Lead Time

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is heading into a significant season. With convention conversations ahead, questions around pastoral formation, membership decline, congregational vitality, and the future of Lutheran mission are all on the table.Today, We sit down with presidential nominee Rev. Brady Finnern for a wide-ranging conversation about Lutheran identity, the heart of the Gospel, congregational decline, convention priorities, and what faithful leadership looks like in a changing church landscape.If you care about the future of the LCMS, pastoral formation, Lutheran mission, or the health of local congregations, this is a conversation worth sharing.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

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with two longtime Concordia Seminary professors, Dr. Andy Bartelt and Dr. James Voelz, for a wide-ranging conversation on time, aging, biblical literacy, seminary history, SMP, distance education, churchmanship, and the future of pastoral formation in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.Dr. Bartelt and Dr. Voelz bring decades of experience teaching future pastors, shaping theological education, and wrestling with the big questions facing the church. Together, they explore why the LCMS has historically operated with more than one formation track, how the Springfield/Fort Wayne story shaped today’s debates, why SMP and DELTO emerged, and why honest, humble conversation is needed now more than ever.If you care about the future of the LCMS, pastoral formation, biblical literacy, theological education, or mission in North America, this is a conversation worth hearing.Subscribe to Lead Time for conversations on Lutheran theology, church leadership, mission, pastoral formation, and the future of the LCMS.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

What’s really happening inside the LCMS right now?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack sit down with Dr. Lyman Stone—demographer and creator of the Lutheran Religious Life Survey—to unpack the most surprising data trends in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.What trends are you seeing in your church?From church growth myths to preaching styles… from traditional worship to unexpected theological shifts… this conversation challenges assumptions and raises important questions about the future of the church.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

What happens when Christians take each other to court… or when marriages fall apart long before anyone asks for help?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim and Jack sit down with Christian attorney Colin Hoffman to unpack the reality of Christian family law, divorce, and what the Bible actually says about conflict between believers.From 1 Corinthians 6 to real-life legal cases, this conversation dives into:- Why Christians suing Christians is a serious issue- What actually leads to divorce (and why it’s often “too late”)- The role of pastors, counseling, and accountability- Spiritual warfare in families (and how it shows up)- How churches can better support struggling marriages- A better path forward: reconciliation, repentance, and truthThis episode is both challenging and hopeful—a call for the Church to take marriage, conflict, and spiritual realities seriously again.Do you think Christians should ever take each other to court?Show Notes: Song Colin referenced at the end: "This I Pray" by Nicky Gracious:https://youtu.be/F5Q-Gw0PZZkConnect with Colin:[email protected] 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

A special episode of Lead Time responding to a recent decision from LCMS leadership denying our request to host a booth at the upcoming LCMS Convention.Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings? Sign up here: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWe share the full context behind the decision, read the official response, and unpack what this moment reveals about conversation, trust, and unity within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.See the letter we received here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JXkyOFIs-1xqqtmSZDF88FBcL-Dos8gO/view?usp=drive_linkThis is not about attacking leadership. It’s about asking an honest question:How do we move forward together as one church body when disagreement exists?Our hope is simple:More conversation. More clarity. More unity in Christ.If you're attending the LCMS Convention this summer, we’d love to connect and talk. Let us know what you think in the comments.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

Today, We sit down with presidential nominee Dr. Joel Biermann to talk about the current state—and future—of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).What are the real strengths of the LCMS? Where are we struggling?And what must change if we want to see a thriving, unified church for the next generation?We dive into:- The growing divisions within the LCMS- The debate around “Lutheran identity”- The future of pastoral formation- Why unity is harder—and more important—than ever- How the church can re-engage mission and evangelismIf you care about the future of the LCMS, this is a must-listen.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

In this episode of Lead Time, we respond to the “Giving Crescendo” conversation and break down what’s really happening beneath the surface: an aging church body, a historic wealth transfer, and a short window of opportunity that could either fuel mission—or accelerate decline.Here’s the reality: money won’t save the church. In fact, it may expose just how unprepared we are.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️We explore:- Why a surge in giving is coming—and why it won’t last- The 3 paths churches will take (and why most lead to decline)- How endowments can quietly kill mission- Why reaching young families is no longer optional- The leadership and pastoral pipeline crisis ahead- What district and national leaders must do right nowThis is not a financial conversation.It’s a leadership test.The future of the LCMS will not be decided by how much money comes in…but by what we do with it.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

