LEAD Pods

USMB
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LEAD Pods are the official USMB podcast devoted to leadership development and spiritual growth for Mennonite Brethren churches.

  1. 5 MAR

    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 is the lead pastor of the Ethiopian Evangelical Church of Denver, where he has served for more than three decades. He shares his story of growing up in Ethiopia during a time of Christian persecution, fleeing to Kenya, and eventually immigrating to Colorado—where he never expected to become a pastor, but felt God’s clear call to shepherd a growing community. The conversation explores what it’s like to lead a bilingual, multicultural church navigating generational change, shifting language, and cultural tension. Endashaw reflects on the challenges and opportunities of serving first- and second-generation immigrants, raising up young leaders, and helping the church remain centered on the mission of Christ rather than control or comfort. Along the way, he offers wisdom for pastors and church leaders serving in diverse communities, insights into evangelism through everyday work, and encouragement for churches seeking to come alongside immigrant congregations with humility, trust, and partnership.

    48 min

  2. 19 FEB

    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 this summer, and this episode offers a window into his heart for ministry, renewal, and sustainable leadership. Jon shares the story of returning to Stony Brook Church, a small church in Omaha that had experienced significant decline, and how patient, courageous change led to health, growth, and renewed mission. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from serving in both large and small churches, the importance of building teams that can say both yes and no, and why church health can’t be measured by size alone. The conversation also explores church planting, video campuses, and how pastors can lead change wisely in a season when both culture and ministry feel especially demanding.

    46 min

  3. 5 FEB

    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 Christian Leader magazine. Together they explore the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence and what it means for church leaders today. Matt shares how he personally uses AI tools in his work, from podcast production to daily church communication, and why he believes AI can be a gift to ministry leaders when it's used thoughtfully and wisely.  This conversation isn't about hype or fear; it's all about discernment. Matt and Lacey talk honestly about the ethical concerns surrounding AI, the risks of losing authenticity, and the importance of keeping the human (and spiritual) elements at the center of ministry. Along the way, Matt offers practical examples for pastors and church leaders who are curious about AI but unsure where to start. The goal isn't to replace people, but rather to leverage these tools without losing your soul.

    51 min

  4. 22 JAN

    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 for the USMB Gathering coming up this July, so this episode gives a sneak peek into his heart for ministry and insight into life as a pastor in today's unique culture.  We cover a lot of ground in this episode! A.J. shares thoughts about doubt and deconstruction (the main topic of his talk at Gathering), why it's so important for various denominations to learn from each other, and why he tells his students to always express gratitude to ChatGPT. This episode introduces A.J. as a thoughtful, grounded voice and invites pastors to reflect on how they are being formed as they lead in an increasingly complex world.

    41 min

  5. 8 JAN

    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 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.

    48 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    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 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.

    49 min

  7. 27/11/2025

    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 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.

    46 min

  8. 13/11/2025

    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. 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.

    39 min
See All (148)

Trailer

About

LEAD Pods are the official USMB podcast devoted to leadership development and spiritual growth for Mennonite Brethren churches.

Information

  • Creator
    USMB
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 LEAD Pods
  • Show Website
    LEAD Pods

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