How do you bridge the gap between academic theology and the real-world needs of a diverse, modern congregation? That's the question we're answering with guests Chris Croghan and Sarah Stenson from Luther House of Study, and Dr. Ryan Bredow of Grand Canyon University. Together, we dissect the discrepancies between the academic environment and the real needs of students venturing into the field of ministry. You'll hear about how Luther House of Study is innovating pastoral training by initiating c...
Sep 01, 2023•15 min
Jim Marriott, a committed musician, theologian, and pastor passionately reminisces about his lifelong journey with music and ministry. He shares about his childhood surrounded by church musicians, his love for the organ, and how his role as a director of music arts at Concordia Seminary was influenced by his work as a parish musician. Intrigued by the 'worship wars'? We delve into Jim's exploration of this complex issue during his PhD program in liturgical theology. He enlightens us about the ro...
Aug 29, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 71
Ever wonder what it takes to prepare for a large-scale church convention? Well, you're in for a treat as we sit down with lay delegate Jerry Rau. Jerry gives us an inside look at the intensity and extensive preparation that went into the LCMS convention. From the surprising amount of paperwork to the intricate workings of a church voting meeting involving 2000 individuals, we get a privileged peek into the world of church conventions. We also delve into the deeper spiritual aspects as Jerry shar...
Aug 25, 2023•38 min
Get ready to be enlightened as we welcome Brady Finnern, the insightful district president of the Minnesota North District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Brady pulls back the curtain on the intense world of the Synod Convention, emphasizing the significance of diverse perspectives and representative voices. He shares his enlightening reflections on traditional worship and the captivating dialogues that made a profound impact on him. Brady delves into the heart of gospel proclamation, hig...
Aug 22, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 70
Today we're joined by Reverend Dick Koehneke , an experienced voice and guiding force in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Reverend Koehneke sheds light on his conviction that God calls us to be faithful to whatever is put before us, a belief he nurtured through his admirable journey serving in various congregations, his tenure at the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support, and his involvement with the LCMS Ministerial Care Coalition. Dedicated to the cause of church worker wellness, Rev...
Aug 15, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 70
On today’s episode, we have an open and engaging conversation with Reverend Bill Hartley, who takes us through his unique faith journey - from the Jesus movement in the 70s, through various evangelical churches, and finally to the Lutheran Church. His recounting of both the triumphs and trials he’s experienced reveals his deep love for God and the theological depth of Lutheranism itself. As we journey with Reverend Hartley, we delve into the nuances of Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran worsh...
Aug 08, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 69
Get a backstage pass to the diverse and Christ-centered community of Concordia Texas as we sit down with Reverend Jacob Boessling, the Campus Pastor. Discover the unique dynamics among the student body, the challenges faced by first-generation college-goers, and how Concordia maintains a welcoming, inclusive environment with Jesus at its center. Reverend Jake also shares an intriguing perspective on how non-Christians can be drawn near into Jesus' love in unique ways. Our exchange navigates thro...
Aug 01, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 68
In today's bonus episode, we grapple with the stimulating debates surrounding 'The Zeal of His House' and the 'Worship Wars,' or pondering the complexity of roles between the pastor and the layperson in the LCMS culture. That's just a taste of our fascinating exploration in this episode. We pull apart the often-confused terms 'traditional' and 'liturgical,' and navigate the challenging terrain between reformed theology and Lutheranism. A recent survey of LCMS members gives us further food for th...
Jul 28, 2023•29 min
What does it take to lead with kindness, courage, and wisdom amidst the trials and tribulations of our time? Reverend Dr. Tim Klinkenberg paints an inspiring picture in our enlightening conversation about his journey. From humbly playing football to receiving pastoral affirmation and now spearheading critical conversations ahead of the LCMS convention, Tim's dedication to Jesus and his love for us all is an inspiring tale we can't wait for you to hear. Tim exposes the often untold aspects of lea...
