September/October 2025

THE MAGAZINE OF U.S. MENNONITE BRETHREN

SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025

Discipleship: Following Jesus together

Discipleship 101 10

Come with me?

18

A surprise makeover 24

■ from the editor

Patient and willing Discipleship shines at the intersection of kindness and truth

I

sipped a large latte at my favorite local coffee shop and asked myself what I was getting into. Across the table from me sat wisdom and knowledge embodied in the form of Connie Faber—a 31-year Christian Leader staff member with 21 years of experience as magazine editor, and my predecessor. Talk about shoes to fill.

What do you ask someone with decades of experience, who has walked the Let’s not let road you are about to walk? How do you even begin to scratch the surface on what’s important, what’s not and the gray in-between? Honestly, I wanted to excuses or feelings know if I could download her brain to an external hard drive, but that seemed of inadequacy a tad desperate for a first meeting.

While I chugged caffeine and frantically scribbled notes on multiple sheets of keep us from this paper, Connie slowly sipped a cool lemonade and tried to explain to me the calling to live and details of everything she had seamlessly done for the last two decades—from managing three to four issues simultaneously to juggling dozens of writers and lead others into a looming deadlines. While sweat started to form on my brow, Connie shared a closer walk with gentle smile and said with conviction, “It’s all going to be OK. You’ll figure it out.”

Jesus.

How I desperately needed that comfort along with the counsel. And to me, that’s where discipling someone shines brilliantly—the intersection of kindness and truth. When the teacher is patient and the student is willing.

In this issue, we explore the many facets of discipleship, uncovering how it started and how it can show up today: • Sometimes, it’s capitalizing on the small moments that Michele Fiester writes about on page 10 to encourage someone on their journey with Jesus.

• Other times, it’s pointing a friend to the origins of discipleship and the manner in which the first disciples took on the initiative God set before them, as Tim Geddert describes on page 12.

• For me, discipleship is also a daily call to lead my children on the path that leads to Jesus, similar to the heart Crystal Nachtigall shares on page 14.

It might feel like discipleship is for others—not for you. Who could you lead, anyway? I think you’d be surprised, as I was, when you start to look around and consider how you are being led and also leading others already. May we ask the Lord to open our eyes to those standing right in front of us or to bring someone into our lives who needs the support and counsel we can give. When we ask, he answers.

Let’s not let excuses or feelings of inadequacy keep us from this calling to live and lead others into a closer walk with Jesus.

And if you start to sweat, don’t forget Connie’s wise words (maybe while drinking some cold lemonade): It’s going to be OK. With the help of the Lord, we’ll figure it out!

Lacey Scully

Vol. 88, No. 5 — September/October 2025

Editor Publisher: United States Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches/ISSN 0009-5149 Editorial Committee: Matt Ehresman, Michele Fiester, Aaron Garza, Ryan Loewen, Shelly Spencer, Tony Petersen.

Review Committee: Aaron Box, Jordan Ringhofer, Brent Warkentin, Daniel Rodriguez Disclaimer: The content and viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect the views, beliefs and/or viewpoints of USMB as a whole.

Copyright: Articles are owned by the Christian Leader or the author and may not be reprinted without permission.

Unless noted, Scripture quotations are from the New International Version.

Subscriptions: $10 for six issues and $20 for 12 issues ($15, $30 in Canada, all other countries $25 for six issues); $2 per copy.

Correspondence: Christian Leader, Box 155, 107 N. Main, Hillsboro, KS 67063-0155. Phone: 620.947.5543.

Email: editor@usmb.org Membership: Evangelical Press Association and Meetinghouse Postmaster: Send address changes to Christian Leader, Box 155, Hillsboro, KS 67063. Periodical postage paid at Hillsboro, KS

2 christian leader | september / october 2025

■ Lacey Scully, EDITOR ■ Janae Rempel Shafer, ASSOCIATE EDITOR ■ Shelley Kallsen, GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Table of Contents Once when I was cold, I prayed and immediately the sun shined on me...

FEATURES

COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

10 Discipleship 101

2

6 8

It’s not as hard as you think

By Michele Fiester

12 The heart of discipleship What following Jesus really means

By Tim Geddert

14 Sam’s story

How lessons in love & obedience changed one boy’s life

By Crystal Nachtigall

4

Editorial Lacey Scully

From the National Director Aaron Box

5

Radical reformers Menno Simons

By Abraham Friesen

9

Around the world Free Christian Church in Lithuania (LLKB)

17 Testimony

Jesus walks with me

By John E. Warkentin

Online • Following Jesus as a working disciple

By Douglas B. Miller • Seeing his glory together

By Eric Foster-Whiddon

News in Brief 5 Minutes With...

Jon Fiester

20 BodyLife • Learning by doing • Confirming the call • A surprise makeover • Walking together • Secure in Jesus

27 Church spotlight

Heritage Bible Church Bakersfield, Calif.

28 Church Life

18 Frontlines

Come with me?

By Kayla Traver

19 Got Questions

Showing appreciation

By Caitlin Friesen

christianleadermag.com 3

■ from the national director

A comfortable disobedience Obedience to Christ means engaging in discipleship

T Not only is making disciples required of a life obedient to Jesus, but disciple-making is also the foundation of everything we seek to accomplish as churches.

here are a number of behaviors that we easily see as disobedience to Jesus. In fact, more than we might admit, it is easy for us to point at others in judgment when we see these displayed in their lives. But it's quite possible that a certain type of disobedience has become so commonplace that we are blind to it and walking in it ourselves.

In the great commission, Jesus gives a clear mandate to his followers: go and make disciples. This means introducing people to Jesus and baptizing them, as well as teaching others to obey the teachings of Jesus. Numerous examples in the New Testament inform us that to make disciples is to share our lives with others as we follow Jesus. It is an ongoing way of living and relating to others, centered on helping individuals in our sphere of influence become faithful followers of Jesus.

If I were to ask you the name of someone you are discipling, would you have an answer? I find increasingly that many of us know the great commission, but we aren’t obeying it too well. The hard truth is this: If we aren’t sharing the gospel and discipling others, we are not walking in full obedience to Jesus Christ. It seems we have grown comfortable, or at least have minimized, disobedience to Jesus in this area of our lives.

Not only is making disciples required of a life obedient to Jesus, but disciplemaking is also the foundation of everything we seek to accomplish as churches. Disciple-making is essential for the development of leaders. And disciple-making is crucial if we are to see church multiplication taking place.

I am convinced a primary reason many aren’t discipling others is that they have never experienced being discipled and don’t know where to start. Can you think of a time you were discipled by someone? If so, great! This means you have an example to follow.

If not, let me encourage you that this isn’t complicated. The first person who discipled me did little more than invite me to coffee and to read through 1 Peter together. No planning, no curriculum, just honest discussion about Jesus and our lives. This was transformational for me. Disciple-making only requires two things. First, we must be walking with and learning from Jesus. Second, we invite others to learn along with us, to walk with us. Making disciples is every day, step by step, walking with others in the place we find ourselves.

Disciple-making can happen even in the seemingly mundane of day-to-day living.

Here is the great news: If we collectively choose to obey Jesus and make disciples, each of us can be a part of real transformation in the lives of individuals and in our churches.

So if you aren’t already, can you pray for God to lead you to someone to walk with? If you need some guidance, please reach out to a leader at your church, your district leaders or our national office. We would joyfully help! Let’s choose together to refuse to be comfortable disobeying the commission Jesus has given to us.

Aaron Box aaron@usmb.org

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Radical reformers ■ 500 years of Anabaptism

Humility and service Menno Simons: Transforming the Anabaptist movement

I

n 1535, Menno Simons, a Catholic priest from Witmarsum, Holland, wrote a blistering attack against Jan van Leiden, a revolutionary Anabaptist leader.

The piece was called “Against the Blasphemy of Jan of Leiden.” Upon completion, however, Simons felt accusation from God instead of relief. So he put the “Blasphemy” in a drawer and never mentioned it.

It was discovered among his daughter’s papers in 1627 and published.

Simons grew up in the Roman Catholic Church and by 1524 had been ordained a priest. By 1525, the writings of Martin Luther attacking the Catholic doctrine of the mass came to Simons’ attention. As he celebrated mass, he began to doubt that the bread and wine were really being changed into the flesh and blood of Christ. He read further in the writings of the reformers but found a confusion of human opinions. Like Luther, he turned to the Bible. Finding no confirmation for the Church’s teachings, he concluded that the Church had misled him.

Around 1532, he heard Sicke Snyder had been executed for being baptized upon his confession of faith. Once again, he turned to the reformers’ writings, then to the Bible, but could find no justification for infant baptism.

Simons studied the Bible diligently. By 1534, when the emissaries of Jan van Leiden appeared in his region, he had studied it for nine years. People around Witmarsum called him an “evangelical preacher” because of his biblical expertise, and he easily defeated the messengers from Muenster in public debates. When his brother was misled by them, he turned angrily on their leader.

Simons’ new theological insights had not motivated him to leave the Catholic Church. He continued to perform its sacraments though he no longer believed in them. But as he was writing the “Blasphemy,” he stumbled upon the Matthew 7 story of the person who clearly saw the splinter in his brother’s eye but could not see the beam in his own.

Like Paul on the Damascus road, Simons saw Christ accusing him of hypocrisy. For 10 years, his knowledge of Christ’s teachings had increased, but he refused to live up to it. His anger against Jan van Leiden turned into a cry for mercy to God: a cry for forgiveness and grace to take up the cross of Christ and follow him.

Simons left the Catholic Church, accepted baptism upon confession of his faith, and took his place with

the persecuted persons who had been misled by Jan van Leiden. The first tracts he wrote dealt with conversion. Through his example and preaching of the new birth, Simons transformed the movement.

Simons’ example teaches that a knowledge of God’s truth, as important as it may be, does not make people Christians. Knowledge of the truth without conversion all too often leads to arrogance and contention; conversion leads to humility and service.

Having experienced conversion at the time he had completed the “Blasphemy,” Simons knew he was at least as guilty in God’s sight as Jan van Leiden, perhaps more so because he knew better. If that were so, how could he be Leiden’s accuser?

This profile, written by Abraham Friesen, was originally featured in the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission’s Spring 2001 edition of Profiles of Mennonite Faith. It has been edited for length and is reprinted with permission.

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News in Brief Compiled by Janae Rempel Shafer

Scully hired as Christian Leader editor Lacey Scully, Wichita, Kan., has been hired as Christian Leader editor.

