Ever wondered how open dialogue and a firm understanding of our theology can empower the LCMS community to navigate cultural shifts? Join me as I sit down with Jack and Tania to explore the significance of fostering gospel-centered conversations in a post-Christian society. We confront our community's defensive reflexes and advocate for a love and truth-based approach to dialogue that doesn't shy away from diverse perspectives. Our commitment to deepening the theological practice of metanoia rep...
Feb 09, 2024•46 min
Ever wondered how Lutheranism stands its ground in the modern world? Join us as we explore the vitality of Lutheran theology amidst today's cultural shifts. We navigate the complexities of church planting and rejuvenation, particularly in the East Coast's Lutheran-lite regions. Our conversation digs into the grace-centered message of Lutheranism, its adaptability, and the balance between the certainty of Scripture and the acceptance of its mysteries. This episode isn't afraid to confront the une...
Feb 06, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Discover the hidden layers of Greek New Testament manuscripts as Reverend Dr. Alec Fisher joins us on Lead Time for an enlightening journey into the transformative role of digital technology in biblical literature. Alec, a veteran of New Testament scholarship, shares the groundbreaking developments from the Society for Biblical Literature conference that are reshaping textual criticism and bringing us closer to the most accurate editions of biblical texts ever available. His experience transcrib...
Feb 02, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Join the conversation with Mark Stern, attorney and regent at Concordia Seminary, as he takes us through his remarkable transformation from a Baptist upbringing to finding solace and certainty in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. This episode isn't merely a recollection of a spiritual journey; it's an exploration of deep-rooted Lutheran traditions and how they shape the lives of believers. Mark brings to light the law and gospel distinction that so fundamentally altered his faith perspective, ...
Jan 30, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 13
Embark on a journey of cultural discovery and faith with Nick Graff, a retired Marine and esteemed Arabic linguist, on the latest Lead Time episode. As a valued mind in the Unite Leadership Collective, Nick unravels the threads that intertwine Arab identity and Islamic belief, challenging us to forge nuanced perspectives. His tale is one of a Midwesterner turned worldly sage, whose military service and theological quests have culminated in a profound understanding of both the universal quest for...
Jan 26, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 12
As the world spins in a tumultuous dance of uncertainty, many are finding their supposed bedrock crumbling beneath them. We invited Reverend Dr. Matt Borrasso to join us on Lead Time to traverse these rocky terrains, bringing into focus the unwavering hope in Christ that outshines temporal allegiances and ideological idols. Dr. Borrasso 's transformative experiences, underpinned by his pursuit of understanding before judgment, illuminates a path of stability through the church's mission and the ...
Jan 23, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 11
When life handed him an unexpected turn, Dr. Bernard Bull grasped it with unwavering faith and an educator's heart. This episode of Leigh Time is a pilgrimage through the life of a man whose deep-seated spiritual convictions and passion for Lutheran education catapulted him from a classroom to a presidency. We trace Dr. Bull's footsteps from the early influence of a Lutheran school semester that deepened his connection with God, to the life-altering loss of his father, a crucible that fortified ...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 5Ep. 10
Ever wondered about the winding roads that can lead someone to their life's calling? Reverend Bill Maggard is joining us to recount the trials and tribulations that forged his path to pastorhood within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. His transformation from a young navy enlistee to a spiritual shepherd reveals the multifaceted nature of faith and the relentless pursuit of a church that echoes one's deepest convictions. As Bill opens up about his nomadic upbringing and the personal hurdles th...
Jan 16, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 9
Imagine discovering a movement that not only transforms your faith but also reshapes the very community you live in. That's the story of La Mesa, and we're honored to have the La Mesa team join us to share the profound journey from a fledgling ministry to a beacon of hope within the church and beyond. As we navigate through the origins of La Mesa, we shed light on the early challenges, invigorating successes, and the catalytic role it played in propelling us to embrace the Great Commission like ...
Jan 12, 2024•55 min
When Brady Beran 's life was upended by a split-second on the football field, it led to a journey of faith and transformation that is nothing short of miraculous. Our latest episode features Brady’s inspiring story as he opens up about the chilling night of his second impact concussion, and how that significant event reshaped his life. Witness how a community's embrace and the power of prayer can forge an indomitable spirit, and how a brush with mortality can deepen one's gratitude for life's li...