Jul 25, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 4Ep. 67
What if unity and powerful testimonies of Christ's love were the keys to addressing the challenges that plague the church? Join us as we converse with Amy Schweim , an experienced DCE leader in the local church and advisory delegate to the 2023 Synodical Convention in Milwaukee. With her vast experience spanning 29 years, Amy sheds light on the current difficulties faced by the church, including the shortage of professional church workers and the need to project a united witness of Jesus's love....
Jul 22, 2023•20 min
Jeffrey Kloha joined Museum of the Bible in summer 2017. He manages the Museum of the Bible Education, Scholars Initiative, Exhibits, Curatorial, and Collections departments and is responsible for executing those departments’ strategic plans, along with managing other professionals. Jeff previously served 18 years as professor of New Testament at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and also served Concordia as provost/chief academic officer. During that time, he oversaw two accreditation processes,...
Jul 18, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 4Ep. 66
Ever wondered how the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod maintains unity while navigating the challenges of a changing cultural landscape? Strap in as we explore this and more with Pastor John Karolus, a pastoral delegate for the upcoming convention, where he'll share his thoughts on speaking to cultural issues with humility and truth, building bridges with other religious and political movements, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Join us as we delve into the challenges young pas...
Jul 14, 2023•25 min
Pastor Preus has served as pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church since 2016. He is the son of Pastor Rolf and Dorothy Preus and comes from a large family with ten brothers and one sister. Seven of his brothers are also Lutheran pastors, which has to be some kind of a record. In any case, pastor is thankful for his Christian upbringing. Pastor Preus received a BA in Classics from the University of North Dakota and an MA and PhD in Classics from the University of Iowa. He studied to become a pastor...
Jul 11, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 4Ep. 65
Join Tim and Jack as they interview Noah Hahn, who graciously allowed us to have a fruitful discussion providing clarity on some comments he has made on previous Lead Time Episodes! Faith Over Breakfast Pastors from two creative communities, Andy Littleton and Eric Cepin, discuss the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org...
Jul 04, 2023•49 min•Season 4Ep. 64
About Larry: With 28 years of experience as a senior executive (vice president) for a Fortune 100 company, Larry comes with a strong background in management, information acquisitions, customer service, team building and communication. He was responsible for launching new stores, creating strategies and revitalizing underperforming locations. He maximized results through extensive people development, utilizing the “Coach the Coach” process to consistently bring out the best in his leaders and th...
Jun 27, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 63
Visit uniteleadership.org and support our mission to lead listeners and leaders with biblical wisdom and practical solutions to today's burning issues. Become a supporter today! https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org...
Jun 23, 2023•12 min•Season 4Ep. 63
About Peggy - Peggy grew up in a small town in northern Indiana with 5 siblings, learning the importance of hard work, dedication, persistence, and thankfulness. Peggy is passionate about helping families advance God’s mission by transforming the family culture using effective relational equipping and communication-enhancing tools. She has coached many individuals, families, and organizations (including not-for-profits and small businesses) for improved leadership, relationships, well-being, and...
Jun 20, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 62
Part 2 of a thorough conversation with Don Christian allowing response on behalf of CTX to many accusations or confusions heading into the Synod Convention. Don and CTX have issued a response to the report, but it is often best to hear what is said, not just what is written. Faith Over Breakfast Pastors from two creative communities, Andy Littleton and Eric Cepin, discuss the... Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episode...
Jun 13, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 61
About Christian: Professional Positions: Attorney. Over 35 years experience handling complex insurance coverage issues on a nationwide basis. Advised management and boards of directors on issues of company-wide significance. Assisted with significant and broad-impact claims-handling. Provided guidance on insurance policy drafting. Litigated insurance coverage cases in state and federal trial and appellate courts throughout the United States. Handled directors and officers liability insurance cla...
Jun 06, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 60
About Bart: Bart is currently serving as President and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund. He has served as a parish pastor, headmaster of an elementary school, executive to oversee domestic mission work, and now head of the church’s financial institution. Bart received his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Nebraska, a master’s degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and an MBA from Washington University, St. Louis. He enjoys hiking, attending sports events, and concerts, and spe...
