Is the LCMS Too Strict? Closed Communion, Pastor Shortage & Confessional Courage

https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentJoin the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date.Is the LCMS too strict — or is it simply trying to be faithful?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Ben Hollingsead, a former LCMC pastor who colloquized into the LCMS, to talk about close communion, confessional Lutheran identity, pastoral formation, and the future of the church.This conversation gets honest about some of the biggest tensions in the LCMS today: declining membership, pastoral vacancies, alternative routes to ministry, SMP evolution, liturgy, hospitality, and what it really means to guard the altar with love.Can the LCMS raise up more pastors without lowering the bar? Can confessional Lutherans be deeply missional? Can churches practice close communion with both clarity and compassion?This is a charitable but direct conversation for anyone who cares about the future of faithful Word and Sacrament ministry.The Best Pizza Franchise OpportunityAnthony & Luca's Pizza Kitchen is the hottest new Cheesesteak & NY Pizza Franchise.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org