Scully has served more than 12 years with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), most recently as a manager in the office of digital management from 2021-2025. She has held various roles with the GSA since 2012.

In addition, Scully has served as a freelance writer for two publications, as well as an editorial intern and as a features editor. She volunteered with the Peace Corps in Togo, West Africa, from 2009-2011.

Scully earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and mass communications from Kansas State University in 2007 and a certificate in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2021.

She and her husband, Jeff, have two daughters and reside in Wichita, where they attend Ridgepoint Church.

Scully succeeds Connie Faber, who retired in May 2025 after 31 years of service on the USMB denominational magazine staff.—USMB

PDC Hispanic Council convenes Fifty-four delegates were among the 286 attendees gathered for sessions, worship and business at the Pacific District Conference Hispanic Council convention, held June 7 at Iglesia De Restauración La Senda Antigua in Pacoima, Calif.

The convention theme was “Jesus is the center of our lives” based on Hebrews 12:2, with the Rev. Dr. Rogelio Ovalle, senior pastor of The House Church in Visalia, Calif., serving as guest speaker.

Delegates engaged in business, unanimously adopting a resolution similar to the USMB resolution approved at the 2018 National Convention, publicly opposing family separation policies.

Delegates also approved a proposal renaming regional pastors and coordinators as regional facilitators to emphasize collaboration, affirmed members of the Hispanic Council and various board representatives and approved the 2025-26 budget.—Hispanic Council

6 christian leader | september / october 2025

Save the date for USMB Gathering 2026 USMB Gathering 2026 is headed to Salt Lake City, Utah, July 21-25, 2026.

Make plans to join the U.S. Mennonite Brethren faith community next summer for the biennial National Pastors' Conference and National Convention. The hotel is a short light rail ride from the airport and just steps from Temple Square.

The planning team has selected “Cultivate: Living on mission with Jesus” as the theme, with the goal of recapturing our call as Mennonite Brethren to be on mission together and charting a unified vision for the way forward, focused on growth and lifelong learning. To help make Gathering 2026 more accessible, main sessions will have live translation.

Plan now to attend USMB Gathering 2026 for a time of celebration, connection and renewal. To learn more, visit www.usmb.org/gathering2026—USMB

news in brief ■

Southern District MB Foundation appoints Hiebert as ministry representative camps enjoy MB Foundation announces the appointment of Justin Hiebert as ministry representative for California’s Central Valley. increased attendance Hiebert brings a passion for ministry and a strong background The Southern District junior high and kids’ camps enjoyed increased participation in 2025.

More than 400 people from 19 churches attended junior high camp May 28June 1 at Sky Ranch Cave Springs in Quapaw, Okla., a record according to director Cord Werth’s estimation. Werth attributes the increase to a large eighth grade class and the popularity of the event.

Attendance was also up at kids’ camp for third, fourth and fifth graders, held June 24-27 at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. The attendance of 316 was about 70 more than last year, according to District Youth Minister Russ Claassen. Twenty-five churches were represented.

Both camps focused on the theme “Anchored.”

Husband and wife duo Kyle Goings and Katie Emberton-Goings spoke at junior high camp, while Joe Weaver served as speaker at kids’ camp.

Offerings at both camps supported Kyla Isaac’s participation in a FOCUS internship with Multiply, the North American global mission agency. Junior high campers gave $1,135.41, while kids’ campers gave more than $1,000.—SDC

in leadership development, pastoral care and community engagement. He has served in various pastoral roles, most recently as Interim Executive Pastor at Heritage Bible Church in Bakersfield, Calif.

Hiebert will serve from his home in Bakersfield, where he looks forward to building relationships and helping the Central Valley community engage with generosity in meaningful, lasting ways.—MB Foundation

SDC welcomes new church at July convention More than 100 delegates, pastors, ministry partners and guests from 27 churches gathered at Cross Timbers Church in Edmond, Okla., for the Southern District Conference convention July 18-19.

With District Minister Brian Harris presiding over his first convention, highlights included welcoming Gospel Believers Prayer House, Olathe, Kan., into district membership, the introduction of the new Graduate Studies in Ministry initiative at Tabor College and messages from speaker Mark Matlock, executive director of Urbana and a senior fellow at Barna.

Delegates also voted to fill open leadership positions, unanimously approved budgets for 2026 and 2027 and heard reports from commission leaders and agency representatives.

Joe Weaver, Cross Timbers worship pastor, and the Cross Timbers band led singing.

Almost 70 attended the pastors’ gathering preceding the convention, July 17-18.

The event included three sessions, worship and a pastors’ social. Mark Matlock served as speaker.—CL

| Read longer versions of these and other articles at christianleadermag.com | christianleadermag.com 7

■ news in brief

Fall LEAD Cohorts starting soon The fall lineup of LEAD Cohorts includes a new cohort for church administrators and old favorites, including contemplative conversations, defending the faith, everyday spiritual practices and more.

Cohorts are free online meeting places to learn about specific topics. The only cost is for books as recommended by the cohort leader. Cohorts meet online via Zoom for about an hour every two weeks over a three-month span.

Sign up at www.usmb.org/lead-cohorts/.—USMB

Harris joins FPBS as J.B. Toews Chair Leon Harris has joined the Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary faculty as J.B. Toews Fellow in Theology and Biblical Studies, effective July 1.

Formerly an associate professor of theology at Biola University, Harris teaches biblical and systematic theology at the Los Angeles Bible Training School.

A Southern California native, Harris earned his doctorate in divinity with an emphasis in systematic theology from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. He holds master’s degrees in both theology and divinity from Talbot Theological Seminary.—FPU

ICOMB holds summit in Germany More than 60 delegates, ministry partners, emerging conference leaders and guests gathered in Herford, Germany, for the International Community of Mennonite Brethren (ICOMB) Summit May 30-June 4.

The theme was “Anabaptists and Mennonite Brethren: Past, Present and Future.”

The schedule included sessions, workshops and business.

Delegates approved a new mission statement, formed Regional Ministry Teams, made plans to host regional summits in 2026, affirmed leaders, heard reports and welcomed emerging conference leaders.

Delegates worshipped in local MB churches and toured Sparrenburg Castle.—ICOMB

Anabaptists gather in Zurich An estimated 3,500 Anabaptists gathered in Zurich, Switzerland, May 29 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of their faith tradition.

Representatives of the Catholic Church, the Lutheran World Federation and the World Communion of Reformed Churches joined with Mennonites to affirm unity and healing.

César García, general secretary of Mennonite World Conference, shared a message.

The service featured singing by various ensembles and a choir.

Other commemorative activities included historical exhibits, a quilt show, films, seminars and a panel discussion on peacemaking.—Meetinghouse

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5 minutes with...

JON FIESTER Two years ago, “Five Minutes” interviewed church planter Jon Fiester from Renewal MB Church in Rapid City, S.D. The Rapid City Police Chief had presented him with a community service award for the church’s positive impact in its neighborhood. Now Fiester is making news again. He has been selected and is in training to become a police officer working full-time for the department that recognized him. He will continue in his pastoral role at Renewal as a volunteer.

What prompted you to make this change?

We were at a place where we had to figure out how to keep going financially. We’re a small church in a lower-income area.

The people coming to church are generous but don’t have enough to support the cost of ministry. My friends in the force said, “Hey, did you ever think about joining us?”

What will you be doing in your job with the police force?

The first three years, I’ll be a regular patrol officer, driving around in a patrol car, pulling people over for violations, responding to calls—what most people think of as a police officer’s work. After that, there are quite a few different positions possible, like a student resource officer in a school, street crime units (or) youth outreach teams.

How will your police work intersect with your role as pastor?

Our church already includes people on both sides of the law.

We have police officers, and we have people on probation. In fact, on Sundays, we transport people on release from a county-run rehab program who use their community service hours to go to church. They help with cleaning and setup, partici-

pate in the service and wash dishes afterward. Whether people have their life together or are in chaos, we try to have a big pile of grace for each other and help each one take the next step toward Jesus.

Do you anticipate a conflict between your pastor role and officer role in the community?

When I was being interviewed for the job, they asked if I could arrest someone from the church if necessary. I told them what I would say if it came to that: If I have to arrest you, I won’t be mad at you, but I will be disappointed. And then I will walk with you through the consequences. But please don’t resist or fight me. I don’t want more paperwork, and you don’t want more charges.

Are there ways that your police role is an extension of your pastoral role?

In some ways, I’ll be doing the exact same thing with a different title. One of the most unique things about police is they’re interacting with people on the worst day of their life.

They’re in a crisis moment. If I can bring a glimmer of Jesus in those moments, it is a unique opportunity.

Interview by Kathy Heinrichs Wiest

around the world ■ Introducing ICOMB

Lietuvos Laisvuju Krikscioni Baznycia (Free Christian Church in Lithuania) Last week, I spent some time fixing an old bicycle, actually raising it from the dead. I had to do a lot of repair work, polishing off the rust and repainting it with a new color, changing the rusted chain to a new one, replacing all the cables, brakes and gear shifts, and putting on a new seat.

Now the bicycle doesn’t look as bad as it did before, and I think it is capable of serving another two decades.

Serving in a church in many cases is similar. We can maintain the shape or form of the church, but we can be rusted beyond belief. We are concerned with details that a church would need to address, but those are bigger and harder to deal with than changing an old, rusted bicycle chain.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Free Christian Church came into existence. As a young church, we were mostly composed of believers with no religious background, with no real knowledge of Christianity or how to follow Jesus. However, a group of Mennonites came alongside our community, and today, we are in the family of the International Community of Mennonite Brethren.

One of the ministries of Free Christian Church in Lithuania (10 small congregations) is camp ministries. This year, we celebrated our 28th summer of camp ministry.

To have a camp, we prepare ahead, form a team, have team-building meetings, choose a theme, write financial aid letters, prepare games and much more. We have two camps—one for children and one for

Camping ministry is integral to the Free Christian Church in Lithuania. In 2025, this ICOMB member celebrated its 28th summer of camp ministry.

Photo by Arturas Rulinskas

teens. Each camp is relatively small, with about 40 children and 60 teens. However, as I have learned, God has different arithmetic than people do. Often, his counting is that less is more.

Since we do not receive a large number of children attending camp, we are able to focus on quality. We have 20 camp counselors who minister to the 40 kids or 60 teenagers who attend. Some counselors are seasoned and mature, while others are young and excited. To the church, this ministry is the best time of evangelism, discipleship, counsel and comfort. After camp, children begin talking about when they will grow up and become camp counselors.

