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 unde...
Jul 01, 2025•52 min•Ep. 77
What happens when the traditional path to ministry isn't an option? For Pastor Eli Thomas, the journey to becoming an LCMS pastor meant navigating uncharted waters through the colloquy process while balancing family responsibilities, work, and education over eleven challenging years. What began as a winding path through different denominations ultimately led him back to Lutheran theology through his rediscovery of the real presence of Christ in the sacraments. • Taking 11 years to complete under...
Jun 24, 2025•57 min•Ep. 75
Joe Willmann shares his journey from wrestling coach to Lutheran Church Extension Fund leader, revealing how his perspective on leadership transformed from rigid systems to recognizing individual gifts and abilities. He explains that excellence should replace perfection as our aim in life and ministry, highlighting the difference between these mindsets. • Moving beyond perfectionism to excellence creates space for growth while maintaining high standards • The concept of "tending and keeping" pro...
Jun 20, 2025•55 min•Ep. 76
Tim Ahlman welcomes Rev. Dr. Michael Eckelkamp, who shares transformative leadership insights from his experience as Senior Executive Director at Christ Lincoln Church and Schools and mentor to countless leaders. • Two early mentors shaped Michael's approach to leadership: his third-grade teacher who helped him learn to read, and a man named Herbie who invited him to weekly dinners • Understanding leadership and self-deception requires recognizing when we're "in the box" toward others, justifyin...
Jun 13, 2025•55 min•Ep. 75
Tim sits down with Brian Stecker, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, Minnesota, and creator of the "On the Line" podcast, to explore theological leadership in today's changing religious landscape. They discuss how traditional Lutheran theology can engage with contemporary culture while maintaining its rich intellectual tradition. • CS Lewis's powerful influence as a bridge between classical education and modern thinking • The importance of story in cultivating Christian imag...
Jun 06, 2025•57 min•Ep. 74
What happens when we apply biblical language to modern business concepts? Attorney Colin Hoffman joins Tim and Jack to challenge how Christian leaders use marketplace terminology and offers a refreshing biblical perspective on leadership development. • Integrating faith in the marketplace through daily devotionals and Christ-centered business practices • Using biblical language instead of business terminology – how "name" in Scripture relates to modern concept of "brand" • Name changes in the Bi...
May 30, 2025•54 min•Ep. 72
What if everything we thought about leadership was backward? In this thought-provoking exploration of "The Genius of Jesus," we unpack how Christ established the most effective leadership development movement in history—not through controlling hierarchies but through radical trust and empowerment. • Jesus exemplifies genius by seeing connections others couldn't see and establishing an upside-down kingdom • The Pharisaical tendency in leadership seeks identity in power over others rather than emp...
May 20, 2025•41 min•Season 6Ep. 71
What does it mean to be "free" in a Lutheran context? Join us as we explore that question with President Micah Hjermstad of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. President Micah Hjermstad shares the history, structure, and vision of this distinctively autonomous Lutheran body. The conversation explores how congregational freedom and collaborative ministry can flourish together when centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ. • History of the AFLC traces back to Norway in the 1800s as a rea...
May 13, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Dr. Jon Braunersreuther joins Tim Ahlman to challenge one of the most persistent false dichotomies in Lutheran circles: the notion that being "confessional" and "missional" represent opposing priorities. Drawing from his role as Director of District-Wide Strategy for the Texas District LCMS, Jon presents a compelling alternative—a reciprocal and reinforcing relationship where strong theological convictions naturally fuel passionate mission work, and authentic mission efforts necessarily depend o...
May 06, 2025•56 min•Season 6Ep. 69
Tim Ahlman shares important commitments being made to increase unity in the LCMS regarding pastoral formation discussions, explaining his decision to step back from public commentary on this topic while pursuing appropriate denominational channels for dialogue. • Tim commits to no longer discussing LCMS pastoral formation on his podcasts or promoting non-Synod-approved leadership training programs • Christ Greenfield Lutheran has historically served as a mentoring congregation for pastoral stude...