May 30, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 59
Download this episode at https://leadtime.buzzsprout.com/ Learn more about Pat Ferry! Pat Ferry’s long and successful track record of executive leadership running a complex organization, forging numerous international partnerships, overseeing dozens of operational units and work functions, maintaining (and growing) a large budget, and dramatically increasing a university’s endowment speaks for itself. But such accomplishments are not his most important legacy nor were they his primary motivation...
May 23, 2023•40 min•Season 4Ep. 58
About Paul: I help ministry boards learn to govern effectively by deploying my God-given strengths and gifts; my experience in and knowledge of business, risk management, and governance; my deep understanding of LCMS culture; and my love for theology as it relates to the joy and power of living as a baptized called and commissioned vocational missionary for Jesus. My passion is helping ministries advance God’s mission and transform the culture by using a system of effective governance to account...
May 16, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 57
See also - Interview with Concordia Texas' Campus Pastor Jake Boessling https://youtu.be/gZ17rHZABvo About Don - Dr. Donald Christian is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Concordia University Texas. He became Concordia's ninth executive leader on August 1, 2014, following selection by the Board of Regents. Today, he serves as the academic, spiritual and business head of Concordia, a role for which he is well prepared following a life of service to the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod ...
May 10, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 56
About Richard Snow - Rev. Richard Snow, District President — Serves as an advisor to the church workers of the District, as a visitor to congregations and church workers in times of celebration or difficulty, and as a leader in ministry to the members of the Nebraska District. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org...
May 02, 2023•58 min•Season 4Ep. 55
About Andy: Rev. Dr. Andy Bartelt - bio - ordained in 1976…studied at Cambridge and Obererusal…three years in parish ministry at St. Louis…and as a grad student teaching Hebrew. Full time faculty in 1978 at Concordia Seminary. Retired in 2020. 42 years. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org...
Apr 25, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 54
About Mark: Perhaps it is because Mark Zehnder himself comes from a long line of pastors (his grandfather, father, and two uncles), that he is perfectly suited to serve pastors and churches as Founder and President of Always Forward Ministries. During his pastoral ministry, Dr. Zehnder has served at churches of all sizes…a small church right out of Seminary, a mission plant that was one of the fastest growing churches in his denomination, and for over 28 years at King of Kings, a large church in...
Apr 18, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 53
Go to the American Reformation podcast from a couple months ago to hear more of Candice’s story and her heart for leadership. https://youtu.be/CyiVBYBLY88 Today’s episode is focused on not just the why of leadership development…but the how/systems of leadership development. This may get a little “church nerdy”...but you’re going to love it! About Candice: Candice Hilse - born and raised in Charleston, SC, called into ministry at 15, so naturally Candice went to business school (haha). After serv...
Apr 11, 2023•44 min•Season 4Ep. 52
About Tim: Pastor Tim has a deep passion to connect people to Jesus. No stranger to the struggles of life, Pastor Tim looks for every opportunity to share Jesus’ resurrection power. Tim is blessed to be married to Ruth since 2007 and their four kids keep mom and dad active. Pastor Tim’s favorite activities include spending time with family, working out and reading. Visit uniteleadership.org Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.unitele...
Apr 04, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 51
About Vanessa : A passionate scholar, Dr. Vanessa Seifert applies proven principals in a customized manner to overcome barriers and empower lasting change. At her core, Vanessa believes life is a journey that includes countless opportunities for growth. She helps leaders influence those around them to learn, grow and contribute to their communities. With nearly twenty years of experience, Vanessa guides leaders to uncover answers to their critical questions, unlocking individual and group potent...
Mar 28, 2023•37 min•Season 4Ep. 50
Pastor Joe was called to be pastor of BethlehemSCV in April of 2017. He is married to his beautiful wife Sarah, and they have two adorable children, Augustine and Kyrie. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org...
Mar 21, 2023•41 min•Season 4Ep. 49