What do those camps mean to me? It is like riding a well-tuned vintage bicycle through the nicest sites of the country. It is summer, so the ride has to be enjoyable.

Pastor Arturas Rulinskas leads the Free Christian Church in Lithuania.

Did You Know?

• Lithuania has about 3,000 lakes. (https://www.britannica.com/ place/Lithuania)

• Lithuania is home to one of the oldest trees in Europe, the Stelmužė oak, which is more than 1,000 years old. https://www.tree-

oftheyear.org/previous-years/2017/ Dub-v-Stelmuze

• Lithuania’s highest peak is only 965 feet in elevation. https://factsinstitute.com/countries/ facts-about-lithuania/

christianleadermag.com 9

It’s not as hard as you think listen

LEAD

make time

DISCIPLESHIP get ouT in nature

be available

10 christian leader | september / october 2025

chedules and commitments— two things that seem to run my life at times. So, when I think about Jesus asking me to make disciples, my heart rate rises, and guilt begins to creep in. “I don’t know how to fit this in, God,” I plead.

“There is just so much I am already doing. You understand, right?”

Formalized discipleship agreements can be a wonderful blessing in our lives, and we are commanded in Scripture to be disciples who make disciples. But I tend to make things more difficult than they should be, and that causes me to not even know where to start. Discipleship is intimidating, overwhelming and time-consuming.

I find the book of Titus to be incredibly helpful in increasing my understanding of truth that leads to godliness and trust that God is going to show me how he wants me to disciple others along the way of my life journey.

Trusting in Christ’s work Discipleship is about making disciples of Jesus who then make more disciples of Jesus. It is directing and equipping others in broad ways to grow closer in their relationships with Jesus, while looking for evidence of the fruit the Holy Spirit is growing in their lives. This may seem complicated at first glance, but over the years I have taken a lot of comfort from Titus.

In Titus 2:11-14, we read: “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.“ These verses reassure me as I seek to live out the command earlier in the chapter to disciple women younger than me. When I focus on living in light of these words, trusting in Christ to work within me, I don’t get wrapped up in making his commandments

By Michele Fiester

Already present Discipleship doesn’t have to be a formal agreement. For years, I thought I didn’t have anyone discipling me because I couldn’t find a woman willing to commit formally to meeting with me on a regular basis. It was discouraging to say the least.

Then someone mentioned how God had used women who had come and gone in her life to disciple her. When one woman left, God would bring along someone else. God always faithfully had someone around her, helping her to grow in her relationship with Jesus.

That hit me hard. Looking back, I realized the same was true in my life. Women who were living out Titus’ words in their own lives—saying “no” to ungodliness and the world and living self-controlled, godly lives with blessed hope in the assurance of Jesus—were around me at every point in my life.

These women had taught me so much in the moments we did spend together, no matter how informal. Many of them didn’t even know I was learning from them.

This moment changed my life. No longer did I feel like I needed to wait for someone else to commit to teaching me how to grow in my relationship with Jesus. I had them already present, and as we lived our lives together, I could be intentional about learning from them and even express my gratitude to them.

As I began to do this, these women began to realize they were being obedient to Jesus. It encouraged all of us that we can be like Jesus by simply living godly lives and inviting others to join us in our journeys.

Since this moment, I have periodically and intentionally paused and looked around at my relationships, seeing not just who can disciple me but also who I can disciple.

“

Many wonderful moments of growth have occurred, and I find myself no longer stuck in, “How do I begin?” I just faithfully respond to the Holy Spirit leading me to engage with the people around me who will help me grow in him and vice versa.

This has certainly made Jesus' words true that he will lighten my burden as I follow him.

Six suggestions If you are struggling to know how to disciple someone, here are some suggestions.

Watch for those small moments of togetherness when you can encourage someone to walk toward Jesus. They are often short, happening in every social situation we find ourselves in. We can easily miss them, so stay vigilant.

Take someone to coffee or ice cream, and listen with curiosity about where they are with Jesus. Encourage and pray for them as Jesus directs you.

Go hiking or on a walk with someone. Often my best moments of discipleship with others have been out in God’s creation where it just seems easier to see his greatness around us.

Be available. In our culture, that’s a big ask. Yet, I have been privileged to see the Holy Spirit grow more fruit in my life and the lives of others when I am available.

If you feel led, agree to meet with others on a regular basis, even if “regular” is understood very loosely. Some of my formalized agreements are simply that we won’t neglect getting together when we can as we raise our families. God has faithfully brought each of us to the other’s mind, and when he does, we make it a point to respond to him by scheduling a time to get together.

Finally, just do something. Don’t keep waiting for the perfect opportunity. God’s already bringing an opportunity to you. Find it and get started. It’s totally worth the journey together.

Michele Fiester is an elder at Renewal MB Church, a USMB church plant in Rapid City, S.D.

Be available. In our culture, that’s a big ask. Yet, I have been privileged to see the Holy Spirit grow more fruit in my life and the lives of others when I am available.

“

complicated. His work for me becomes easier as I live my life focusing on saying “no” to the world, living for him and hoping in his return.

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What following Jesus really means

Who are disciples of Jesus?

Let’s start with the original 12. They include at least one “freedom fighter” (Simon, the Zealot), committed to liberating Israel from the oppressive Roman Empire. There is at least one taxman (Matthew), collaborating with precisely that evil empire. And there are fishermen, overtaxed by people like Matthew. Can you imagine some of the heated arguments that arose within this motley group?

Disciples of Jesus today are an even more diverse group. There are people of every nation on earth, including those at war with each other. They speak about 7,000 different languages. They are rich and poor, young and old, male and female, weak and strong. And they have very diverse convictions on many different issues. Those of us who have committed our lives to following Jesus are an incredibly diverse group, far more diverse even than the original 12 disciples.

Yet within all that diversity, disciples of Jesus have much in common. Let’s briefly explore three gospel texts that help us capture the essence of discipleship.

Disciples respond to God’s initiative To be a disciple of Jesus is not a human achievement; it is a response to God’s gracious initiative.

Luke’s gospel illustrates this when it reports how Simon Peter becomes one of Jesus’ disciples in Luke 5:1-11.

Simon and his companions have just spent a fruitless (well, I guess “fishless”) night on the lake. In the morning, they are preparing to head home for their daytime sleep. Jesus interrupts their plans, borrows Simon’s boat and turns Simon into a captive audience while he teaches the crowds on the shore.

The day’s teaching is done, and Jesus tells Simon it is time to bring in the big catch. To Simon’s credit, he takes fishing advice from a carpenter. Something in Jesus’ teaching must have persuaded Simon that Jesus’ instructions were worth heeding. So, he heads

12 christian leader | september / october 2025

for deep waters, throws out his net and is astonished to haul in a catch of “biblical proportions” as they say.

That’s when Simon recognizes his own unworthiness in the presence of Jesus and blurts out, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man” (Luke 5:8).

But Jesus does not walk away from sinners. Jesus invites them into a life of discipleship and ministry. He assures Simon that in the future Simon will be catching people, just as Jesus himself did that day. And so, Simon, caught in Jesus’ net, leaves everything and becomes a disciple of Jesus.

Jesus takes the initiative—he teaches, offers, blesses, invites and commissions. Simon responds— he listens and obeys, he recognizes his unworthiness and he joins Jesus. This is how discipleship begins and how it is maintained as we follow Jesus through life.

Disciples leave everything to follow Jesus The call of Simon (and three other fishermen) is narrated differently in Mark’s Gospel. The emphasis here (Mark 1:16-20) is on the nature of the call and on the cost. Jesus’ summons is worded like this: “Come, follow me, and I will send you out to fish for people” (Mark 1:17).

It is a fourfold call: first, to a relationship with Jesus himself (come); second, to a brand-new life as a follower of Jesus (follow me); third, to training for ministry (a literal translation would be: “I will train you to fish for people”); fourth, to a new community.

The first four disciples are about to leave their families, their village, their careers, their security—and join Jesus in a new spiritual family. This is not merely the story of four individual conversions. This is the story of two people joining Jesus, then two more. As the story unfolds, there will be many others whom Jesus will call his “brothers and sisters and mothers” (Mark 3:35).

The cost is steep. They “leave everything” to follow Jesus. Mark specifically names the cost: Simon and

By Tim Geddert

Andrew leave their nets (Mark 1:18); James and John leave their father (Mark 1:20). In fact, all of them leave everything behind.

Jesus will later assure them that the reward makes it all worthwhile. They will receive back hundredfold on everything invested for the sake of Jesus and the gospel. And then there’s eternal life after that (Mark 10:28-30). Disciples of Jesus are investing for the long haul—the very long haul. And it always pays.

Disciples never stop learning One evening, after a long day of teaching, Jesus surprises his disciples with a question: “Have you understood all these things?” They respond with no nuance, no hesitation, no doubts. “Yes! Yes, of course, Jesus. We understand everything” (Matt. 13:51-52).

Jesus is not impressed. So he drops another teaching on them, a puzzling one at first glance, as if to say, “Well, if everything else was so simple, try this one.”

Here is Jesus’ response: “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (Matt.

13:52).

What does this mean? Jesus refers to “teachers of the law” (“scribes,” “legal experts,” “know-it-alls”) and “disciples” (the word means “apprentices,” “learners”). To be a “disciple in the kingdom of heaven,” “scribes” need to be transformed into “apprentices.” “Know-it-alls” need to become “learners.”

Jesus is inviting his followers back into a discipleship posture. They think they understand everything already. True disciples never do that. According to Jesus, only those willing to learn, and keep on learning, will be able to access “new treasures as well as old.”

Let’s give the disciples one more chance to answer Jesus’ question. Here’s what I propose Jesus would have wanted them to say . . . and what Jesus invites us to say in response to his question: “Have you un-

derstood all these things?”

“No, Lord. We have not understood all these things. But we want to keep learning. Help us to be humble about the things we think we understand.

Help us discover the rich treasures you have in store for us, old ones and new ones, as we keep on being trained for participation in the kingdom of God.” Three snapshots There are dozens more texts in the Gospels that help us understand discipleship. But these three, taken seriously, should go a long way in helping us value and benefit from the incredible diversity of the body of Christ, as we learn to get along with those from whom we are so different, and with whom we may well disagree. Remember: Discipleship is a response to God’s initiative. God calls, and we respond. So, we have no choice but to accept everyone else that God has called and who has responded in obedient faith. Remember, we are all sinners, saved by grace. And Jesus will not depart from any one of us; so, we cannot depart from each other either.

