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- During Jesus’ ministry on earth, tables—and the meals shared around them—were an important part of his school of discipleship. Professor and author Robert Karris writes, “In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is either going to a meal, at a meal or coming from a meal.” New Testament scholar N. T. Wright says, “When Jesus himself wanted to explain to his disciples what his forthcoming death was all about, he didn’t give them a theory, he gave them a meal.” When Jesus invites his followers to the table, the meal is open to all—men and women, slave and free, Jew and Greek. Jesus’ […]
- Every human sees the world through their own unique and distinct cultural lens. But what does that mean? What is a cultural lens and how does that affect how we interact with our neighbors and our brothers and sisters in the faith? How do I know what my own cultural lens is and how it differs from others? How can we as a USMB family seek to understand each other better when our cultural lenses are very different? There is a significant cue in what John encounters in Revelation 7 and the implications that come out of it. After John […]
- With 30 churches and almost 10,000 members in three countries, Grace Tabernacle Ministries (GTM) has grown significantly since its humble beginning in Kenya with seven Congolese refugees in 2009. Founding pastor Emmanuel Musinga, who now pastors in Indianapolis, Indiana, borrowed $300 from a former primary school teacher to build a roof for the fledgling church. “The Bible says, ‘Don’t despise the small beginnings,’” Musinga says. “Just listen to the voice of God, and follow the passion that God has given to you.” Musinga’s passion is for church planting, leadership development and children’s education, and today, the church he founded has […]
- WHAT WE DO
- 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
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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 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. 139 - Martin Luther, Anabaptists and the Legacy of the Reformation (Ryan Loewen & Tony Petersen)
October 30, 2025
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.
EP. 138 – Discipleship Discussions (Jeremy Matlock)
October 16, 2025
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.
EP. 137 – Why We Gather: Looking Ahead to Gathering 2026 (Aaron Box)
October 2, 2025
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.
EP. 136 – Telling Stories & Helping People: Meet the New CL Editor (Lacey Scully)
September 18, 2025
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.
EP. 135 – What Makes a Disciple? (Dr. Tim Geddert & Michele Fiester)
September 4, 2025
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 Michelle 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.
EP. 134 – Leading Across Cultures: Global Lessons from MCC (Arthur & Phyllis Mann)
August 21, 2025
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.
EP. 133 – Our School, Our Leaders: Tabor's New GSM Initiative (Dr. Eric Foster-Whiddon)
August 7, 2025
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 program aims 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.
EP. 132 – Faith, Anxiety, and Pursuing Emotional Wellness (Erica Haude)
July 24, 2025
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.
EP. 131 – Spiritual Formation for Church Leaders (Galen Wiest)
July 9, 2025
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.
EP. 130 – One Global Family: Inside the Mennonite World Conference and Anabaptist 500 (Gertrud Geddert and Sebastian Mireles)
June 26, 2025
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 continuents. Their stories and insights remind us why global connection matters and how honoring our past can strengthen our faith for today and the future.
EP. 129 – Business, Innovation, & Why the Church Needs Christian Entrepreneurs (President David Janzen)
June 12, 2025
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.
EP. 128 – Equipping the Church Worldwide through MLT (Doug Heidebrecht)
May 28, 2025
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
EP. 127 – One Church, Four Congregations: Embracing Diversity at Butler Church (Scott Holman)
May 15, 2025
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.
Scott has served at Butler for more than 18 years of ministry. In the time between the recording and release of this episode, Scott announced he would be resigning at the end of June to make space for new leadership for the next season of Butler’s growth as a multiethnic church.
EP. 126 – Raising Up Leaders: Inside Ridgepoint's Leadership Academy (Andy Owen & Kyle Goings)
May 1, 2025
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.
EP. 125 – Planting Hope in the Neighborhood: The Story of City Church (Mario Trujillo)
April 17, 2025
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.
EP. 124 – Restoring Hope: MDS Responds to the LA Wildfires (Jim Holm)
April 3, 2025
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.
EP. 123 – Trusted: Teaching Kids about Money, Stewardship, & Generosity (Matt Bell)
March 19, 2025
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.
EP. 122 – Trusting the Story: Lessons from Three Unique Church Plants
March 6, 2025
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/
EP. 121 – The Sacred Task: Advice for Crafting an Impactful Sermon (Brent Warkentin)
February 20, 2025
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.
EP. 120 – Leadership Development That Works: Lessons from Mountain View (Dave Thiessen)
February 6, 2025
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: https://www.mountainview.org/.
Leadership Pipeline: https://leaderpipeline.net/.
EP. 119 – Radical Roots: Exploring 500 Years of Anabaptism (Valerie Rempel)
January 22, 2025
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.
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