In this episode, we respond to a recent seminary podcast discussing residential training and pastoral formation. WATCH THE PODCAST HEREWhile we deeply respect our seminaries and their leaders, we ask the hard questions many pastors and church leaders are already thinking:Why are pulpits still empty?Why are churches closing?And are we training pastors in a way that actually meets today’s mission?Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWe'll break down:The real strengths of residential seminaryWhere the current model may be falling shortThe rise of hybrid and local training approachesWhy EQ (not just theology) matters more than we admitThe urgent need for church planting and scalable leadership pipelinesSupport 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

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Texas District President Jon Braunersreuther to discuss:• The growing pastor shortage in the LCMS• The debate surrounding SMP pastoral formation• Why the size of the harvest should change how we think about leadership• How First Article Gifts (reason, leadership, strategy) can be faithfully used in the church• Leadership lessons from Jim Collins’ Good to GreatStay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWith 30 million people in Texas and an estimated 22 million far from Jesus, the question becomes unavoidable:Is the church preparing enough workers for the harvest?This conversation challenges pastors, church leaders, and lay leaders to think bigger about mission, leadership, and the future of the church.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

The latest LCMS nomination results may reveal far more than just who might become the next president.Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg break down what the vote totals could mean for the future trajectory of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Looking beyond the surface, they explore the deeper story behind the data: institutional stability, declining participation, leadership pipelines, and the growing pastoral shortage facing the church.Is the LCMS signaling a desire to preserve the status quo? Or are deeper structural challenges forcing change in the decades ahead?Tim and Jack discuss five major implications emerging from the nomination data—including why participation matters, why leadership networks may shape the future more than elections, and what this means for pastors, congregations, and mission in the years ahead.This conversation is candid, thoughtful, and ultimately hopeful about how God continues to work through faithful congregations and leaders across the LCMS.If you care about the future of the church, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. And if you got something out of this, share It with a friend.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

What is the “American Interim” — and is the Church compromising its identity?In this episode of LEAD TIME, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha (Dean for the Center for Missional & Pastoral Leadership) to thoughtfully respond to Rev. Karl Hess's presentation, “Pastoring Under the American Interim.”See the video here:http://youtube.com/watch?v=0IizshrQn9ETogether they explore:- What is a Lutheran hermeneutic?- Is Enlightenment liberalism replacing Christianity?- Is equality a false god?- Did the Church surrender during COVID?- How should Christians think about slavery in Scripture?- Are we soaking in secular assumptions without realizing it?Rather than reacting emotionally, this conversation returns again and again to the central question:How do we interpret Scripture faithfully in our cultural moment?Dr. Kloha reminds us that our context may look less like 16th-century Europe and more like the world of the New Testament — pluralistic, politically complex, and spiritually contested.And in that world, what did the apostles do?They preached Christ.This episode is not about winning political arguments.It’s about guarding the gospel.It’s about understanding narrative vs. prescription in Scripture.It’s about loving neighbor while remaining faithful to Christ.If you’ve wrestled with these tensions in your congregation, this conversation will equip you with clarity, charity, and courage.Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport 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

What is God’s mission? Sounds like a simple question. In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim and Jack sit down with veteran missiologist, Rev. Dr. Bob Scudieri to unpack the theology, history, and controversy surrounding mission in the LCMS. From the early church to Walther and Grabau, from Constantine to today’s debates about the priesthood of all believers, this conversation goes deep.Is the mission of God (Missio Dei) central to the church—or does emphasizing mission threaten doctrinal clarity? Why has fear sometimes replaced boldness? And what would it look like for the LCMS to truly reflect Matthew 28 in 2050?Bob shares decades of experience in parish ministry, national leadership, church planting, and ethnic outreach—along with practical wisdom for congregations ready to step into courageous mission.If you care about doctrine, discipleship, and reaching the nations next door, this episode is for you.Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport 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

Are we unintentionally losing relational leadership in the LCMS?In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim sits down with DCE Jonathan Zellar to unpack the ideas behind Rare Leadership by Jim Wilder — and why joy, emotional intelligence, and relational connection may be the missing ingredients in many of our leadership conversations.Concerned about what is happening in the wider LCMS? Check this out: http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTVThis episode isn’t about lowering doctrine. It’s about embodying it relationally.If we can remain relational, act like ourselves, return to joy, and endure hardship well — we may find a healthier path forward together.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