Discipleship involves “leaving everything,” actually “investing everything,” for the sake of the gospel and finding it all returned hundredfold in God’s new spiritual family. In that spiritual family, we are brothers and sisters, all under the loving leadership of our one Heavenly Father.

Discipleship means being life-long learners: learning from Jesus and learning from one another. If we ever claim to have everything figured out—if we are intent on telling our brothers and sisters where they have it figured out wrong—well, Jesus invites us back to square one, to abandon our knowit-all attitudes and become disciples and learners all over again.

Tim Geddert is professor emeritus of New Testament at Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.

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II

How lessons in love & obedience changed one boy's life

was catching a glimpse of Sam’s spiritual fruit report card. Our 10-year-old son, who was afraid of needles, was wide-awake while multiple core biopsies were being taken from the large tumor in his neck.

Granted, the doctor and nurse were coaching him well, but Sam’s self-control, courage and trust of the adults in the room was categorically extraordinary. Sam was getting an A in obedience.

When they were younger and Josh and I taught our three children to obey us, we had short-term goals in mind. Goals like, “When you’ve cleaned up your toys, you can watch ‘Curious George?’” Or “If you want more watermelon, eat your zucchini.” (Parenting hack: dipping sauces help.) Little did we know, we were training for obedience in the surgery prep room, the PET scan tube and the oncology clinic, with the long-term goal of survival.

The summer Sam was 10, he found a lump in his neck. It was a lymph node that grew from being something we didn’t need to worry about in July to the top case at the Stanford tumor conference in February. Eight months, 20 biopsies and countless blood draws and scans later, Sam was finally diagnosed with a rare form of lymphoma. His large tumor was removed and three more arrived, which were treated successfully with chemotherapy.

If you know a cancer warrior, you know that cancer can be a battle riddled with dread, anxiety, discouragement, pain and many, many needles. This was the battle God assigned to our Sam. But Sam knew God, and that changes

14 christian leader | september / october 2025

everything. Sam consistently asked God for courage and healing and then obediently stepped out onto the battlefield as a warrior, dressed in his “Samwise the

By Crystal Nachtigall

Brave” chemo shirt with the zippers that Nana sewed in.

As a Christian wife, mother and children’s pastor, one byproduct of our cancer season is a newfound awareness that the things that matter most in this life are the eternal things. We didn’t care a bit if Sam was in sports, scouts or saxophone when he was in anaphylaxis from an unknown trigger or when he was being wheeled into another surgery where critical work would be performed beside his jugular. No, in those moments, regardless of the outcome, what truly mattered most was Sam’s salvation—that Sam is a follower of Jesus and has eternal life in him.

As our daughters navigated the precarious path of loving a little brother with cancer, they both chose separately, but with such pure unity in the Spirit, to be baptized. That still fills my eyes with tears—that in the middle of that wilderness testing, our daughters proved that they knew what mattered for eternity. Those steps into the baptism tank were milestone steps of obedience closer to the Good Shepherd who had assigned their path. Those spiritual fruit report cards were fridge-worthy.

Sam is now in remission, thank God. We hope and pray that our cancer season is over, but the resulting perspective shift has been life-changing.

As a children’s pastor, I encourage parents as they raise their children to follow Jesus. On this side of cancer, my encouragement for parents is this: Teach your children love and obedience. When we teach our children to love and obey, we start them on the path to choose salvation.

First, a quick caveat: When I use the word “obey,” I’m not endorsing a legalistic, authoritarian, “because-I-saidso” parenting model. Likewise, when I use the word “love,” I’m not endorsing a licentious, permissive, noboundaries, “we-don’t-use-the-word-no” model. I’m not even endorsing a middle ground between legalism and license. Rather, the way God parents us is the model to follow. Shepherd like the Good Shepherd.

Here are two big-picture parenting strategies I see God using to teach us love and obedience throughout the Bible.

Strategy 1: God gives us the gift of free will.

Because of our heavenly Father’s deep, unconditional love for each of us, he allows us to make choices for ourselves. Choosing whether to follow Jesus is the most important choice set before each of us. We cannot make our children choose Jesus. Technically, we cannot make our children do anything in the long run.

Left: To celebrate Sam being in remission, the Nachtigall family enjoyed a meal at a fancy restaurant.

Above: While Sam was at the hospital for chemotherapy, the Bethany Church staff and NextGen interns placed flamingos in the Nachtigalls’ yard. It was “one of the many ways our church cared for us during our cancer season,” Crystal Nachtigall says. Photos by Crystal Nachtigall

christianleadermag.com 15

We can, however, train our children to manage their free will through the unforced teachable moments in our daily routines. We can also be humble and transparent about our own free will—our struggles and regrets, our own spiritual-fruit report cards. Our cancer season was full of honest moments, tearful worship and candid prayers with our kids. We love God and each other better on this side of cancer.

Strategy 2: God gives us commands. In one of my favorite scenes in scripture, Jesus says, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.” Shortly after that, he also says, “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love… that your joy will be complete” (John 14:23 and 15:10-11).

God’s commands provide healthy boundaries that demonstrate his love. “Commands” is not a popular word, but hear me out. Remember the dipping sauce parenting hack? I think of God’s commands like life hacks from him: “My precious children, because I love you so much, I want to show you how to live really well. I made all of this, so here’s how it was designed to work.” Then when we do life God’s way, it works!

And when we don’t, it doesn’t.

Thus, obedience can be described as simply operating according to God’s loving design. It’s agreeing

with God. Kids can understand that God sets boundaries and rules in place for our well-being and his care for us is evident in his desire to protect us from harm.

Like a toddler who allows herself to be pulled back when she’s getting too close to a camp fire, or a little boy who bravely sits still to receive the medicine from his oncologist, when children develop this skillset of obedience, it’s training for obeying God. His commands are full of love for us.

“Heavenly Father, you love my children even more than I ever could. I see your deep, unconditional love for us in your commands and your gift of free will. My heart’s desire is for my children to love and obey you. I pray that they would choose to follow Jesus all the way home to heaven, and I know that you desire that even more than I do.

“Holy Spirit, please give me your perspective. As you show me peeks of my children’s spiritual-fruit report cards, help me to be watchful and to pay attention to what matters for eternity. Please prepare me for those teachable moments when you show me heart issues in my kids. Keep my own heart soft and humble toward them. Show me ways that I personally still need to learn to love and obey you. I look to you as my Good Shepherd. Teach me how to parent like you, in Jesus’ name.”

Crystal Nachtigall is children’s pastor at Bethany Church in Fresno, Calif.

Discipleship For followers of Jesus, engaging in discipleship is an act of obedience. Put simply, discipleship is sharing life with others while following Jesus together. In this issue, we invite readers to consider the call to discipleship in their own lives. In addition to the articles in the print magazine, several articles are published online.

Read online at www.christianleadermag.com

Following Jesus as a working disciple by Douglas B. Miller As followers of Jesus, we are called to be witnesses not just geographically but also professionally. Disciples of Jesus live out their vocations in diverse ways, making disciples and engaging creation in a blend of the great commission and the creation mandate.

Seeing his glory together by Eric Foster-Whiddon The life of discipleship is a life of relationship with Jesus at the center. In this article, Eric Foster-Whiddon shares lessons we can learn from the Gospel of John about being a disciple of Jesus today.

16 christian leader | september / october 2025

testimony ■

Jesus walks with me

A

Trusting God on the trail

s a young boy, I often saw the snowcapped Sierra Nevada mountains and dreamed of one day hiking the John Muir Trail (JMT).

In the fall of 2024, I finally had time to give it a go.

Over the course of 220 miles, the JMT achieves a vertical gain and loss of 47,000 feet, crossing 10 high mountain passes and terminating at the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mount Whitney.

For two years, my friend Randy Reiswig and I had planned this trek, calculating our daily routes and weighing our food, tent, clothes and gear to eliminate all but the essentials.

But on the very first day, sickness forced Randy to exit the trail.

"What now?" I wondered as Randy encouraged me to go on without him. I prayed and spoke with my wife, who did not want me to hike alone. In the end, we agreed I should continue, provided I would try to hike and camp with others.

The path was never straight, level or easy—I lost count of the times I crossed water—and I soon realized I desperately needed Jesus' closeness and encouragement.

One day I prayed, "Lord, I know you are with me. Help me to notice you." God sent a little bird to accompany me.

Once when I was cold, I prayed and immediately the sun shined on me through the clouds as if someone had turned on the lights, reassuring me that God was with me (Joshua 1:5).

In the middle of a high desert, I ran out of water. Another time, I ran out of food. I faced snow, hail and storms. But through it all, I sensed Jesus saying, "Trust me."

On the day before the Mount Whitney climb, I needed to find and filter 4 liters of water. After filling the last bottle, I realized I had lost the cap to close it. I searched and prayed, but God didn't show me the cap’s location. I took the partially filled bottle with me and tried to trust God. The next morning, I stood in the pitch dark with only 2.5 liters of water, fearful to hike up the first 1,000 feet of switchbacks in the dark. Looking back down the trail, I saw bouncing lights headed my way—hikers, who allowed me to join them.

After about an hour, we came to a part covered by a landslide. As I tried to climb through, I fell against the sheer wall, injuring my right leg and breaking one of my trekking poles.

Now my goal felt unreachable. I didn’t have enough water. My leg hurt. One wrong step meant the possibility of falling to my death, and with only one pole I was even more vulnerable.

"Trust me," I sensed immediately

in my soul. Despite the blood running down my leg, I continued on.

Four hours later, I stood at the top of Mount Whitney’s 14,508-foot peak. God made this possible.

Clouds had given me shade so that my water was enough. Two men had hiked with me like angels encouraging me on.

In the 28 days of constant challenges, my training, fitness and preparations were not the only things that enabled me to finish.

Jesus had walked with me (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Once when I was cold, I prayed and immediately the sun shined on me...

John E. Warkentin is a member of New Life Community in Dinuba, Calif.

At 72, he no longer works full-time but still volunteers for mission organizations.

He is married with three married adult children and 11 grandchildren.

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■ frontlines A pastor’s perspective

Come with me?

