The speakers at the Values-Based Leadership Program are not only inspiring leaders and exceptional facilitators, they’re something even more valuable. Human. With leadership experience in business as well as not-for-profit and denominational organizations, they present thought-provoking concepts from a personal – and spiritual – perspective.

Nelson Kraybill
Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, President
With broad ecumenical and professional experience, J. Nelson Kraybill is deeply committed to the life and mission of the church. Before coming to AMBS in 1997, he served as Programme Director at the London (England) Mennonite Centre and was a member of the leadership team of Wood Green Mennonite Church. He and Ellen, his wife, have taken short-term teaching or mission assignments in Uruguay, Mexico, Ireland, and Spain. Throughout his career, he has taught widely on the book of Revelation. He also has experience as a mediator in church conflict.

His diverse experiences have inspired in him a keen interest in seeing the church live out a discipleship to Jesus Christ that includes both evangelism and peacemaking. Nelson is committed to nurturing a new generation of church leaders and is fueled by his conviction that effective leadership requires and demands the best training and resources available.

A noted author, Nelson has written several books, including:

“Power and Authority: Helping the Church Face Problems and Adapt to Change” in The Heart of the Matter: Pastoral Ministry in Anabaptist Perspective
“Apocalypse Now” in Christianity Today (October 1999)
On the Pilgrim's Way: Conversations on Christian Discipleship During a Twelve-Day Walk Across England
Imperial Cult and Commerce in John's Apocalypse
Miscarriage: A Quiet Grief, co-author

Linford King
Mennonite Church USA, Denominational Minister
Formerly an elementary teacher and pastor, Linford has a passion for leadership self-awareness and a keen interest in how family of origin impacts functioning in leadership positions. He believes leadership can be enhanced by reflective practices.

Lee Schmucker
Schmucker Training and Consulting, Owner
As board chair for Mennonite Mission Network, Lee combines her professional expertise in professional training/development with her gifts for organizational management, goal-setting, and strategic planning. She presents frequently at conferences and works with professionals to create organizations that take teamwork and leadership to new levels of effectiveness.

Since 1995, Lee has been active in church leadership for the Mennonite Church, serving as a resource person for biennial assembly logistics management. She has also provided logistics management for Mennonite Economic Development Associates and for Mennonite Health Assembly. Lee has served on the board of directors for Laurelville (Pa.) Mennonite Church Center and Schowalter Villa in Hesston, Kan., as well as fulfilling several short-term voluntary service assignments with the Paris Mennonite Center.

Rick Stiffney
Mennonite Health Service, President
As president and CEO of MHS Alliance, Rick consults widely with MHS Alliance members and other not-for-profit health and human service organizations, focusing on executive development, strategic planning, alliance formation and board development. He is a frequent presenter at conferences and coaches senior executives on strengthening their leadership skills to build successful, unified organizations. Rick is currently also serving as chair for the Goshen College Presidential Search Committee.

Allon Lefever
Eastern Mennonite University, Associate Professor of Business and Director of Master of Business Administration, .
Allon brings 35 years of experience in a wide array of areas: business and academic, startups and mergers, profit and nonprofit, senior leadership and board.

Allon's business experience includes growing and managing operations, managing family-owned business and converting privately-held business to public ownership. Allon developed the concept of a national Internet Access Company serving secondary markets and authored the original Business Plan for OneMain.com, Inc. Upon obtaining Wall Street Investment Banker support, he assisted the SEC in filing and launched a very succesful IPO

Erin Clymer
Laurelville Mennonite Church Center, Program Director
Erin leads programs that supoprt spiritual growth for individuals and groups. By combining the natural setting with fun, creative experiences, she helps people recognize and build on their leadership abilities.

Erin has served as Music and Worship Director for Pittsburgh Mennonite Church, served on the PULSE board of directors in Pittsburgh and worked as a consultant on program development and environmental education.

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