Please excuse the internet issues experienced during today's episode.Is Concordia Seminary embracing “Seminex 2.0”?Does modern linguistic theory make Scripture meaningless?Can Christians interpret the Bible “objectively”?In this episode of LEAD TIME, Pastor Tim sits down with Jim Voelz, longtime professor at Concordia Seminary, to respond directly to recent critiques surrounding his books:- What Does This Mean?- Principles of Biblical Interpretation for EveryoneThis conversation tackles some of the most important theological questions facing the LCMS right now: hermeneutics, authority, objectivity, and confession.If you care about faithful biblical interpretation, Lutheran theology, and the future of our church — this episode is for you.Concerned about what is happening in the wider LCMS? Check this out: http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTVSupport 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

What happens when churches stop listening to their people—and what becomes possible when they do?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with Ryan Ermeling, founder of Parent Pulse and the newly launched Church Voice, to explore why feedback often feels threatening in church leadership—and why avoiding it can quietly erode trust, unity, and mission.👉 Learn more about Church Voice at https://www.churchvoice.io/Together, they unpack the difference between feedback and insight, how real-time listening can prevent families from slipping away unnoticed, and why humility—not fear—is the posture faithful leadership requires. The conversation also tackles healthy conflict, trust within the LCMS, and how leaders can listen without surrendering theological conviction.If you’re a pastor, church leader, or ministry decision-maker navigating complexity, disagreement, or change, this episode offers a grounded, hope-filled framework for leading with clarity, courage, and care.Care about what is happening in the wider LCMS? Check this out:http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTVSupport 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

Tim's Book - Confessing Jesus' Mission is finally out! Find it here:http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTVThis is a very special episode of LEAD Time.On launch day of Confessing Jesus’ Mission, Tim Ahlman joins the podcast for a different kind of conversation—not to defend a book, but to ask a deeper question facing the church today:Have we lost a shared sense of why the church exists?In this episode, Joe Beran interviews Tim about the growing fragmentation within the LCMS, the false binary between confession and mission, and why fear has quietly replaced courage in many of our conversations. Together, they explore how tribalism has shaped church discourse, why the Missio Dei must once again drive our priorities, and how the church can move from playing defense to faithfully going on offense for the sake of the lost.The conversation also touches on pastoral formation, leadership development, and why strategic thinking does not undermine Lutheran identity—but can actually serve it when rooted in Christ, the Means of Grace, and love for neighbor.This episode is not a manifesto. It’s an invitation:- To leaders who care deeply about the future of the church- To pastors and lay leaders willing to have honest, collegial conversations- To anyone longing for unity without compromise and mission without fearTim also shares who the book is for, who it’s not for, and how it’s meant to be read—not in isolation, but in community, as a catalyst for deeper conversation and renewed clarity around the mission God has already given His church.If you’ve felt the tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, confession and mission, or tradition and innovation, this episode is for you.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

Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??ONLY 14 Spots remain! Your Purchase is your ticket to the event!https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-formIs there really a spiritual openness emerging among Gen Z—and if so, how should the church respond?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg are joined by Mike Jessop, Director of Christian Education at Christ Greenfield, to unpack recent Barna findings on Gen Z, discipleship, and the future of the church. Together, they explore why Gen Z may be more spiritually open than previous generations, what authenticity really means to young adults, and how technology, loneliness, and cultural instability are shaping the next generation’s search for meaning.See research here:https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/If you care about LCMS health, leadership development, and long-term faith formation, this episode is essential listening.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

Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??40 Spots remain! Your Purchase is your ticket to the event!https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-formWhat does faithful mission look like in today’s fractured, post-Christian culture?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman is joined by Pastor Brandon Boos, missions pastor at Faith Lutheran Church (Oakville, MO) and one of the youngest pastors in the LCMS. Together, they explore how the church can remain deeply confessional while actively engaging the world—especially young adults who are searching for meaning, community, and truth.This is an honest, thoughtful discussion for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who cares about the future of Lutheran mission in North America.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

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!(bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Scott Kirchoff to explore one of the most defining — and often misunderstood — aspects of Lutheran identity: the centrality of the Sacraments.Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry, federal prison chaplaincy, and work on death row, Pastor Kirchoff challenges a subtle shift happening in American Christianity — where sermons become the high point and the Sacraments quietly move to the margins.This episode is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and thoughtful members within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who are asking hard questions about identity, formation, and faithfulness in a changing cultural landscape.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