Discipleship in the in-between moments

A

couple of weeks ago, I finished a week of kids’ camp at Tabor College, serving as a counselor as I’ve done every summer for the past several years. It’s demanding—long days, high-energy activities and high temperatures. However, it’s worth it to me because of the opportunities it brings for discipleship. Kids’ camp has a lot of good programming—games, music, speakers— but for me, the sweetest discipleship moments happen in the small, in-between moments. It’s tucking a scared student into bed and praying over her. It’s reprising a worship song at the top of our lungs while on a walk. It’s listening as a preteen pours out her heart on a one-on-one evening walk.

I wonder if, when we think about discipling kids, especially in a church context, it’s easy to think about it in terms of programming. What are we going to teach? What Bible knowledge do we want to impart? What character qualities do we want to see our kids develop? There isn’t anything wrong with asking these questions or with doing the best we can to develop excellent lessons and programs. However, I think we need to consider that discipleship mostly happens in those along-the-way moments, as we make memories and grow in rela-

18 christian leader | september / october 2025

tionship with the kids God has placed in our care, whether they are children in our own families or in our church families.

Jesus was a master of inviting his disciples into ordinary, alongthe-way moments. They watched as he healed, taught, encouraged, confronted, worked and rested. He answered their questions, confronted their misunderstandings and invited them to imitate him.

As we strive to follow his example, it’s worth considering: who are we intentionally inviting to come alongside us? One man in our church makes a habit of asking some of our young teenagers to come and help him with construction projects and farming chores. He works alongside them, and they talk about work, life and following Jesus. He understands how the simple question, “Hey, do you want to help?” can make space for meaningful conversation and even life change.

If the idea of discipling the students in your life feels daunting, take heart. God isn’t calling most of us to teach systematic theology—but he might be calling us to make some space in our schedules. It’s the small acts of everyday togetherness and faithfulness that help pass our faith on to the next generation, as they watch us pursue Jesus in real time. The challenge for us as church members,

parents, grandparents and mentors is to notice those moments that are ripe for discipleship—and simply invite our kids in. So the next time you want to lean into discipleship, start with something simple: “I’m going to the gas station for a fountain drink. Want to come with me?”

Jesus was a master of inviting his disciples into ordinary, along-the-way moments.

Kayla Traver is family pastor at Cornerstone Community Church in Topeka, Kan.

got questions ■ standing column

Showing appreciation How do we thank our pastors?

O

ctober is Pastor Appreciation Month, so it was fitting when someone asked, “How do we thank our pastors and church leaders?” My husband, Ben, and I have both been blessed by our church communities in roles as pastors and pastor’s spouses, so I was happy to talk to other people who are giving or receiving in this way.

Before exploring ways to show appreciation, we should ask, “Why do we thank our pastors?” USMB National Director Aaron Box recognizes how important it is for churches to support their leaders in tangible ways. When pastors answer God’s call to ministry, it often means making personal sacrifices in order to be available for their congregation.

“Pastors don't ‘clock out’ like many people do at their jobs,” Box says. “ They don't stop caring at 5 p.m.”

On top of giving their time, Box mentions that many pastors are paid less than they would be in the marketplace—some even as volunteers—and live within a tight budget.

I heard from various church communities and individuals about ways they show appreciation for their church leaders. Here are some of the big ideas they shared: • Say thank you with words. Personal conversations and handwritten notes mean a lot to

church leaders. Pastors want to celebrate specific ways God is moving in your life.

• Give financial support.

Some congregations collect an offering to give their staff members at Christmas or during Pastor Appreciation Month. Box points out that most “small church pastors could really use cash gifts or help with a vacation.”

• Provide logistical help. Pastors share about the blessing of yardwork, babysitting and meals.

One woman prepares a batch of jam for her church staff every year as a way to show her appreciation.

• Offer time to rest. Many churches offer sabbaticals for longtime pastors or set up opportunities for leadership retreats.

• Prayer. The most important gift is talking to God about your leaders. A pastor said a group prays for her every day of VBS— and she feels those prayers.

This kind of support goes beyond just helping an individual. Pastor Nathan Ensz of Kingwood Bible Church in Salem, Ore., shares how his church cares for his entire family.

“Congregants have attended my kid’s choir concert and/or sporting events” and given “financial support for (their) mission trips,”Ensz says.

Blessing our leaders will bless our larger communities.

Pastors, thank you for who you are and what you do. I echo the words of Paul: “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always

pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3-6).

When pastors answer God’s call to ministry, it often means making personal sacrifices in order to be available for their congregation.

Caitlin Friesen , a graduate of Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, is married to Ben Friesen and is part of Cornerstone Community Church in Topeka, Kan.

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■ bodylife

stories that connect us

Learning by doing Mentorship essential for New Life Community children’s ministry volunteers

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hen Jessica Aquino became the children’s ministry director at New Life Community, Dinuba, Calif., in 2021, the ministry was small, consisting of only a few children besides her own.

Since then, the program has grown to around 40 students in kindergarten through sixth grade, with about another 15 in the youth program. With that growth also came the need for more volunteers to assist in classrooms on Sunday mornings and other events throughout the year.

Aquino has therefore focused much of her time on recruiting and mentoring volunteers who are often new to the faith themselves or who did not grow up in the church.

“Usually, I’ll get to know someone first over coffee or my family will have their family over for a meal, so it starts with a conversation like that,” says Aquino. “I’ll just try to learn about their spiritual journey. After getting to know them, I will ask if they’re interested in coming to help.”

Learning the ropes Once a volunteer has cleared a background check, Aquino places them in a classroom alongside a more

Amelia Villareal (yellow shirt) prays with her classroom of early elementary children at New Life Community in Dinuba, Calif. Villareal shadowed Jessica Aquino, NLC children’s ministry director, during a summer internship at NLC in 2024 and now helps lead a classroom of students. Photo by NLC

20 christian leader | september / october 2025

experienced teacher to learn the ropes and gain confidence. She also uses bigger ministry events throughout the year as opportunities to uncover volunteers’ particular skills and giftings.

“When we do our events and it's ‘all hands on deck,’ I will have people who might lead a station, and that’s where I’ve found some people that have gifts in teaching who maybe didn’t realize it,” she says.

Melissa Celaya is one of those volunteers who never thought she’d find herself teaching in front of a class of youth in a church.

“It’s brought out a side of me that I didn’t know I had,” says Celaya. “I always thought I was a follower, but I’ve realized I’m a leader, and I didn’t know that without being open to helping.”

Celaya was not involved in church growing up, aside from occasionally visiting with friends who were mostly of the Catholic faith. She was in her late 20s when she first realized the significance of Easter as the resurrection of Christ.

“I had a friend invite me to her church one time…and I didn’t know at the time what it was, but the Holy Spirit definitely grabbed ahold of me and said this was something I needed,” says Celaya. “I just had that urgency to go back—that yearning.”

bodylife ■

stories that connect us

Shortly after she began attending New Life Community (NLC) about four years ago, Celaya told Aquino she was ready to volunteer in the children’s ministry. She began in the nursery and transitioned last year to the youth class that consists of seventh through 12th grade students.

“I don’t want them to grow up the way I did, without knowing God or thinking that Easter is about the Easter bunny,” she says. “I’m trying to plant those seeds into them sooner than they were planted in me.”

Celaya says that she and Aquino meet regularly to discuss ideas for the ministry and to pray together. “(Jessica) is just such a big encourager, and she’s really good about bringing out things in you that you don’t see in yourself,” says Celaya.

Growing in faith Amelia Villareal, currently a student at Reedley College, echoes the importance of having a mentor who offers encouragement as she grows in her faith.

Villareal says that she didn’t feel like she had a personal relationship with God growing up, but that serving in the children’s ministry at NLC has helped her immensely in her faith journey.

She did an internship in the summer of 2024 where she shadowed Aquino while helping with outreach projects, doing community service and praying over the town. She now helps lead a classroom of preschool and early elementary students and says that the kids themselves also encourage and develop her faith.

“My favorite part of our day is prayer, because it’s a time where they’re truly just honest and open,” says Villareal.

“That’s helped me grow in my faith because I feel like I can be very closed off,

but they’ve been helping me to be more honest and have a more kid-like faith.”

Celaya also says that her fellow volunteers and teachers have been instrumental in her faith journey.

“It’s so nice to see other people and to learn from them with an open mind and open heart,” she says.

Aquino says the biggest challenge for her is simply finding the time she wants to be able to invest in mentoring and encouraging her volunteers, but that the effort is worth it.

“It takes a lot of time, but seeing their growth from one year to the next is amazing,” says Aquino. “I’m only one person, and I know that I can’t do everything, so if I’m investing in another person, we can reach a lot more people than if I’m just doing it by myself.”—Jessica Vix Allen

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■ bodylife stories that connect us

Confirming the call Ridgepoint Church’s residencies offer discernment for vocational ministry

F

our individuals have completed the inaugural residency program at Ridgepoint Church in Wichita, Kan. This nine-month training program is part of the church’s newly launched Leadership Academy, which also includes summer internships for students.

The goal, according to Pastor of Equipping and Multiplication Andy Owen, is to offer a tangible method for mentoring leaders in the context of church ministry.

Residencies, especially, are for adults sensing a call to vocational ministry.

“We want all of our residents to come out with a better understanding of their calling and their best contribution to the church and the kingdom,” Owen says.

As Ridgepoint begins a new round of residencies in 2025, church leaders are moving forward with open hands and optimism.

time and five hours of training.

“The model is easily accessible but still challenges people and gives them experience to confirm their calling,” Goings says.

Owen and Goings wrote the curriculum, which dives deeper into USMB’s Leadership Pipeline training material philosophy of knowing, being and doing.

“We planned out the whole year on the topics we think you need to know about if you're considering a call into vocational ministry,” Goings says. “That's spiritual disciplines, spiritual gifts, but also personality, conflict resolution, how to craft a message (and) how to lead a Bible study.”

Multiplied ministry Each of Ridgepoint’s first four residents had a unique ministry track, including evangelism and outreach, missions, adult ministries and discipleship, and 20s and 30s ministry.

While Ridgepoint targeted residents in their mid- to late20s, people in their 30s and 40s applied.

“The call to keep developing as a leader is a lifetime call,” Owen says. “So it shouldn't have been surprising

Coming alongside The Leadership Academy, launched in Fall 2024, grew from a strategic planning process when Owen joined the Ridgepoint staff in 2022.

Owen and NextGen Pastor Kyle Goings share a passion for leadership development, and the two put their heads together to dream of possibilities.

