There are many ways one could introduce today's guest, Matt McKeown. He's a musician, producer and song writer extraordinaire. He's also a humble and generous servant of his community. But Matt is here today because he is the senior pastor of Daytona First United Brethren Church and he has some exciting stories to share about what God is doing right now in the midst of a budding partnership between two churches in Holly Hill, FloridaKey TopicsA miraculous healingMusic and educationDeveloping a partnershipA culture of community serviceConnect with Matt and learn more about what's happening at Daytona First Church of the United Brethren: Website, Facebook, YouTube, Food Pantry----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

The Ministry Leader Summit for United Brethren associate staff is happening April 29-May 3 in Daytona Beach, Florida, and our guests in this episode are dishing out everything you need know about it. Whether you are a first time attendee or long time veteran of the UB Youth Summit or other UB Pastor's summits, Craig Mickey and Bobby Culler are the guys who will help you get the most out of your experience. For more information on the summit, including a link to register, click here.----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

Training up the next generation of church leaders is something Jim Bolich is extremely passionate about. Jim is the Director of Ministerial Licensing for the Church of the United Brethren in Christ and pastor at Mount Pleasant Church in Chambersburg, PA. He joined us for this episode of UB Now to discuss the pastoral residency program they have developed at Mount Pleasant, where young leaders can gain valuable ministry experience while being mentored as healthy ministers. Key TopicsMount Pleasant's pastoral residency programLeaning into your gifting and passionPrioritizing prayer for and investment in the next generation of church leadersConnect with Jim and his team at Mount Pleasant.Website, YouTube----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

We took the show on the road for this episode of UB Now to visit Michael Elkins, lead pastor at New Hope Community Church in Bryan, OH. We thought our visit would be focused on the ways New Hope was leveraging audio and visual media to engage their congregation. But our conversation quickly turned to the ways New Hope has embraced the opportunity to minister to, and minister with, the developmentally disabled in their community. Key TopicsHelping people tell their storiesDesire to incorporate and include those who are developmentally disabled.Final 3 questionConnect with (our guest) and (their church): change linksInstagram, Facebook, YouTube----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

The Brotherhood Mutual Foundation is offering a Kingdom Advancing Grant for "church teams who, in their God-ordained calling, transform their community in creative, innovative, and collaborative ways." Kathy Bruce, long-time United Brethren leader and Director of the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation, joins me to talk about what this grant is all about and how you can apply. Discover more and apply for the Kingdom Advancing Grant: https://www.brotherhoodmutual.com/kingdom-advancing-grant/Key TopicsKingdom Advancing GrantDefining innovationStories of past recipientsConnect with Kathy and the Brotherhood Mutual Foundation: Website, Facebook, YouTube----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

Jason Holliday is the lead pastor at Living Grace Community Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he's served since 2019. In this episode he shares his journey into ministry, what brought him to Living Grace and how the church is growing through community groups. Key TopicsCommunity groups serve as the main vehicle of discipleship Serving the community togetherPrioritizing time to be with people Connect with Jason and Living Grace Community Church: Website, Facebook, YouTube----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

SummaryBen Gladhill grew up in a United Brethren church and was recently ordained at Lake View Church in Camden, Michigan where he has served for more than 12 years. He is the Pastor of Christian Education, but has served in a variety of roles during his time at Lake View. In this interview, Ben talks about his early faith journey and what it meant to be ordained in his home church. We also discuss the importance of investing in people and the value of empowering leaders. Key Topics:The value of long term investmentBen's Ordination at Lake ViewThe challenge (and rewards) of handing off ministries to others Connect with Ben Gladhill and Lake View Church:Website, Facebook, YouTube----Share this episode with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

SummaryRyan Koch is the Senior Pastor at Hopewell United Brethren Church, and is the first guest on UB Now. In this episode, Ryan talks about his faith journey and how that led him, not only to ministry but to ministry within the UB Church. We discuss what it means for Hopewell to have a vision for strategic partnerships and relationally-centered ministries -- a vision that has opened the door to a unique opportunity to serve and engage with their community. Key TopicsSetting a yearly focus and vision can help guide a church's leadership and congregation.Strategic partnerships and relationally centered ministries can be effective in reaching and serving the community.Building relationships and creating a sense of community is crucial in engaging young people from non-church backgrounds.Connect with Ryan Koch and Hopewell UB Church:Website, Facebook, YouTube----Share this podcast with a friend or on your social media.----Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):Free Breath by MoireLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC

UB Now is a podcast created by the Church of the United Brethren in Christ designed to connect and resource church leaders by sharing stories of what's happening in our churches right now. As you listen to these stories, we encourage you to connect with one another. Ask questions. Offer support. Speak a word of encouragement. We have some great stories coming your way so follow UB Now. If you have a story you'd like to share on the podcast, send us an email and let us know.---Visit the Church of the United Brethren in Christ---Host: Brian BiedenbachMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/moire/free-breathLicense code: V5ZOFRI75J9BWIKC