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- I attended a Bible study recently where we looked at Matthew 24 and the end times. Most present subscribed to the pre-tribulation rapture position. I sensed quiet relief in their voices given they believe no Christian will have to endure the great tribulation. But no one commented on the possible times of harsh suffering and persecution American believers could face in the future. No one alluded to the estimated 70 million Christians martyred over the last two millennia, more than half in the 20th century. Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs describes persecution as “anytime that we’re forced to […]
- War in the Middle East always sparks a renewed interest among Christians regarding what the Bible says about the end times, what theologians call the study of eschatology. In recent generations the formation of the state of Israel, the rising threat of nuclear Armageddon, the collapse of the USSR and other massive geo-political events have spurred interest again and again. And in a way, that’s a good thing. The eagerness to know more may be for the wrong reasons: Who is the antichrist? Is the rapture about to happen? But in Scripture, Jesus calls us again and again to be […]
- Each year, more than 10,000 people flock to Birch Bay, Washington, an unincorporated community along the northwest Washington coast, to shoot fireworks on July 4. Birch Bay is one of the only places to shoot fireworks on the beach without a permit, says Birch Bay Bible Community Church lead pastor Tim Thiessen. A county ordinance allows the legal discharging of fireworks July 3-5, and many people buy fireworks on the nearby Lummi Reservation and come to Birch Bay to shoot them off. It’s not uncommon for people to spend $5,000 to $10,000 on fireworks, Thiessen says. “Birch Bay gets overwhelmed […]
- WHAT WE DO
- Church Multiplication
- Church planting continues to be a crucial area of ministry for USMB. Studies show churches are the most effective way to bring more people into the family of God. Partnering with local churches, districts, USMB and Multiply to plant churches, is not just a good thing to do, we must do it.Read More
- Disciple-Making
- USMB is actively involved in helping provide our churches with dynamic ideas, resources and programs for encouraging people to become fully-devoted followers of Jesus. Jesus said, “Go and make disciples….” We strive to facilitate that profound command. READ MORE about Disciple-making.Read More
- Leadership Development
- USMB’s leadership development strategy stems from the real need to actively develop more leaders within the local church who are living on mission in the workplace and in their communities and to fulfill the demand for additional pastors, church planters and missionaries. READ MORE about Leadership Development opportunities.Read More
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Increasing Impact Together
T 800-257-0515
Email: offices@usmb.org
USMB
PO Box 20200 Wichita, KS 67208
PHONE: 800-257-0515 NEWSLETTER: SIGN UP
LEAD Pods are the official USMB podcast devoted to leadership development and spiritual growth for Mennonite Brethren churches. This is MBs sharing ideas with other MBs, and hopefully beyond. ‘It’s the best of us to the rest of us.’
Listen on Apple, Android, or Spotify or click the blue icon to the left of each episode.
Video versions of some podcasts are available on our YouTube channel.
EP. 101 – Why YOU Should Attend Convention This Summer (Kelsey Ensz & Daniel Rodriguez)
APR 11, 2024
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.
EP. 100 – Looking Back & Looking Ahead! (USMB Staff)
MAR 28, 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 follow us on social media.
EP. 099 – The How, Why, and "What's Next" of USMB Church Planting (Scott Thomas)
MAR 14, 2024
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.
EP. 098 – God Is Your Provider (Brian Kluth)
FEB 29, 2024
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!
MB Foundation is pleased to bring Brian to USMB Gathering 2024. Brian and MB Foundation will also provide an optional lunch event for pastors and spouses July 25.
EP. 097 – Building Generosity Through Accountability (Gary Hoag)
FEB 15, 2024
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.
MB Foundation has had a long relationship with Gary and is pleased to bring him to the USMB Pastors’ Gathering!
EP. 096 – Faithfully Different (Natasha Crain)
FEB 1, 2024
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.
EP. 095 – Marriage Matters (Nathan Ensz)
JAN 18, 2024
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.
EP. 094 – FPU's Bridge to Ministry & Equipping Young Leaders (Quentin Kinnison & Darren Duerksen)
JAN 04, 2024
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.
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