Most churches focus their efforts on crafting a weekend experience where people can worship and be equipped—and rightly so, Owen says. But Jesus used a different model for leadership development.

“Jesus developed leaders (by coming) alongside and walking with them,” Owen says. “That's the heart behind what we want to see happen with our residents and with developing leaders.”

Residencies offer that kind of opportunity.

Each resident has a job description and a supervisor with whom to work. The paid, part-time positions re- Andy Owen (left) and Kyle Goings (right) pause for a photo with Ridgepoint Church’s first four residents to join the Leadership Academy. Pictured (from left): Zach Henneberg, Melanie Wiebe, quire 15 hours a week, including 10 hours of ministry Luke Zimmerman, Michael Clark. Photo by Ridgepoint Church

22 christian leader | september / october 2025

bodylife ■

stories that connect us

that there are people at various age ranges that want to grow and develop in their leadership.”

Looking back on the first year, Goings says the program was an asset.

“It benefited the individual and the church more than I can ever imagine,” he says. “The ministry multiplied because you could do programs that you can't necessarily do with just a volunteer.”

For example, resident Luke Zimmerman worked with Owen to launch Alpha, a free, 12-week course exploring life, faith and purpose in which participants gather for weekly meals, inspirational videos and small group discussions.

Zimmerman has since started a new ministry as assistant director of admissions at a local university.

“In addition to drawing closer to Jesus and experiencing meaningful healing in my soul, one of the most significant areas of personal growth for me has been in leadership and public speaking,” Zimmerman says on his post-residency evaluation. “Throughout the Leadership Academy, I’ve developed greater confidence in guiding others and communicating effectively in front of groups. Where I once felt uncertain or intimidated, I now feel equipped and empowered to lead with clarity and purpose.”

Ministry initiative. “We're always open to change and flex as we feel the Spirit's leading us to.”

Ellen Nikkel, a resident at Ridgepoint starting in Fall 2025, is serving as a liaison between the church and local ministries. Nikkel’s supervisors are Cynthia Young, kids ministry director, and Owen.

“Since I started, my posture has been one of openness to how God wants to equip me through this program,” Nikkel says via email. “I'm praying for discernment and clarity about whether ministry is the path God is calling me to, and I'm also excited to grow in my understanding of how ministry operates behind the scenes. This staff is full of people who serve God wholeheartedly in the work he has set before them, and I'm looking forward to continuing to learn from them throughout the next year.”

A future hope is to make the residency program available for other churches to use, Goings says.

“We're still learning what works and what doesn't work, but our hidden passion behind this is we would love to resource other churches,” he says.

—Janae Rempel Shafer

Open hands As Ridgepoint begins Year 2, Owen says leaders have open hands.

“Moving forward, I want to stay in step with the Holy Spirit in terms of how he wants us to keep partnering with him to develop leaders and not be so married to a specific model that we might miss opportunities,” Owen says, adding that Ridgepoint leaders also anticipate mentoring a handful of students joining Tabor College’s Graduate Studies in

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■ bodylife stories that connect us

A surprise makeover Olathe, Kan., congregation remodels pastoral couple’s kitchen

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hen pastoral couple Aaron and Maggie Halvorsen returned from their July vacation, they discovered their own home makeover, thanks to a surprise labor of love from their congregation.

In nine days, the Community Bible Church congregation in Olathe, Kan., secretly transformed the Halvorsens’ kitchen for a family who loves to host.

“Maggie is very gifted in baking and cooking,” says one member of the congregation, who wanted to remain anonymous. “They use their home for hospitality regularly, so (we wanted to) make (the kitchen) better for her.”

Kitchen Vandals The CBC congregation has a reputation, it turns out.

The project was the brainchild of seven service-minded “Kitchen Vandals” who completed a similar project for pastoral couple Russ and Marilyn Friesen 18 years ago.

This time, they focused on the Halvorsens, who, upon arriving at CBC 10 years ago, tried to invite every member of the congregation over for a meal.

“Maggie's a good cook and has that gift of hospitality,” Aaron says. “That's been part of ministry for us from the beginning.”

In the years since, they’ve hosted small groups and church meetings and welcomed countless people for Sunday meals.

With so many on the receiving end of the Halvorsens’ hospitality, the congregation found a way to give back.

Prep for the project To begin, a few Kitchen Vandals asked Maggie about her kitchen preferences and shared their gleanings with an interior designer from CBC. “An underlying fear (was), this is very specific,” says one Kitchen Vandal. “Is this going to be what she would love?”

By the time the Halvorsens’ vacation neared, the Vandals had a plan.

Admittedly, Aaron was suspicious, he says, as someone had asked for the garage code.

From July 2-10, 58 members of the congregation installed open shelving, new counters and backsplash, tile flooring, new ceiling and lighting and more—often working until after midnight. Others donated money—the project was funded by donations—brought refreshments, or videoed the progress. They only outsourced the cabinet doors.

“It gave people the opportunity to be generous with their time, talents, money and encouragement,” the anonymous Vandal says. “It was good to be together working.”

Shock and delight When the Halvorsens returned from vacation, their response was positive.

“It looks exactly like I imagined except way nicer,” Maggie says. “We were shocked and delighted that we love it.”

The kitchen has provided a conversation starter with neighbors.

“It's been such a cool opportunity to talk to people about the church and their love for us,” Maggie says.

“People are shocked.”

In August, the Halvorsens hosted a neighborhood dinner.

“We've tried to have neighbor dinners before and not that many people have come,” Maggie says. “There's a lot more coming because I think they want to see the kitchen.”

The Halvorsens would like to invite congregation members for another meal, though Maggie says it’s not about having a fancy space but the heart of willingness behind it.

They admit it’s awkward to receive a gift they can’t repay.

“I was talking with the other pastor's wife—they had the remodel done years ago—and she said, ‘It's kind of like the gospel,’” Maggie says. “It's a gift. You can't earn it, you can't pay it back, you can't thank enough for it, so you just have to enjoy it.”—Janae Rempel Shafer To read more about this project and see photos, visit our website.

Members of the Community Bible Church congregation in Olathe, Kan., performed a surprise kitchen makeover in nine days for their lead pastoral couple. Photo: CBC

24 christian leader | september / october 2025

bodylife ■

stories that connect us

Walking together CanAm meetings offer collaboration for U.S. and Canadian MB leaders

W

hen U.S. and Canadian Mennonite Brethren leaders gather in October, they will have a unique opportunity for collaboration.

The annual CanAm meetings allow USMB leaders and their Canadian counterparts to share challenges, learn from each other and spend time in prayer.

For USMB National Director Aaron Box, CanAm offers partnership.

“When you're leading a group of churches, you're often in uncharted territory,” Box says. “There typically aren't seminary classes on how to chair a leadership board or be a national director. This is one of the few places where you can spend time with somebody who does the same thing you do who's a part of our larger family.”

Looking back CanAm is one way U.S. and Canadian MB leaders connect now that the national conferences they lead are distinct from one another.

North American Mennonite Brethren previously worked together as part of the General Conference of MB Churches, a binational entity organized into four regional districts around 1900. However, in 1954, the U.S. and Canada reorganized into the U.S. Conference of MB Churches (USMB) and the Canadian Conference of MB Churches (CCMBC) but retained the General Conference to oversee some ministry aspects.

Then, in 2000, U.S. and Canadian Mennonite Brethren voted to give General Conference ministries to the national conferences, though the two continued to partner as owners of MB Biblical Seminary for a time, as well as the MB global mission agency Multiply, and the MB Historical Commission.

chair and the CCMBC National Faith and Life director, the Multiply general director and board chair, and the chair of the MB Historical Commission.

Box attended his first CanAm in Colorado in November 2024, where the group discussed structure, faith and life, conventions, funding models, board meeting frequency and more.

“You get to pick each other's brains and learn from what's worked and not worked,” Box says. “I walked away deeply encouraged.”

Walking in unity This year, the group will meet in October, though USMB Leadership Board chair Dave Thiessen says details are still being finalized. He expects participants to discuss jointly held ministries, hear updates and spend time in prayer, he says.

Box requests prayer for the meeting.

“I'd invite our family to be praying for the leaders of our two countries,” he says. “(In) places like John 17, it's obvious that Jesus cares very much about our unity, and we want to walk with and encourage each other.”—Janae Rempel Shafer

Staying connected Today, CanAm provides collaboration for U.S. and Canadian MB leaders.

“The goal is to keep our two families connected,” Box says. “Not just because we co-own (Multiply and the Historical Commission), but we want to have a platform to continue to work together.”

The CanAm guest list includes the U.S. and Canadian national directors, the USMB leadership board chair and CCMBC moderator, the U.S. Board of Faith and Life christianleadermag.com 25

■ bodylife

stories that connect us

Secure in Jesus ASCENT campers focus on “Anchored” theme

F

or the second year, high school students met at Camp WOW in Stuart, Okla., for ASCENT, USMB NextGen’s summer camp. The 214 students and 80 leaders—from 18 churches in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and South Dakota—gathered June 7-11 to learn what it means to be “Anchored” in Jesus.

“We wanted to start building some momentum from last year,” says Kyle Goings, USMB NextGen director. “This year, the camp experience exceeded our expectations.”

Throughout the week, campers participated in new and familiar events, including sessions, interactive tracks, theme nights and more.

Sessions highlight ‘Anchored’ theme Speakers were Aaron Box, USMB national director, and Amy Ratzlaff, associate professor of health and human performance at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kan. Box shared a unique twist on the theme using his rockclimbing experience. He explained how secure anchors allow rock climbers to embrace climbing’s challenges.

Similarly, being secured in Jesus allows us to embrace life’s challenges.

Ratzlaff encouraged campers to trust their anchor.

“Although our anchors are sometimes tested without our choosing, when we respond with trust and take action, our faith can empower us to be bold for Christ and do great things for his kingdom,” she said.

New this year was a student testimony time. During three sessions, a different student volunteered to share.

Addi Oschner from Cross Timbers Church in Edmond, Okla., said a turning point in her story was being invited to camp two years ago and realizing that no matter what she has done, God is always there for her.

“A simple invite to camp changed a life,” says Derrick Austin, Cross Timbers youth director. “God used that one conversation to start a movement in Addi’s life that we wouldn’t see until years later.”

Multiply representatives Joanna Chapa and Heidi Quiring also led a session, encouraging students to invite others to follow Jesus and do as they are doing.

Interactive tracks, workshops combine faith and action Interactive tracks allowed students to integrate their faith into hobbies such as hiking, painting, board games and worship.

