The Christian Leader Podcast

This week pastor and denominational leader Jesse Swiers reflects on reconciliation as a foundational Christian practice—and why it is often far more complex and painful than we expect. Drawing from Scripture, Anabaptist theology, and his own lived experience, Jesse explores the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation, the role of community in peacemaking, and why reconciliation requires both humility and courage. 

In the real world where we all lead, reconciliation may not always be fully possible, and separation may become necessary. Jesse speaks candidly about leading through denominational division, navigating theological disagreement with integrity, and remaining an agent of peace even in seasons marked by grief and loss. Throughout the episode, he offers practical wisdom for pastors and leaders seeking to pursue reconciliation faithfully, grounded in Scripture, shaped by community, and anchored in the reconciling work of Christ.

In this episode, author and Barna senior fellow Mark Matlock unpacks new research on the rapidly growing number of “spiritually curious” Americans. He explains why many assumptions about the unchurched no longer hold, what today’s seekers are actually longing for, and how curiosity—not hostility—is shaping their questions about meaning and purpose. Mark also explores why many Christians prefer certainty over curiosity and why creating space for honest questions is essential to healthy discipleship.

He also offers practical guidance for churches navigating this cultural shift. Mark shows why evangelism today is a long-game, relational journey and why building a “curiosity-friendly” church culture means rethinking attractional models, prioritizing spiritual formation, and making room for real relationships. Throughout the conversation, he offers hope for church leaders: people are more open to spiritual conversations than we realize, if we’re willing to slow down, listen well, and enter their stories with genuine curiosity.

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 research on trust, generosity, and crisis leadership, and shares how simple human practices like eye contact, shared meals, and meaningful conversation have become rare in our tech-driven world. Greg traces the cultural shifts accelerated by COVID, smartphones, and changing social habits, exploring why loneliness has become a public health crisis affecting every generation.

The conversation also highlights the huge opportunity this moment presents for the church. Greg explains why deep, embodied community—not perfect sermons or polished programming—is what people are longing for, and how habits of solitude, presence, and intentionality help us become the kind of people who can build that community well. Matt and Greg reflect on practical steps for pastors, parents, and leaders as they invest in Gen Z and Gen Alpha, and why showing up with curiosity and genuine interest may be the most transformational ministry practice we have.

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. Stuart shares the heart behind his book—a 25-day journey through Advent designed to help readers slow down, refocus, and rediscover the wonder of Christmas. Drawing from his own life as a pastor and father of eleven, Stuart reflects on how hope, peace, joy, and love form the foundation of the Christmas story and continue to shape our faith today.

Together, Matt and Stuart explore how easy it is for pastors and families alike to get swept up in the busyness of the season and lose sight of its true meaning. Stuart offers gentle, practical wisdom for finding stillness amid the chaos and keeping Christ at the center of our celebrations. Whether you’re leading a church or simply trying to hold on to peace this holiday season, this conversation will remind you that we’re all called to be “keepers of the light,” shining Christ’s hope in a world that desperately needs it.

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.

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.