LEAD Pods

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 Brethr

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 h

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 t

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 leader

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 wit

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 dis

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, regardle

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 meaning

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 pasto

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 wit