Shows / The Christian Leader Podcast
The Christian Leader Podcast
The Christian Leader Podcast is the official podcast from USMB, featuring honest and practical conversations for anyone following Jesus—in life, ministry, and everything in between. Join us as we disciple, develop, and deploy followers of Jesus for life and leadership.
Episodes
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Mark: The Most Misunderstood Gospel (Tim Geddert)
Dr. Tim Geddert returns to the Christian Leader Podcast to talk about his new book, Treasure-Hunting in Mark's Gospel. Tim has spent much of his career…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
How to Navigate Family Conflict with Grace (Cheryl Dueck Smith, Andy Burau, Matt Gallagher)
The holidays bring families together, but they can also sometimes tear them apart. Why are hard conversations so much harder with family than with coworkers or…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Starting Strong: Money, Marriage, and Discipleship (Matt Bell & Jon Wiebe)
Returning guests Matt Bell and Jon Wiebe join the podcast to talk about money as a discipleship issue. Matt is an author and speaker on biblical money…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Why Women Are Leaving the Church, and How to Win Them Back (Kadi Cole)
Kadi Cole returns to the Christian Leader podcast to unpack one of the most surprising shifts in recent church attendance data: for the first time on record…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Big Church, Small Church: What We Can Learn From Each Other (Alex Janzen & Brent Warkentin)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Why Was God So Violent in the Old Testament? (Dr. Tim Geddert)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
A Higher Purpose: Honoring God in the Workplace (Wendell Funk)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
How, When, & Why to Let Your Kids Fail (Brady Bergman)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Sabbaticals: Why Rest Doesn't Just Benefit the Pastor (Nathan Ensz)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
The Prodigal Frontman: The Deconstruction and Return of Jason Dunn (Hawk Nelson)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
When They Can't, Not Won't: Understanding Learning Differences (David Stevens, Crystal Nachtigall, Micki Pollman)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
On Mission from the Beginning: The History of MB Conventions (Peggy Goertzen)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
MCC's Next Chapter and Effective Succession Planning (Ann Graber Hershberger & Rukshan Fernando)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Why We Gather: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Gathering 2026 (Kelsey Ensz, Drew Pankratz, & Alec Alvarado)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Why Leadership Development Is So Hard—And What to Do About It (Andy Owen and Kyle Goings)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Loving the Orphan: The Church's Role in the Foster Care Crisis (Amy Jackson-Kincaid)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Watering Well: Faithful Ministry and Long-Term Growth (Aaron Halvorsen)
Pastor Aaron Halvorsen joins LEAD Pods for a warm and wide-ranging conversation about preaching, pastoral identity, and the often unglamorous but essential…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
Immigrant Church Leadership: Faith, Culture, and Generational Change (Endashaw Kelkele)
Pastor Endashaw Kelkele joins LEAD Pods for a wide-ranging conversation about immigrant church leadership, mission, and faith shaped by perseverance. Endashaw…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
146 | Leading Through Change Without Losing Your People (Jon Annin)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
145 | Leveraging AI Without Losing Your Soul (Matt Ehresman)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
144 | Deconstruction, Denominations, & Algorithms (Convention Speaker A.J. Swoboda)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
143 | Agents of Reconciliation (Jesse Swiers)
This week pastor and denominational leader Jesse Swiers reflects on reconciliation as a foundational Christian practice—and why it is often far more complex…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
142 | Reaching the Spiritually Curious (Mark Matlock)
In this episode, author and Barna senior fellow Mark Matlock unpacks new research on the rapidly growing number of “spiritually curious” Americans. He explains…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
141 | Fighting Loneliness: How the Church Can Rebuild Community (Greg Brock)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
140 | Keeping the Light: Finding Peace this Christmas Season (Stuart Curry)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
139 | Martin Luther, Anabaptists, & the Legacy of the Reformation (Ryan Loewen & Tony Petersen)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
138 | Discipleship Discussions (Jeremy Matlock)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
137 | Why We Gather: Looking Ahead to Gathering 2026 (Aaron Box)
Every two years, Mennonite Brethren from across the country come together for a unique family gathering: the USMB National Convention. In this episode, USMB…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
136 | Telling Stories & Helping People: Meet the New CL Editor (Lacey Scully)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
135 | What Makes a Disciple? (Dr. Tim Geddert & Michele Fiester)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
134 | Leading Across Cultures: Global Lessons from MCC (Arthur & Phyllis Mann)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
133 | Our School, Our Leaders: Tabor's New GSM Initiative (Dr. Eric Foster-Whiddon)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
132 | Faith, Anxiety, and Pursuing Emotional Wellness (Erica Haude)
In this insightful conversation, counselor Erica Haude returns to LEAD Pods to talk about mental health, emotional wellness, and the unique challenges church…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
131 | Spiritual Formation for Church Leaders (Galen Wiest)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
130 | One Global Family: Inside the Mennonite World Conference and Anabaptist 500
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
129 | Business, Innovation, & Why the Church Needs Christian Entrepreneurs (President David Janzen)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
128 | Equipping the Church Worldwide through MLT (Doug Heidebrecht)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
127 | One Church, Four Congregations: Embracing Diversity at Butler Church (Scott Holman)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
126 | Raising Up Leaders: Inside Ridgepoint's Leadership Academy (Andy Owen & Kyle Goings)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
125 | Planting Hope in the Neighborhood: The Story of City Church (Mario Trujillo)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
124 | Restoring Hope: MDS Responds to the LA Wildfires (Jim Holm)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
123 | Trusted: Teaching Kids about Money, Stewardship, & Generosity (Matt Bell)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
122 | Trusting the Story: Lessons from Three Unique Church Plants
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
121 | The Sacred Task: Advice for Crafting an Impactful Sermon (Brent Warkentin)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
120 | Leadership Development That Works: Lessons from Mountain View (Dave Thiessen)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
119 | Radical Roots: Exploring 500 Years of Anabaptism (Valerie Rempel)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
118 | Behind the Scenes of the Christian Leader Magazine (Connie Faber & Janae Shafer)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
117 | Generosity in Leadership (Aaron Box)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
116 | SOAR, Action, & Living on Mission (Multiply's Silvia Lopez & Heidi Quiring)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
115 | Igniting Your Leadership Fuel (Jordan Ringhofer & Kyle Goings)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
114 | Discipleship Beyond The Checklist (Matt Thrift)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
113 | Breaking Barriers and Building Community in the Middle East (Janna & Cody)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
112 | Building Relationships & Sharing Jesus with Muslims--And Everyone Else (Nasser al’Qahtani)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
111 | What Makes a "Mennonite," and Celebrating 500 Years of Anabaptism (César García & Dr. Tim Geddert)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
110 | New Eastern District Minister (James Moore)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
109 | Living the Mission (Fred & Esther Leonard)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
108 | Decades of Dedication & Passing the Torch (Donna Sullivan and Lori Taylor)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
107 | History and Formation for the First Latin MB Churches (Peggy Goertzen)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
106 | Rebuilding After Disasters (MDS's Kevin King)
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…
- The Christian Leader Podcast
105 | A New Leader for a New Season (Aaron Box)
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…