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!(bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentMany churches feel tired, conflicted, or stuck—but can’t quite explain why.In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Kurt Senske, longtime LCMS leader and governance expert, to talk about something most churches never examine: how decisions actually get made.From endless meetings and pastor burnout to stalled mission and internal conflict, this conversation explores how church structure can either support the Gospel—or quietly undermine it.You’ll hear:- Why many churches feel harder to lead today than ever before- The hidden cost of outdated church decision-making models- How healthy governance frees pastors to be pastors- Why conflict avoidance is hurting congregations- What faith-filled, mission-driven leadership can look like in the LCMSThis isn’t about importing corporate models into the church. It’s about stewarding leadership wisely so the mission of Jesus can flourish.Whether you’re a pastor, elder, board member, or longtime church member, this episode will help you see your congregation with fresh eyes.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

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with theologian and PhD candidate Will Fredstrom to explore AI through the lens of Christian theology, vocation, and embodied life.This is not a fear-based conversation — it’s a thoughtful, hopeful, and deeply theological exploration of how Christians can live faithfully in a rapidly changing technological world.Whether you’re a pastor, leader, parent, or simply wondering how AI is shaping your life, this episode will challenge and ground you.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

Join the LCMS Current to receive the final edition of 2025!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWhat does faithfulness look like when the culture around the Church changes?In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with ATK Ministry founder Josh Atkinson, whose Christ-centered hip hop ministry on the north side of Milwaukee is reaching young people many churches struggle to connect with.Josh shares the story of how a Lutheran high school chapel turned into a thriving nonprofit—complete with recording studios, artist development, after-school programs, Echo Nights concerts, and real fruit: baptisms, discipleship, and transformed lives.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

What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another?In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight.This is not a debate episode.It’s a listening episode.Together, they explore:- Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn’t- How “liturgical pietism” and “it’s just contextual” can both miss the mark- Why drawing lines too tightly or too loosely can damage unity- The pastoral tension between hospitality and faithfulness, especially around the Lord’s Supper- What faithful disagreement actually looks like when everyone shares the same confession- Rather than trying to “win,” this conversation models something increasingly rare: theological conviction held with humility, charity, and love for the Church.If you’ve ever felt skeptical of church conversations that seem polarized, dismissive, or reactionary—this episode is for you.If you care about unity without compromise—this episode is for you.If you believe the Church is strengthened by honest dialogue rooted in Christ—this episode is for you!Our hope is not that you leave with every question answered, but that you leave encouraged to wrestle together, grounded in the gospel, for the sake of Christ’s Church.Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport 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

Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative:https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriterMusic from the Songwriter Initiativehttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFgIn today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s research into Luther’s theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn’t afraid of emotion, innovation, or new styles—in fact, he believed the Church should be at the forefront of creativity.In this conversation, we explore:- Why Luther rejected the idea that music is “dangerous”- How contemporary worship has matured in Lutheran settings- Why some popular worship songs create real theological problems- Why the LCMS may be entering a musical renaissance- How 188+ Lutheran songwriters are creating thousands of new songs- Why all TSI resources are free and made for local congregationsWhether you’re a traditional hymnal purist, a modern worship leader, or someone who loves both—this episode will challenge and encourage you.Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentSupport 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