The band, Generation Worship, from Nashville, Tenn., led the worship interactive track. Not expecting what

26 christian leader | september / october 2025

Free-time activities included a zip line. Photo by Brett Eitzen

would unfold, worship leader Doug Johnson asked the 20 or so participants, “What if we wrote a song?”

Asking students, “Who is Jesus to you?” Johnson used responses to create lyrics for the verses, chorus and bridge of a new song, “Anchor Me.” The band added instrumentation.

During the evening session, Generation Worship invited participants to the stage to sing the song. One student played bass.

“It was a great experience, and it's something none of us had ever done in that context,” Johnson says. “It’ll forever be a core memory for us.”

In workshops throughout the week, campers discussed topics like spiritual disciplines, how to share your faith and making scripture come alive.

Other activities On theme nights, students dressed along themes of school spirit, Hawaiian luau, wild safari and thrift shop formal.

Campers also participated in free-time competitions and late-night activities.

To end the final session, students received a white wristband. Ratzlaff instructed them to write a reminder from camp on it—Trust, Love God. Love Others, or Anchored—to serve as reminders of the work God did at ASCENT.—Cody Meyer To listen to "Anchor Me" on YouTube, scan the QR code.

■ church spotlight

Heritage Bible Church Bakersfield, Calif.

Established: 1910 Attendance: 120 Lead Pastor: Chris Eidse

★

Our congregation in three words:

Jesus-Centered Diverse Welcoming Connect with us!

Facebook.com/heritagebakersfield Instagram.com/Heritage_Bible_Church youtube.com/@heritagebiblechurch How can you pray for us?

Pray for God’s guidance in identifying and calling a pastor of next generations ministry.

Top Photo: Children pose for a photo during a Wednesday night Heritage Kids dinosaur-themed event.

Middle: Members of the Heritage Bible Church congregation serve at the West Coast Mennonite Relief Sale in Fresno.

Bottom: Members of the Heritage Bible Church congregation deliver homemade quilts to a local care home.

Photos by HBC christianleadermag.com 27

Church Life Compiled by Janae Rempel Shafer

MILESTONES

Baptism/Memberships

Donovan Beiler, Mekenna Beiler, Louis Flowers, Beth Flowers, Jimmy Funk, Casie Funk, Alexis Green, Sarah Kurry, Valarie Mapel, Hailey Morris, Michael Miller, Courtney Miller, Gary Ollenburger, Tyler Walker and Teri Walker were received as members July 27 at Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla.

Ten people were baptized in June and July at Bethany Church, Fresno, Calif.

Sabrina Callahan, Zoe Callahan, Elise Sierra, Noah Gomez, Kaylynn Bewley and Chayden Brizendine were baptized at Madera (Calif.) Avenue Bible Church. Amber Araiza, Connor Ballard, Bryan Callahan, Sabrina Callahan, Jesus Castro, Xaris Castro, Pete Chavez, Ellen Dixon, Joshua Sierra and Jackie Whittenburg were received as members.

Kimberly Schroeder was baptized July 25 at Buhler (Kan.) MB Church and received as a member July 6. Diane Bretches was received as a member July 20. Angellena Freeman and Maddie Willison were baptized and received as members July 6.

Jacelynn Bruce was baptized July 20 at North Park Community Church, Eugene, Ore. Jovi Turner and Irie Wray were baptized July 13 at Hesston (Kan.) MB Church.

Jordan Mirabal and Evie Mirabal were baptized June 29 at Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan. Elise Graham and Tess Miller were baptized June 22 at Pine Acres Church, Weatherford, Okla.

Two people were baptized June 15 at Axiom Church, Peoria, Ariz.

Xavier Garcia and Jaxxon Simkins were baptized June 8 at Koerner Heights Church, Newton, Kan.

David Tatum began serving as associate pastor for worship and youth ministries at North Fresno (Calif.) Church.

Russell Schmidt, Suphawan Schmidt and Sonya Schmidt were received as members June 1 at First Mennonite Church, Clinton, Okla.

Russell Schmidt was installed as pastor June 1 at First Mennonite Church, Clinton, Okla.

Finley Adamson, Cassidy Bronson, Kayla Bronson, Jess Buckholz, Steve Buckholz, Caleb Bundy, Nathan Finsand, Armando Gomez, Julianne Gomez, Joseph Griffin, Shaun Griffin, Emily Harlow, Denise Jarman, Taylor Johnson, Dylan Morris, Kelsey Neighbor, Thomas Phalen, Ken Schinski, Janet Speer, Mike Speer, Kinley Trussell and Erin Warren were baptized Aug. 3, Taya Hensman, Avery Lehenbauer and Nalei’eha Yost were baptized June 29, and Logan Adams, Elias Berlinger, Ryan Gilbert, Angela Griffin, Brennan Griffin, Leum Griffin, Reagen Griffin, Dallin Hardy, Richard Newman, Jesse Paz, Jack Smart, Mia Smart, Taylor Sorden and John Young were baptized June 8 at South Mountain Community Church, St. George (Utah) Campus. Emma Howland was baptized Aug. 3, and Sawyer Mortensen and Josh O’Meara were baptized July 13 at South Jordan (Utah) Campus. Luka Allred, Chase Jessop, Kiley Jessop, Ian Biesinger, Joy Biesinger, Cheyenne Lee, Nicole Kizer, Alexis Grove, Jason Kizer and Liliana Huffman were baptized June 1 at Lehi (Utah) Campus.

Morgan Glendening, Kristen Glendening, Alena Courser, Amanda Joubert, Guillermo Bustamante, Colter Smith, Shannara Instefjord, Aaron Lugo, Eduardo Vilasa and Guy Barker were baptized in June at Draper (Utah) Campus.

Workers

Joe Weaver concluded his service as worship pastor Aug. 10 at Cross Timbers Church, Edmond, Okla.

28 christian leader | september / october 2025

Lewis Hines began serving as senior pastor at North Park Community Church, Eugene, Ore. Michael D’Alessio was installed May 18 as pastor of student ministries at Shafter (Calif.) MB Church.

Deaths

Brandt, Joyce Lee, Kingsburg, Calif., member of Hope Kingsburg, May 20, 1942—Feb. 11, 2025. Parents: Leroy and Betty Kliewer. Spouse: Larry Brandt.

Children: Brenda, Gordon, Linda, Sara, Michael; grandchildren, great-grandchildren.

Friesen, Deloris Elaine, Buhler, Kan., member of Buhler MB Church, March 19, 1940—July 15, 2025. Parents: Arnie D. and Martha M. (Thiessen) Balzer.

Spouse: LeRoy Friesen. Children: Bradlee (deceased), Ken, Joni Hackett; eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren.

Gard, Paula Kay, Fairview, Okla., attender of Fairview MB Church, Nov. 6, 1939—Jan. 8, 2025. Parents: Richard L. and LaMoine (Harris) Smith. Spouse: Gene Gard. Children: Matt, Michelle McBride; six grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren.

Gross, Georgia Ann, Mitchell, S.D., attender of Salem MB Church, Freeman, S.D., May 10, 1943—June 24, 2025. Parents: Peter J. and Elizabeth D. (Glanzer) Hofer. Spouse: Lyle Gross (deceased). Children: Geoffrey, Garrett; five grandchildren.

Heinrichs, Franklin Monroe, Fresno, Calif., attender of Bethany Church, Fresno, Oct.

16, 1934—June 15, 2025. Parents: Franklin and Sara Heinrichs. Spouse: Sylvia (deceased).

Children: Dale, Dean, Debbie Fries; five grandchildren.

Hiebert, Dean Ellis, Hillsboro, Kan., of Good News Fellowship, Marion, Kan., Feb. 27, 1948— July 21, 2025. Parents: Otto and Bernice (Neufeld) Hiebert.

Spouse: Eileen Kroeker. Children: Pamela Matthews, Kaiden, John; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

Hostetter, Thelma Mae, Reedley, Calif., member of Reedley MB Church, Aug. 20, 1929— June 6, 2025. Parents: John and Helen (Goertzen) Buller. Spouse: Karl (deceased). Children: Gregory, Douglas; four grandchildren.

Huebert, Darlene Ruth, Reedley, Calif., member of Reedley MB Church, Sept. 25, 1935— June 7, 2025. Parents: Jacob and Anna (Friesen) Kliewer.

Spouse: Stanley Huebert (deceased). Children: Marlan, Rod; five grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren.

Heidebrecht, Johnny William “John,” Corn, Okla., former MB pastor, Sept. 4, 1929—May 31, 2025. Parents: Carl and Tena Heidebrecht.

Spouse: Linda Plett (deceased), Joyce Hiebert Peck (deceased).

Children: Beverly Garner, Steve, Judy Voska, Tim, Charles (deceased); nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.

Hill, Melba Jean, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Ebenfeld MB Church, April 2, 1936—July 15, 2025. Parents: E.W. and Helen (Ediger) Hein. Spouse: Adam Hill. Children: Kim, Rick; four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.

Humphrey, Gregory Keith, Rocky, Okla., attender of Corn (Okla.) MB Church, Feb. 18, 1948—July 2, 2025. Parents: Marvin and Adrey (Elliott)

Humphrey. Spouse: Donna Holman (deceased), Hilda Holman.

Children: Daniel, Shaunna (deceased), Devin, Kelley; 13 grandchildren.

Jones, David, Callaway, Minn., member of Lake Region Mennonite Church, Detroit Lakes, Minn., June 23, 1954—May 22, 2025. Parents: Marcellyn C. and Ruth (Ellingson) Jones. Three children, two stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren.

Karber, Ramona D., Enid, Okla., of Crosspoint Church, Enid, Sept. 8, 1936—March 4, 2025. Parents: Ted and Linda (Brandt) Friesen. Spouse: Eugene Karber (deceased). Children: Keith, Cheryl Wolfe; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.

Kroeker, Paul Henry, Omaha, Neb., member of Faith Bible Church, Omaha, Jan. 9, 1938—May 28, 2025. Parents: Henry and Sarah Kroeker.

Spouse: Jeanette (deceased).

Children: Kimberly, Gregory; five grandchildren, four greatgrandchildren.

Loewen, Douglas Kent, Fresno, Calif., member of North Fresno Church, Jan. 27, 1953— June 30, 2025. Parents: Carl and Jane Loewen.

