live and communicate clearly without an abundance of effort. With that definition in mind, what does it mean to be fluent in the Gospel? How would our lives be different if we had an understanding and an awareness of the Gospel that was as deep as our understanding of our native language?
Special guest Ben Connelly describes what a Gospel-fluent life looks like and steps we can take to grow in this area. Here's a hint: The Gospel isn't just something that happened 2,000 years ago. The good news of Jesus is as relevant and important today as it ever has been, and that should affect how we live our lives.
All of us are still navigating life in this Coronavirus season. Maybe you're working from home, maybe you're the onlyone in the office, or maybe now you're having to homeschool your kids. All of us have been effected somehow, and it can be hard to know if we're being successful and effective in our leadership when nothing feels normal.
How can we lead well when no one can see us? How should we be using this extra time we've been given to invest in our families? Do you have a tendency to over-work or under-work? This week we get tips on all this and much more from our guest, Ben Connelly.
(Hopefully) all churches pray, and (hopefully) we all spend time in prayer in our personal faith journeys. However, there's a big difference between being a church who prays and becoming a "house of prayer." What are the differences, and how can we get there?
Esther Leonard is passionate about prayer and has powerful tips to help take your prayer life and your prayer meetings to the next level.
How should the Coronavirus affect our prayer life? How can we grow in prayer if we don't feel gifted or have a personality that easily lends itself to prayer? How can we stay encouraged in these crazy days of COVID-19?
Stephen Humber and Kelly Pankratz work on the mobilization team for Multiply. They both have a passion for prayer and a gift to teach about it. On this debut episode, Matt Ehresman talks with Stephen and Kelly to get practical advice we can all lean on as we yearn to grow closer to God in these unknown days.
Today we're kicking off LEAD Pods with the USMB staff explaining our goals and why we're launching this new show. Join Don Morris, Lori Taylor, and J.L. Martin as they introduce the podcast and give a sneak peek at what's to come.