Jan 09, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Have you ever considered how the strengths of pastoral care and leadership intertwine? Reverend Dr. Jamison Hardy joins us to dissect this often-overlooked symbiosis, challenging outdated stereotypes while advocating for a more proactive and involved pastoral presence. Dr. Hardy, with his penetrating insights and a riveting new book, brings to light the profound necessity of leadership within the church's fabric—a truth that resonates through our conversation and the very core of effective minis...
Jan 02, 2024•59 min•Season 5Ep. 7
As we celebrate 18 years of grace-centered education at our seminary, join me for a profound conversation with Reverend Dr. Rick Marrs about the daily significance of grace in Lutheran counseling and soul care. Our chat uncovers the rich depths of Lutheran belief and how its timeless wisdom is not only relevant but necessary for today's Christian counseling and pastoral care. We grapple with the challenges that the LCMS community faces in connecting our profound theology with the broader evangel...
Dec 26, 2023•54 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Discover the hidden dynamics of family life and its profound impact on the church as we engage in a fascinating conversation with Lyman Stone, an LCMS member and demographer with a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Unravel the complex tapestry of societal trends, as Lyman weaves his personal narrative of faith and professional acumen into our discussion, bringing a fresh perspective to the ever-changing perceptions of marriage within the LCMS and society at large. His insights into the essenti...
Dec 19, 2023•47 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Welcome to an enlightening chat with Reverend Dr. Adam Koontz , from Trinity Lutheran Church, Denver, Colorado! We glean from his deep well of wisdom, exploring his passion for church planting in the United States, and his tireless work to equip the priesthood of all believers through leadership development. Strap in to uncover the challenges facing the church, and the unique opportunities for evangelism that have arisen in the wake of these circumstances. As we navigate the conversation, we tap...
Dec 12, 2023•57 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Imagine the intricacies of stewardship in the church, laid bare in a riveting conversation with Joel Landskroener, Executive Director at Mayer Lutheran High School. From his unique upbringing as the son of a pastor to his pivotal role in fundraising and development work in schools, Joel provides a fresh perspective on the significance of stewardship and resource management within the church. This enlightening discourse takes us into the depth of church economics, detailing the cost of running a ...
Dec 05, 2023•57 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Join us for a fascinating conversation with Jonathan Schultz, the president of Concordia Publishing House. Jonathan's journey, from a home rooted deep in faith to serving as a volunteer missionary in Guatemala, is a testament to his devotion to the church. His experiences have moulded him into a leader whose influence extends across various entities of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. Ever wondered about the ins and outs of leading a publishing house for a religious institution? Jonathan shed...
Nov 28, 2023•51 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Faith and music intersect in the most fascinating ways! Let us take you on a captivating journey with our guest, Grammy-nominated and Stellar award-winning hip-hop artist, Flame. He shares with us how rap has not only shaped his career but also helped him memorize scripture and excel academically. We explore the fascinating science behind this and how music can be used as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Along the way, Flame opens up about his transition from a charismatic and Calvinist upb...
Nov 21, 2023•59 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Get ready for a compelling discussion with Pastor Joe Beran as we journey into the heart of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). We're cracking open the pages of Pastor Joe's new book, The Ends of the LCMS, as we delve into the modern challenges and transformational power of faith. This podcast is an exploration into the changing role of pastors and the profound impact of societal attitudes towards belief in God and organized religion on the LCMS. Get Joe's new book here!! https://www.amaz...
Nov 14, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 83
What do the ancient scriptures reveal about Israel's role in the modern world? Grasp the complexity of this enigma as we sit down with Pastor Jeff Sutherland from Christ Greenfield and seasoned professor Reverend Dr. Mike Middendorf from Concordia University. We navigate through the maze of history, tracing Israel's captivity across different eras, and unraveling how the Abrahamic covenant ties back to the Torah. We extend our discourse to the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, as out...
Nov 10, 2023•46 min
Can the decline of churches and pastors in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) be part of God's grand design? Join us in an engaging conversation with our longtime friend and listener, Andy Warner, who brings this intriguing concept to light. As a former Director of Christian Education who transitioned into a software engineer, Andy's personal journey within the LCMS provides a unique perspective on the changes within the ministry and the challenges it faces today. We then delve into the r...
