The Christian Leader Podcast

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.

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 [email protected]

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.

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.

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.

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.