The Christian Leader Podcast

Church size is one of those topics everyone tiptoes around. If you're at a smaller church, it can feel like you're always playing catch-up; if you're at a bigger one, it can feel awkward to talk about resources without sounding like you're bragging. In this episode, Matt sits down with two pastors living out very different realities: Alex Janzen, lead pastor of Community Bible Church in Mountain Lake, Minnesota (congregation of 20-25), and Brent Warkentin, lead pastor of Ridgepoint Church (co...

If God never changes, why does the God in the Old Testament seem so different from Jesus in the New Testament? The Old Testament seems to be full of blood, gore, and violence, but Jesus promotes peace and self-sacrificial love. Are those contradictory ideas? How could God be ok with so much bloodshed and killing—and did he actually initiate it in the Old Testament? These are big questions that Christians have wrestled with since the beginning, and this issue is one of the primary reason...

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...

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...

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 past...

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 Chr...

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 f...

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, scatte...

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 t...

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 det...

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 fo...

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 cov...

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 i...

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 shepher...

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 w...

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 w...

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 ...

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 alwa...

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 discipl...

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 healt...

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 fai...

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...

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 intim...

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 w...

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, parenti...

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 for...

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 glob...

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 aca...

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 therap...

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 dire...

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 epis...

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 generatio...

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...

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 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 departme...

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 n...

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 ye...

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 encourageme...

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 t...

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 hum...

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 han...

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...

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...

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 tran...

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...

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 d...

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 othe...

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 ...

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 Nort...

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 wo...

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 Lenoir, 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 Lenoir. He still occasionally helps out with special eve...

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 Amer...

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 ...

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...

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 peop...

In light of the upcoming retirement of Don Morris, Aaron Box was recently announced as the new USMB national director (effective July 1). 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 y...

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 missi...

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, th...

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...

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 ...

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 emphasize...

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 t...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 ...

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 hea...

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 th...

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 ...

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 w...

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 benefi...

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 succes...

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 Testame...

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-...

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 polic...

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....

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 more beneficial 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 G...

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 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 light within rea...

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 ...

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 stewardsh...

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...

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 Al...

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, a...

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 hope...

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...

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 ...

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 t...

"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 epis...

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 prepa...

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 past...

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 d...

For most couples, your spouse's career probably doesn't affect your day-to-day life THAT much, 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 Hea...

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 o...

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 a...

"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 Car...

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 goo...

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 mor...