Join the LCMS Current!(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee’s newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage.Together, they process the document line by line—affirming what is good, questioning what is unclear, and challenging the church to think creatively and relationally about raising up new pastors.With nearly 600 LCMS congregations currently unable to call a pastor, this conversation matters deeply. How do we balance rigor with accessibility? Tradition with innovation? Residential formation with local mentorship? And are these new policies moving the LCMS closer to health—or further away?Whether you’re a pastor, district leader, seminarian, SMP graduate, or simply care about the future of the church, this episode provides clarity, context, and courage for the conversation ahead.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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIs pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”?Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles.In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially the claim that conversations around alternative or adaptive pastoral formation models could “threaten the fabric of the Synod.”We explore what’s actually happening, what people fear losing, and how the church can navigate these conversations with clarity, charity, and courage.Topics we cover:Why pastoral formation is so controversial right nowThe real fears behind “threat to the Synod” languageHow SMP changes impact large and small congregations differentlyResidential seminary vs. contextual seminary: what are we actually debating?Why younger pastors feel misunderstood and unheardJoe’s experience speaking at the ACELCThe need for honest, public debate in the LCMSWhy the future may require more—not fewer—formation pathwaysHow we can preserve confessional integrity and raise up more workersWhether you're an LCMS pastor, delegate, seminarian, church leader, or simply someone trying to understand this conversation, you’ll find clarity, nuance, and hope here.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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentDr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President & CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conversations happening in our church today.We explore:• The difference between welcoming and belonging• How Lutheran schools can reflect the communities they serve• What it means to be missional (not covenantal)• Why demographic shifts are an opportunity, not a threat• The simplicity (not simplistic nature) of the Gospel• How Lutheran identity can remain faithful AND adaptableWhether you're a pastor, educator, parent, or leader in the LCMS, this episode will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to see the mission of Jesus in a fresh and practical way.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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWhy do some LCMS churches thrive—and others decline?Pastor Thomas Marcis, 36-year pastor of Zion in Bismarck and a Synodical Reconciler, joins Lead Time to talk about church health, conflict, rural ministry, next-gen engagement, and why pastors must get out of their bubble and into the community.From coaching high school soccer to navigating LCMS conflict processes to preparing for pastoral succession after nearly four decades, Pastor Marcis shares practical, hard-won wisdom every pastor and church leader needs right now.In this episode:• The real reasons churches get stuck• Why conflict shouldn’t surprise us—and how to handle it biblically• What suburban pastors don’t understand about rural ministry• How community engagement changes congregational culture• Generation Z: what they’re really looking for• Why long-term pastorates create both blessings and blind spots• Preparing a congregation for pastoral transition• What the LCMS gets right—and where we need reformIf you care about the future health of the LCMS, this conversation is essential.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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this episode, Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, President of the Concordia University System, joins Tim to discuss the exciting progress being made across LCMS universities — from record growth in church work enrollment to new scholarship initiatives and strategic partnerships.Dr. Hardy unpacks the $5,000 Church Work Scholarships, the refocus on Lutheran identity, and how the CUS is working with Set Apart to Serve and the seminaries to strengthen pathways for the next generation of pastors and teachers.They also discuss:- The latest on Concordia Ann Arbor- The push to unite around mission rather than division- Transparency in the “prior approval” process- What it really means to uphold “Lutheran identity”- How the LCMS can move forward together in love, truth, and courageThis candid, hope-filled conversation models how LCMS leaders can engage tough topics with both conviction and grace.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

Information and Registration:https://www.psd-lcms.org/koinonia-gatheringThis special bonus episode of Lead Time features Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President of the Pacific Southwest District (LCMS), joining Pastor Tim Ahlman to announce a historic upcoming event — the Koinonia Gathering, January 7–8, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.The Koinonia Gathering isn’t a debate. It’s a moment for honest, face-to-face conversation among pastors and lay leaders across the LCMS — a space for listening, understanding, and unity in Christ.Tim and President Gibson unpack:- The heart and history of the Koinonia Project.- Why open, charitable dialogue is essential for our Synod’s health.- What participants can expect from this Las Vegas gathering.Whether you agree or disagree on issues like pastoral formation, this is an invitation to talk, not type — to model Christlike love in disagreement and pursue the harmony our Synod longs for.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

Join the LCMS Current!(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentWhat if we could see how the LCMS is really doing — district by district?Today, Pastor Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Jonathan Buescher, who compiled a comparative data study on all 35 LCMS districts — revealing surprising insights about membership, budgets, schools, and new church starts.They explore:- Which districts are growing and which are declining- How funding and schools correlate with church vitality- The future of circuits and district collaboration- Why contextualization (not compromise) is key to mission growth- What the data means for pastors, lay leaders, and the future of the LCMSSupport 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

Join the LCMS Current!(sign up now so you receive the next Edition release on Thursday!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?What does healthy leadership look like in today’s church?Dr. Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director of PLI (Pastoral Leadership Institute), joins Tim Ahlman to unpack the powerful “Square and Tower” metaphor — a framework that exposes the tension between movement and institution, freedom and structure, and mission and maintenance in the Church.Together, they discuss:- Why both the Square and the Tower are necessary for a thriving LCMS- How Jesus modeled Kingdom leadership beyond institutional control- What the early church teaches us about multiplying leaders- How PLI is equipping thousands globally to lead with courage and adaptability- The dangers of over-centralization, control, and “over-resourcing”- Why the next era of ministry demands entrepreneurial discipleshipThis episode is a masterclass in adaptive, Spirit-led leadership — especially for pastors and church leaders navigating tension between innovation and tradition.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

Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?Pastor Tim Ahlman, Jack Kalleberg, and Pastor Jonathan Dinger return to one of Lead Time’s most popular conversations—this time reframed around access.- What does it mean to create access to the Gospel without compromising theological depth?- How do local contexts—from Arizona to Idaho—shape the way churches live out the confessions?- And what happens when fear, control, or mistrust shape our leadership more than faith and freedom?👀 Listen till the end for insight on pastoral formation, SMP and CMC programs, and the future of Lutheran identity heading into the next Synod Convention.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

Pastor Andy Greer went from fundraising for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to preaching from the pulpit at Messiah Lutheran Church. His story shines a light on one of the most controversial discussions in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod: the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program.In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Tim and Andy tackle the ongoing tension between residential seminary training and SMP pathways, the need for new leadership models in growing churches, and how to stay centered on Christ and His mission amid theological division.They also touch on the recent tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, the church’s response to political violence, and the call for unity in a polarized time.Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or simply care about the future of the LCMS, this conversation is a must-listen.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

Are emotions a weakness—or a vital part of faith?💡 Grab Bill & Kristi’s new book, Deeply Loved, here:👉 https://soulshepherding.org/deeply-loved-bookAlso available wherever books are sold.In this episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding and authors of the new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You, to explore how Lutheran culture—and the broader LCMS—may have misunderstood emotions.For decades, many in the church have lived as if “faith over feelings” is the only faithful approach. But what if Jesus Himself shows us a better way—one that embraces both truth and empathy?You’ll hear:- Why emotional health and spiritual maturity go hand in hand- How empathy transforms leadership and relationships- The difference between sympathy and biblical empathy- What happens when we repress emotions in the name of doctrine- And how to recover a faith that truly feels like graceSupport 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

In this powerful Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Mark Brandt — pastor, coach, and longtime leader in the Michigan District of the LCMS. Together they tackle deep and timely questions: What do we do when our prayers feel unanswered? How do we trust God’s love in seasons of suffering? And what are the biggest temptations pastors face today?Mark shares personal stories from family struggles, ministry in Frankenmuth, and lessons learned from decades of service in the church. From the viral “crosses in the lawn” movement to the challenges of grief, division, and culture wars, this conversation is both raw and hopeful.Whether you’re a pastor, lay leader, or someone wrestling with prayer in dark times, this episode will give you fresh perspective and encouragement to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.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

Is the LCMS truly facing a pastoral shortage — or do we have too many pastors and too few people in the pews? In this bold Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Tim Wood (Ad Crucem, CSL Regent) to confront the uncomfortable realities shaping the Missouri Synod’s future.They tackle:- Why Lutheran churches have lost half their membership in 25 years.- Whether our law/gospel preaching model has fallen into a predictable rut.- The shocking case for consolidating congregations and “right-sizing” the pastoral field.- How biblical illiteracy is crippling the next generation of Lutherans.This candid conversation isn’t about tearing down — it’s about telling the truth in love, so we can chart a faithful future. Whether you agree or disagree, these are the questions the LCMS can’t afford to ignore.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

Most LCMS circuits struggle with collaboration—but not Pastor Joshua Reber’s. In this success story, Josh shares how his circuit has built healthy rhythms, a thriving newsletter, men’s retreats, and real theological dialogue that bring pastors and congregations closer together.In this episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Josh to explore:- What makes circuit collaboration thrive.- Why pastoral wellness matters for the whole church.- The surprising power of Sabbath rest and holistic health.- How preaching and sermon evaluation can sharpen pastors.- Why faithfulness, not results, is the ultimate goal.This conversation is both honest about the challenges and hopeful about what’s possible when circuits work together in the LCMS.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

