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.

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.

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.

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 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.

• Read Michele's article
• Read Tim's article

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.

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 courses aim 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.

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.

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.

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 continents. Their stories and insights remind us why global connection matters and how honoring our past can strengthen our faith for today and the future.

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.