Nov 07, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 82
Imagine a church culture rooted in trust and love, where fear and division are things of the past. It sounds beautiful, doesn't it? That's the vision Reverend Tom Eggebrecht, a senior vice president of Ministry Solutions at the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, shared with us in our latest conversation. Reverend Tom's insights on leadership and culture within the Lutheran Church are a breath of fresh air, shedding light on the importance of listening, understanding, and considering others' perspec...
Oct 31, 2023•46 min•Season 4Ep. 81
Embark with us on this enlightening journey as we explore the 20-year trends of the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod. We'll be pulling insights, dissecting the characteristics of adaptive leaders, and understanding the fine balance between managing stress, taking calculated risks, and maintaining a sense of security. Leadership is more about caretaking than you think, and we're here to tell you why. Picture the future of churches and pastoral formation as we discuss the steady count of congrega...
Oct 27, 2023•27 min
Who better to unpack the role of meaningful dialogue in understanding the complexities of faith than Pastor Jason Braaten ? As we sit down with Jason, he shares his passionate journey into ministry and his firm belief that engaging in deep, thoughtful conversations can not only bring clarity to our faith but also help to apply the Word of Truth effectively. We don't debate or argue in this conversation, but we make a conscious effort to understand each other's perspectives and connect on a deepe...
Oct 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 80
Imagine taking a deep dive into the theological roots of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, guided by the incredibly knowledgeable Reverend Dr. Rick Serena. Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey from the Evangelical Baptist churches to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We'll discuss the joy of discovering Reformation theology, the challenges of raising teenagers in a post-Christian culture, and the importance of Jesus and the joy of the Lord in our lives. Our conversation takes a tu...
Oct 17, 2023•56 min•Season 4Ep. 79
Have you ever pondered the deep roots of the Lutheran Church or how technology has reshaped our worship communities? Join us as we traverse these fascinating topics with Dr. Gretchen Jameson, a seasoned member of the LCMS. Gretchen sheds light on her longing to resurrect certain values within the church, and offers thought-provoking reflections on the balance of maintaining a 'village mentality' amidst a rapidly modernizing church landscape. Our conversation with Gretchen goes beyond theology, d...
Oct 10, 2023•52 min•Season 4Ep. 78
Immerse yourself in the transformative journey of the Reformation with our esteemed guest, Reverend Dr. Robert Kolb. Dr. Robert A. Kolb is a professor emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Kolb retired in 2009 after 16 years of distinguished service as missions professor of Systematic Theology. He also previously served as the director of the Seminary’s Institute for Mission Studies. Discover how the profound work of Luther on the Babylonian captivity of the Church re...
Oct 03, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 77
Dr. Justin Hannemann, founder of Grace Point Institute for Relational Health settles in for a deep and enlightening conversation. We uncover layers of his life as a husband, father, leader, and advocate for relational health. Together, we examine how relational health sits at the core of our connection with God, ourselves, and others, and how Grace Point Institute is helping mend the scars left by broken relationships. Our conversation takes a fascinating turn as we dig into the intricate link b...
Sep 26, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 76
Prepare to navigate the evolution of the Unite Leadership Collective (ULC) alongside Tania Hilton and Renee Bennett. Experience first-hand the excitement shared as we explore how the ULC's mission, vision, and values are continuously advancing. Listen closely as discussions delve into the ULC's mission, focusing on equipping the priesthood of all believers through world-class leadership development at local levels. Gain insight into the ULC's valued partnership with Luther House of Studies, the ...
Sep 19, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 75
What if the discipline and hard work you put in playing sports could be translated into a fruitful ministry? Join us in a captivating conversation with Peter Nafzger , a professor at Concordia Seminary, as we explore this exciting intersection between sports and ministry. Pete carries an enthralling perspective on sports and teamwork, which he relates beautifully to collaboration in ministry. We reflect on our shared experiences on the basketball court and how these have shaped our outlook on te...
Sep 12, 2023•53 min•Season 4Ep. 74
What does the future hold for Christian congregations and pastoral formation? A stimulating conversation with Reverend Dr. Chris Holder, a catalytic church planner and lead pastor at Bethel Lutheran, paints a vivid picture of this future. We explore Unite Leadership Collective's vision of equipping the priesthood of all believers and discuss unconventional routes for formation, the merits of the cohort model, and how individual ministry context shapes this process. Chris shares his journey to mi...
Sep 05, 2023•51 min•Season 4Ep. 72