Apr 29, 2025•21 min•Season 6Ep. 68
Attorney Kurth Brashear doesn't shy away from addressing the challenging governance issues facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod today. Drawing from his extensive experience in both church leadership and legal practice, he offers a candid assessment of how the church's governance structures sometimes hinder rather than help our shared mission. • Developing a heart for church mission comes from understanding that God wants all people to be saved • The "clearinghouse concept" facilitates shari...
Apr 25, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 67
What does it mean to be human in an age where technology increasingly blurs the lines between body and machine? Dr. John Pless, professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, tackles this question through the lens of Lutheran ethics. • Lutheran ethics begins with our relationship to God, not merely descriptive or prescriptive approaches • Transhumanism views the body as "an assemblage of replaceable parts," reflecting humanity's struggle with autonomy • The Christian understanding of body and soul...
Apr 22, 2025•57 min
Tim and Jack welcome Tyree Toney (aka Lex Lutheran) to discuss his transition from a Baptist background to confessional Lutheranism, the Wittenberg Project, and opportunities for growth and enhanced mission within the LCMS. • Lex shares his journey from a Baptist upbringing through Catholicism and Methodism before finding his home in confessional Lutheranism • The Wittenberg Project began as an online effort to provide Black Lutheran representation and theological perspective • Discussion of col...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 65
Dr. Kent Burreson shares his 25-year journey teaching Lutheran worship, exploring how liturgy should serve the gospel rather than becoming an end in itself. He offers wisdom on balancing historical practices with contextual relevance while keeping Christ at the center of worship. • Journey from liturgical purist to liturgical pragmatist • How political tribalization has influenced church worship practices • Rising interest in traditional liturgy among younger generations • Origins and evolution ...
Apr 15, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 65
Tim and Jack welcome back Nick Graff, a former Marine Corps sergeant and special forces member, to discuss the aftermath of Seminex and its implications for the modern Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. • The aftermath of Seminex resulted in a more confessionally unified LCMS while also creating a spirit of disunity • Contemporary debates about worship styles often conflate adiaphora (non-essential matters) with doctrine • "Liturgical pietism" can potentially make the liturgy, rather than Christ, t...
Apr 11, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 64
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod faces significant challenges based on the latest Pew Research Center findings, with declining prayer frequency, weekly worship attendance, and scripture reading. Tim and Jack offer candid insights into the demographic shifts and spiritual trends affecting LCMS congregations nationwide. • LCMS demographics show an aging trend with only 19% of households having children, down from 28% a decade ago • Lutherans maintain strong marriage rates with 69% of members mar...
Apr 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 6Ep. 63
The rapid decline in active LCMS pastors—down 10% in just two years—underscores the need for new approaches to theological education that remain confessionally Lutheran while meeting modern ministry contexts. Enter the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership: Biblical. Reformational. Missional. Affordable. Global. Visit https://cst.ilt.edu/cmpl/ or find the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership on Facebook for more information. • Dr. Jeff Kloha's journey through seminary education to...
Apr 04, 2025•48 min•Season 6Ep. 62
Listening may be the most powerful yet underutilized tool in our spiritual arsenal, particularly in a culture that prizes quick responses and winning arguments over deep understanding. Grab Pastor Brian Davies' new book! • Pastor Brian Davies introduces his book "Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening" • Jesus modeled asking questions rather than simply giving answers, demonstrating that transformation happens through invitation, not instruction • The "OC...
Apr 01, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 61
Pastor Robert Balduc shares his journey from corporate life at Ford to planting St. Peter Lutheran Church and becoming an intentionally co-vocational pastor maintaining his role at Volkswagen alongside ministry leadership. • Coming from a corporate background before entering seminary and founding St. Peter in 2006 • Transitioning to a co-vocational model not from financial necessity but strategic choice • Reducing staff expenses to just 22% of church budget, freeing resources for church planting...
Mar 28, 2025•59 min•Season 6Ep. 60
Tim and Jack explore why developing church leaders locally is both biblical and essential for church health and growth. • The urgent need for leadership in the post-Christian, secular American context • Sustainable leadership training that is robust, affordable, and accessible • Cultural relevance – locally developed leaders understand their communities intuitively • Biblical foundations from Exodus 18 (Jethro and Moses), Acts 6 (appointment of deacons), and Paul's instructions to Timothy and Ti...
