LEAD Pods USMB

You likely know the names and some details about your grandparents, but can you list all eight of your great-grandparents? Most Americans can't, and although we may not have had very close relationships to them, there is a lot of value in "generational storytelling" where we can learn from our family history and be proud of where we came from. 

On this episode, we talk with author Elaine McAllister. She is an accomplished author of seven published books, and she is passionate about helping others record their family histories through writing, photos, and preserving heirlooms and documents. Today Elaine shares how (and why) we can research our ancestors, what "sentimental trash" we should hang on to, and how to pass on meaningful stories to future generations. 

As we inch closer to summertime, we're also preparing for our biennial USMB pastors' conference and national convention coming to Omaha this July. On this episode we're joined by Kelsey Ensz and Daniel Rodriguez who both serve on the planning committee for the convention. They both share stories of how past conventions have been helpful to their ministries and provide some details of why YOU should consider joining us this year.

To learn more or sign up, visit usmb.org/usmb-gathering-2024. 

We made it to 100 episodes! Wahoo! Thank you for listening over the past four years.

Today Matt talks with the entire USMB staff as we look back and reflect on our favorite episodes, go through some fun trivia, and share details about a $100 prize giveaway for the listeners. The USMB staff also shares a bit about their hearts behind the ministry, and we look ahead to what the next 100 episodes may look like for the podcast. 

Thanks for listening with us, and be sure to 1) follow us on social media, 2) comment on this episode's post, and 3) share your response for a chance to win the gift card! 

This week Matt talks with Scott Thomas, the new interim USMB Church Planting Mobilizer. Scott shares his extensive experience in church planting, having been involved with literally hundreds of church plants across the U.S. during his time with Acts 29 and serving as a lead pastor for 17 years. Scott passionately discusses the importance of continually planting new churches and why it's a crucial strategy for both spreading the gospel AND revitalizing existing churches. 

Scott emphasizes that every USMB church, no matter its size or resources, can get involved in church planting efforts through prayer, finances, sending out members to plant, and more. With his decades of experience and wisdom, Scott casts a vision for the USMB conference to multiply disciple-making churches. 

We all work hard for our paychecks, and sometimes it can feel like our income falls short of our financial needs--maybe especially for those of us employed by a local church. That may be true, but today our guest Brian Kluth has an important reminder to share. 

God, not our day job, is our primary provider. Our salary is one way God provides, but it's not the only one. There are many ways God chooses to bless those who say yes to His calling on their lives, and it's up to us to trust Him to ultimately bring provisions. 

Brian is far from a prosperity gospel teacher. Instead, his years of experience as a pastor, financial expert, and missionary provide story after story of how God has surpassed each of his needs. His teaching has helpful reminders for all of us, both for practical financial day-to-day decisions, as well as a God-centered mindset that reminds us where to place our trust.

Brian will be one of the featured speakers at our convention this summer, so get to know Brian now, and sign up to join us this July in Omaha! 

Like it or not, most ministries require a budget. And even if they don't, Jesus was clear that His followers needed to have an appropriate and God-honoring view of money. As church leaders, how can we realistically encourage and grow our generosity? What steps can we take to earn our congregation's (and our community's) trust so they can be confident their offerings are used appropriately? How can we model generosity to our churches, and just how transparent do we need to be?

This week we're joined by the self-proclaimed "Generosity Monk," Dr. Gary Hoag. Gary is one of our featured speakers at our upcoming convention in July, and he has devoted his career to increasing generosity and teaching healthy giving practices to church leaders around the world. Today he shares practical advice and insightful wisdom that we would be wise to consider in our local churches.