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LEAD Pods are the official USMB podcast devoted to leadership development and spiritual growth for Mennonite Brethren churches.
144 Episodes
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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...
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