Mar 21, 2025•40 min•Season 6Ep. 58
Jim Sanft, President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, breaks down the differences between single-employer church plans and multiple-employer denominational benefit programs like CPS. He offers crucial insights on how CPS's governance structure provides strong protection for LCMS workers' retirement security. • Addressing a recent Wall Street Journal article about problems in church retirement plans • Why CPS's planned retirement contribution increases demonstrate proactive governance, not und...
Mar 18, 2025•42 min•Season 6Ep. 57
Pastor Andrew Jones shares insights on unity within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, exploring how harmony functions differently from uniformity and creates a more beautiful expression of Christ's body. • Concordia (harmony) creates beauty through diversity of notes working together rather than identical sounds • Musical metaphors illuminate church dynamics—dissonance and resolution both necessary for beautiful music • Vulnerability in leadership creates safety and authenticity rather than ma...
Mar 14, 2025•58 min
We explore the theological and practical foundations for creating an invitation culture in your church and why it's essential for long-term growth and sustainability. • Churches often resist growth because people fear change and want to maintain personal relationships with everyone • The church uniquely transforms people from consumers to contributors, unlike any other organization • Three ways to bring people to church: announcements, invitations, and hospitality systems • "Easy evangelism" mea...
Mar 11, 2025•33 min
Discover actionable church marketing strategies to boost attendance and connect with your community. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic outreach in today's changing landscape. • Discusses the significance of church marketing for growth • Shares three key outreach strategies: announcements, invitations, and hospitality • Details the role of your church website as a welcome hub • Explores the importance of analytics in measuring engagement • Advises on setting marketing goals and ...
Mar 07, 2025•37 min•Season 6Ep. 54
The episode delves into the significance of branding in church ministry, emphasizing how identity and storytelling play crucial roles in reaching new audiences. Church leaders are encouraged to rethink their approach to branding, ensuring alignment between mission statements and the experiences they provide. • Emphasis on the holistic nature of branding for churches • Importance of storytelling in conveying church identity • Disconnection between mission statements and lived experiences • Tips f...
Feb 28, 2025•35 min•Season 6Ep. 52
Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer shares his profound insights on faith, ministry, and the church's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine relationships within local congregations and encourages leaders to embrace adaptability while reflecting on their vocation and the importance of community outreach. • Highlighting the importance of relationships in ministry • Discussing changes in parish ministry over the decades • The impact of digital media and the n...
Feb 25, 2025•55 min•Season 6Ep. 51
The episode focuses on the interconnected themes of identity and story, emphasizing that understanding one's identity as a gift can alleviate the burdens of self-creation. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies leads the discussion on navigating authenticity in a complex society, the role of suffering, and the impact of essentialism in relationships. • Exploring the relationship between identity and personal narratives • Understanding societal pressures of authenticity in modern life • The role of suffering in sh...
Feb 18, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 49
See Graphic: Believers are called to resist the discouraging narratives of darkness and hopelessness by embodying empathy, vulnerability, and resilience. Through creative community engagement, Dr. Chad Lakies inspires a refreshed understanding of church as a beacon of light, extending beyond its walls into the world. • Importance of resilience in the face of challenging culture shifts • Engaging with communities through hospitality and authenticity • Understanding and embracing a broader view of...
Feb 14, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 48
This episode dives deep into the importance of multiplication over mere growth in church leadership. We explore humility as a foundational quality for leaders, the biblical basis for raising up other leaders, and practical steps for cultivating a culture of discipleship. • Emphasizing humility as a key trait for effective leaders • Understanding multiplication versus addition in church growth • Learning from Jesus and Paul’s models of leadership development • Encouraging a shift from a pastor-ce...
Feb 11, 2025•26 min•Season 6Ep. 47
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler shares his hopeful perspective on the LCMS, emphasizing the importance of cultural hospitality and unity through shared goals. The conversation explores the mission of Lutheran Hour Ministries, the importance of dialogue in faith, and the future vision for a welcoming church community. • Discussing hope and innovation within the LCMS • The significance of cultural hospitality in worship experiences • Utilizing the Robber's Cave Experiment to illustrate unity • Balancing ...
Feb 04, 2025•52 min•Season 6Ep. 45