This special Lead Time episode is unlike any other. Pastor Tim Ahlman is joined by his father, Pastor Dave Ahlman, to reflect on the tragic recent events shaking our nation—the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the stabbing in Charlotte, and the weight of remembering September 11th.Together, father and son wrestle with the hard questions: Where is God in the midst of evil? How do Christians make sense of senseless violence? How do we hold on to hope when the world feels dark?Drawing deeply from scripture and their own pastoral experiences, Tim and Dave share honest grief, the promise of Christ’s victory over death, and a call to courageous faith. This is a conversation for anyone searching for hope, perspective, and peace in a time of great uncertainty.🙏 Join us as we remember, reflect, and cling to the eternal hope of Jesus Christ.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

The LCMS wrestles with real division — often labeled “confessional vs. missional.” But is the deeper tension actually between Barrier Breakers and Distinction Keepers?In this episode, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins Tim and Jack for an honest dialogue about the state of the Synod — and whether conversations like this podcast are helping or hurting. Together they explore:- What drives “barrier breakers” and “distinction keepers”- Why polarization happens inside the church- How confession and absolution can restore unity👉 We want to hear from you: Is this podcast part of the solution or the problem?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

Across the LCMS and beyond, the average congregation hovers around 50 in worship. Why is this the case—and what can be done about it?In this Lead Time conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. David Patterson (Institute of Lutheran Theology) to dig into the deeper issues behind church decline and revitalization. Together they explore:The real indicators of a congregation’s health (it’s not money or attendance).Why many churches remain “stuck” despite good intentions.How Ephesians 4 points to a path forward—knitting the body together in Christ.The role of humility, unity, and truth-telling in revitalization.This is a candid look at the challenges facing Lutheran congregations today—and the hope that still exists for renewal through the Spirit of God.👉 Share this with a leader or member who needs encouragement about the future of the church.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

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman returns from sabbatical with a candid conversation about the changing landscape of ministry in the LCMS. From re-organizing senior staff and shifting governance models, to the biblical case for pastoral sabbaticals, to the urgent realities of pastoral formation, this episode doesn’t shy away from the hard questions.Tim shares personal reflections from his sabbatical and his upcoming book release, while Jack dives into the tough realities facing small congregations, bivocational ministry, and the need for fresh approaches to leadership. Together they recap the Pacific Southwest District convention, explore resolutions around SMP pastors and Lutheran identity, and call the church to unity rooted in Scripture and Confession.👉 Topics include:Why Christ Greenfield restructured its leadership model.The benefits of sabbaticals for pastors (and congregations).Governance models that help or hinder ministry.Urgent challenges in pastoral formation and SMP pathways.What really defines Lutheran identity.How property development and mission innovation can shape the future.This is a hopeful yet challenging look at where we are and where we’re headed as the LCMS seeks to unite for the sake of the gospel.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

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod often talks about vocation—but are we living it out? In this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Dr. Travis Guse, executive coach and author of Called to Be, to challenge the assumption that “calling” is only for pastors and church workers.Travis shares his journey through burnout, identity crisis, and rediscovering Luther’s radical teaching that every baptized believer has a holy calling—whether they’re pastors, parents, accountants, or baristas. The conversation explores:✅ Why so many in the LCMS struggle with identity and purpose✅ How Luther’s view of vocation can transform ordinary life✅ Why coaching may be the key to raising up healthier leaders and congregations✅ The controversial question: Does the LCMS undervalue the callings of everyday believers?This episode will make you rethink what it means to follow Jesus in the LCMS—and why discovering your God-given calling may be the most urgent issue facing the church today.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

If you care about the future of the LCMS, you won’t want to miss this one.Your perspective matters, let's have discussion that honors Christ! New LCMS data reveals a stunning reality: nearly three-quarters of congregations worship fewer than 100 people each week. Tim and Jack unpack what this means for the future of our pastors, our mission, and our very identity as a church body. Are we facing an “emerging emergency” in staffing, sustainability, and representation? From micro-church struggles to the influence of large congregations, this candid conversation doesn’t shy away from the hard truths — and the hopeful opportunities.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