Morrow, Sue Elaine, Wichita, Kan., member of Ridgepoint Church, Wichita, Jan. 18, 1942—June 13, 2025. Parents: Francis and Juanita Corbett.

Spouse: Lester “Les” Morrow (deceased). Children: Terri Means, Renee Jorgensen, Kristi Pierce (deceased); six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren.

Nichols, Orval L., Enid, Okla., of Crosspoint Church, Enid, Sept.

7, 1924—June 9, 2024. Parents: Ernst and Cora (Morris) Nichols. Spouse: Ruth Pennick (deceased). Children: Sherryl Perry, Barbara Post (deceased), Tim, Tom, Amy Siebert; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren.

Ogden, Irven Arthur III, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Aug. 18, 1964—July 3, 2025. Parents: Irven A. Jr. and Marilyn Kay (Williams) Ogden. Spouse: Deborah Grace. Children: Kayla, Hadley.

Pierce, Sharon Ann, Bakersfield, Calif., of The Bridge Bible Church, Bakersfield, Nov. 7, 1950—March 14, 2025. Parents: Myron and Carol Jantz.

Spouse: Gary Pierce (deceased).

Children: Alan, Tim, Jeremy, Garrett, Alexandria; grandchildren.

Martens, Donald L., Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Dec. 11, 1931—July 21, 2025. Parents: Albert and Minnie Martens. Spouse: Norlene Joyce Fast. Children: Garen, LaDonna Pembrook, Sharla Pinn; five grandchildren, 12 greatgrandchildren.

Regier, Evelyn, Hillsboro, Kan., of Hillsboro MB Church, Sept. 5, 1934—June 24, 2025.

Parents: Harry and Salome (Claassen) Funk. Spouse: Jack Regier (deceased). Children: Rex, Gene, Cheri Shrum; five grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild.

Martens, John Mark, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Oct. 1, 1951—Jan. 26, 2025. Parents: Henry and Elda Martens.

Spouse: Linda Kay Jantzen (deceased). Children: Katherine Flecher, Hank, Levi; eight grandchildren.

Reimche, Clyde Douglas, Martin, N.D., member of Cornerstone Community Church, Harvey, N.D., Jan. 27, 1958—May 30, 2025. Parents: Charles and DeLores (Delk) Reimche. Spouse: Brenda Hart. Children: Amanda Schimke, Eric; four grandchildren.

Roberts, Hazel Ann, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Jan. 10, 1942—May 1, 2025. Parents: Vernon and Pauline Baremore Kilpatrick.

Spouse: Loyal Roberts (deceased). Children: Steven, Kevin, Susan Chesnut; four grandchildren.

Saelee, Kao Seng, Fresno, Calif., member of Butler Church, Fresno, Sept. 18, 1966—July 5, 2025. Spouse: Sahn Teum. Children: Kevin, Amy. Stepchildren: Marigold, Weunliem, Weunyuen, Aleu, Kassidy, Carrie, Jason, Akira.

Schmidt, Annie Ruth, Cordell, Okla., member of Herold Mennonite Church, Cordell, Nov. 10, 1926—May 21, 2025. Parents: Edward and Marie Schmidt.

Schmidt, Nora Jane, Inman, Kan., member of Zoar MB Church, Inman, Jan. 6, 1927— Jan. 18, 2025. Parents: Henry and Margaret (Friesen) Lohrentz.

Spouse: Raymond Goering (deceased), Eldon Graber (deceased), Elmer Schmidt (deceased). Children: Peter Goering, Doris Wiens, Donna, Norman, David, Kathy Houk; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren.

Schmidt, Wilbert, Ulysses, Kan., member of New Beginnings Community Fellowship, Ulysses, Feb. 20, 1935—Nov. 6, 2023. Parents: Bernhard and Lena (Wedel) Schmidt. Spouse: Ardyce Ann Bartz (deceased).

Children: Virgil, Kyle, Lyle (deceased); three grandchildren.

Schoeppel, Rhonda Kay, Fairview, Okla., member of Fairview MB Church, Sept. 14, 1956—Feb. 28, 2025. Parents: Melvin and Peggy Groce Kenney. Spouse: James Schoeppel (deceased). Children: Chacey Schoeppel Wilcox.

Sunderland, Raylyn Hoyt “Ray,” Hesston, Kan., member of Hesston MB Church, Oct. 12,

1959—July 22, 2025. Parents: Hoyt and Evelyn Sunderland.

Spouse: Jodi. Child: Shelley Duerksen; three grandchildren.

Wall, Robert Glen, Hillsboro, Kan., member of Hillsboro MB Church, Jan. 29, 1946—July 6, 2025. Parents: Elmer and Frieda (Bartel) Wall. Spouse: Joyce Regier. Children: Brian, Lisa Frantz; six grandchildren.

Walter, Janette Rose, Hillsboro, Kan., retired Multiply missionary and member of Ebenfeld MB Church, Hillsboro, Nov. 26, 1931—July 6, 2025. Parents: Jake and Martha Bergen.

Spouse: Joseph M. Walter (deceased). Children: Patty Den Hartog, Ruthie Anderson, Roland, Robyn, Debbie Shoberg, Joseph M. III; 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren.

Weckerly, Lloyd M., Harvey, N.D., member of Cornerstone Community Church, Harvey, Sept. 10, 1932—July 21, 2025.

Parents: James and Esther Weckerly. Spouse: Kitty-Lee (Seitz) Weckerly. Children: Kathalene, Louise Thorson, Loretta, Russell, Scott, Jerald, Virginia Brockel, Marianne Nelson, Philip, Annamae (deceased); 19 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren.

Wedel, Randy Don, Meno, Okla., member of New Hopedale Mennonite Church, Meno, April 25, 1974—April 12, 2025. Parents: Gene and Bessie Wedel. Spouse: Adriene (Snow) Wedel. Children: Mackenzie, Todd, Gunner Coffey.

Wiebe, Frieda, Reedley, Calif., member of Butler Church, Fresno, Calif., March 31, 1925—June 29, 2025. Parents: Robert and Frieda (Wipf) Minder. Spouse: Franklin Wiebe (deceased). Children: Jacqueline; two grandchildren, two greatgrandchildren.

christianleadermag.com 29

$662.40 toward an offering for clothes and blankets for children.

REACHING OUT

Locally People from Butler Church, Fresno, Calif., distributed bottled water and offered prayer to neighbors Aug. 2 and July 26.

More than 110 children attended vacation Bible school at Zoar MB Church, Inman, Kan. They donated 672 pounds of food to the Inman Food Pantry.

The 23 children attending vacation Bible school at Bethel MB Church, Yale, S.D., gave

Around 75 children attended vacation Bible school at Living Hope Church, Henderson,

Neb. They collected an offering of $2,580.77 for Christian Resource Center Camps.

Shafter (Calif.) MB Church held its wrestling camp July 2125.

Faith Bible Church, Omaha, Neb., hosted about 125 people at a block party July 25 for participants of the Child Evangelism Fellowship Blitz Week based at the church.

More than 80 children attended vacation Bible school at New Hopedale Mennonite Church, Meno, Okla., June 23-27, bringing 250 items for a food bank and collecting an offering providing 2,000 meals to children.

Classifieds LOCAL CHURCH Music Minister: Parkview Mennonite Brethren Church in Hillsboro, Kan., is seeking a part-time music minister. The most basic requirement for the music minister is to be effective at leading people in worship through song. In addition to musical skill, he or she must be able to lead and organize volunteers and perform many administrative tasks connected to planning the worship service. The position requires positive, continual communication with pastors, staff and volunteers. For more information, contact Tom Byford at tom@parkviewmb.com.

Discipleship Pastor: Bethesda Church, Huron, S.D. is seeking a full-time discipleship pastor, integral to leading our ministry programs, which are designed to grow believers into godly disciples for the glory of God. The discipleship pastor will focus on empowering leaders within our diverse range of ministries by providing essential resources, recruitment support, training and pastoral care. Our goal is to develop strong leaders who can effectively guide and nurture the spiritual growth of our church community. The discipleship pastor will work closely with the senior pastor, serving as a key partner in creatively devising new strategies to cultivate healthier disciples. For more information visit the church website.

Pastor of Next Generation Ministries: Heritage Bible Church, Bakersfield, Calif., is seeking a full-time pastor of next generation ministries. Located in California’s sunny Central Valley, Bakersfield is one of the state's fastest-growing cities due to its affordability and central location. We are just two hours from the ocean, world-class ski resorts, national parks and Los Angeles. Our well-established church is home to Heritage Christian AGENCY Schools. We are looking for a team builder to build on our healthy ministries from kids to young adults. This position includes full benefits, relocation assistance, full tuition in our Director of Financial Discipleship: MB Foundation is amazing school if you have children and clergy housing tax deduction. For more seeking a Director of Financial Discipleship to champion biblical stewardship, serve churches and pastors, encourage information, visit www.heritagebible.us/jobs. generosity, and promote MB Foundation and the services we provide to pastors, churches and ministries throughout the MB family. This position will office out of Hillsboro, Kan. If interested, visit www.mbfoundation.com/employment.

WILL PLANNING NN YOU FOR Y OU AND A YOUR FAMILY Y OUR F AM AMI - PR PROVIDE OVIDE FOR FAMILY FAMIL LY INTEGRATE - INTE GRA AT TE FAITH FA AITH MINISTRY - FUEL MINISTR Y

“Putting your house in order is the best thing you can do for you and your family. MB Foundation was very helpful in guiding us through the process of setting up our plan.”

BRENT AND JOAN WARKENTIN

Get started today at www.mbfoundation.com/willplanning www.mbfoundation.com/willplanning 620.947.3151 800.551.1547 Toll Free info@mbfoundation.com w.. m b f o u n d a t i o n . c o m www

30 christian leader | september / october 2025

2025 Statement of ownership, management and circulation Publication title: Christian Leader. Publication number 0009-5419. Filing date: 8/07/23. Issue frequency: bimonthly. Number of issues published annually: 6.

Annual subscription prices: $10. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: PO Box 155, Hillsboro, KS. 67063. Complete mailing address of headquarter or general business office of publication: U.S. Conference of MB Churches, PO Box 20200, Wichita, KS. 67208-1200. Full names and complete mailing address of publication, editor and managing editor: Publisher: U.S. Conference of MB Churches, PO Box 20200, Wichita, KS. 67208-1200; Editor: Lacey Scully, PO Box 155, Hillsboro, KS. 67063. Managing editor: none.

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