If you care about the future of the LCMS, you won’t want to miss this one.🔔 Save Lead Time to your library for real talk about leading in the LCMS today. Your perspective matters, let's have discussion that honors Christ! As the LCMS heads into another round of district and national conventions, big questions loom: Who actually holds influence in shaping our Synod’s future? Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Emily Pacyga and Josh Salzberg for a behind-the-scenes look at overtures, resolutions, and the politics of convention floor committees.From lay delegate engagement to the missing voices of commissioned ministers, from “omnibus” rejections to open hearings, this candid conversation wrestles with participation, representation, and whether the LCMS truly welcomes diverse perspectives.Whether you’re a seasoned delegate, a curious layperson, or someone who’s never heard the word “overture” before, this episode pulls back the curtain on how decisions are made—and how YOU can have a seat at the table.📌 Topics include:Why many LCMS members don’t understand (or use) their full voting powerHow overtures get killed in “omnibus” before ever being discussedThe politics of floor committees and representationIdeas for giving commissioned ministers a real voiceBuilding coalitions for meaningful change in the LCMSSupport 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

Subscribe to Lead Time for real talk about leading in the LCMS today.Why are so many LCMS churches stuck in cycles of insecurity, burnout, and unhealthy culture? In this episode, Dr. Kirk Triplett joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg to expose the deeper issues plaguing leadership culture in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. From toxic feedback loops to forgotten celebration, from unclear mission to constant comparison—this conversation digs deep into what’s quietly killing joy and mission in our churches.We explore:- How the LCMS avoids clarity by hiding behind “love God, love people”- The difference between behavioral values and organizational values- Why too many pastors are driven by insecurity and the 2% who complain- What the church can learn from Starbucks, big toes, and baby baptismsIt’s time to rest, rejoice, and relax—without losing momentum.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

Whether you're a traditionalist, a missional reformer, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge your assumptions and stir your heart for unity, clarity, and bold gospel witness.Rod Zwonitzer—a second-career pastor with a background in corporate marketing—joins Lead Time to drop some hard truth: the LCMS is great at feeding the sheep but terrible at fishing for the lost. In this rich, candid conversation, Rod explores the tension between doctrinal purity and outreach, confessional liturgy and contemporary music, and why the term “church growth” sends some Lutherans into panic mode.From defending contemporary worship (with his Stratocaster in hand) to later questioning whether pop culture fits in the sanctuary, Rod shares his journey through marketing, ministry, and the Book of Proverbs—all while urging the church to stop fighting and start fishing.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

Are 10,000+ commissioned ministers in the LCMS being overlooked at the highest levels of church leadership? In this eye-opening episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Bob McKinney, Dr. Jonathan Laabs, and Audrey Duensing-Werner to confront the decades-long tension around voting rights and representation for commissioned ministers in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.Why, after 16 attempts across multiple conventions, is the Synod still resisting change? What's really holding us back: polity, fear, or a misunderstanding of power and ministry?This conversation isn’t about titles. It’s about team, honor, and advancing the gospel in a post-Christian age. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, DCE, teacher, or simply love your local church — this is a conversation the entire Synod needs to hear.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

Is the small church model dead? In this explosive episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Rob Myallis (ELCA) for a brutally honest conversation about the economic realities choking the life out of mid-sized churches. With rising costs, unsustainable pastoral expectations, and shifting cultural engagement, Rob unpacks why churches averaging 80–120 in attendance may not survive without radical change.We tackle everything:$30,000 health insurance costsWhy 150 people is the relational ceilingThe burnout crisis among solo pastorsWhy people treat church like a rec center, not a sanctuaryAnd the hard truth: your old church model probably isn’t workingIf you’ve ever asked, “Why are so many churches declining?” or “What future does my congregation really have?”—this one’s for you.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

Bob Sundquist takes us on a captivating journey through the turbulent founding story of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod—a tale far more complex and human than most church histories acknowledge. Moving beyond simplified narratives of heroes and villains, Sundquist reveals how the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS, Martin Stephan, led 700 Saxon immigrants to America in 1838 only to face accusations and eventual exile across the Mississippi River.This conversation reveals how historical understanding helps us navigate present church tensions between pastoral and congregational authority.• History is fundamentally about storytelling and understanding people, not just memorizing dates• Martin Stephan was the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS whose leadership eventually created a crisis• The accusations against Stephan of sexual impropriety likely had no concrete evidence but were used to remove him• C.F.W. Walther developed Lutheran understanding of church authority through the trauma of Stephan's removal• Pastors should focus primarily on Word and Sacrament ministry rather than business management• The LCMS has historically had a hyper-fixation on the Office of Ministry as a result of early traumas• Walther's "Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod" (1879) offers wisdom for contemporary church conflicts• The Missouri Synod repeats the same resolutions without taking action, indicating unresolved tensionsSupport 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