What if the future of theological education wasn't bound by the walls of traditional campuses? Reverend Jeff from the North American Lutheran Seminary joins us to unravel this intriguing possibility by explaining the seminary's innovative hub-and-spoke model. As the Director of Vocational Discernment, he shares how partnerships with institutions like Trinity Anglican Seminary and Concordia Texas are shaping new pathways for students in the Lutheran tradition. With his journey from parish ministr...
Oct 15, 2024•50 min
Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you. Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus! All NEW ULC Missions Class For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10 For a 25% off discount - join our LeadTime Email List!! Kairos Network: Missionary Pathway Discover the transformative power of Lutheran theology with Pastor Matt Peoples as we explore the impor...
Oct 08, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 11
Ever wonder how everyday believers can shape the future of their church without heading down the path of pastoral ordination? Meet Ty Schommer, a devoted deacon and co-vocational leader from Alaska, who shares his compelling journey within the Lutheran Church. Ty's story is a testament to the power of laity, revealing how congregations can cultivate spiritual growth and leadership among their members. Through his experiences at Zion Lutheran Church, Ty illustrates the importance of shared minist...
Oct 04, 2024•35 min
What if our disagreements could actually bring us closer together? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the art of disagreeing agreeably with our special guest, Matt Borrasso, pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Lexington Park. Drawing from the works of Diana Glyer, Matt shares his insights on fostering intellectual hospitality and cultivating curiosity over condemnation within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Listen as we explore practical ways to ask better questions and engage constructivel...
Oct 01, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Unlock the secrets of Martin Luther's profound theological insights with our special guest, Dr. Bob Kolb. Join us as we explore the evolution of Luther’s understanding of the devil's multifaceted role in the Christian life, through his intriguing concepts of the "black devil" and "white devil." Discover how these ideas reveal Satan’s cunning strategies to lure believers into hedonism or self-righteousness, and why anchoring our identity in Christ's love and grace is essential to resisting these ...
Sep 24, 2024•44 min
Can demographic shifts and economic changes redefine the future of Concordia Plan Services? Explore this and more in our enlightening conversation with Jim Sanft . As we unpack the multifaceted challenges surrounding pension plans and rate increases, Jim illuminates how demographic declines in ordained and commissioned ministers are counterbalanced by the promising growth of lay workers and Lutheran schools. We delve into the transformed economic landscape post-2020, scrutinizing factors like go...
Sep 20, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Reverend Dr. David Schmitt has spent nearly three decades shaping the voices of future pastors, and today, he shares his wisdom on the art of preaching with us. Discover how he likens sermon crafting to cooking a rich stew, blending diverse life experiences to create messages that resonate deeply with congregations. We'll uncover how integrating personal stories and experiences into sermons not only fulfills the preacher but also opens up profound, surprising connections through the Holy Spirit....
Sep 17, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Unlock the secret to effective church leadership with insights from Vince Parks, one of the few ordained executive pastors in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Our conversation reveals how specialized roles like the executive pastor can transform a congregation by focusing on operations, systems, and strategy, thereby allowing traditional pastors to concentrate on spiritual guidance. Vince shares his journey and expertise, shedding light on the biblical basis for these roles and how different ...
Sep 13, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Can Christian themes hold their own against blockbuster franchises like "Fast and the Furious" and "Iron Man"? Join us as Todd Freeman, a seasoned filmmaker turned ministry director, shares his insights on the power of "suspension of disbelief" and how it allows audiences to embrace even the most fantastical elements in storytelling. We explore why Christian filmmakers have been slow to harness this tool and discuss how authentic stories like "A Most Reluctant Convert," the film about C.S. Lewis...
Aug 30, 2024•34 min•Season 5Ep. 72
Can faith and reason coexist in today's secular academic world? Join us in a compelling discussion with Reverend Dr. Joshua Hollmann, professor of systematic theology at Concordia University in St. Paul, as we navigate the complex landscape of integrating faith into academic life. Dr. Hollmann shares his profound insights from his article "Faith Seeking Understanding: Theological Paradigms for Lutheran Universities," shedding light on the unique role Lutheran universities play in fostering a fai...
Aug 27, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 71
What sustains a pastor through 35 years of ministry? Join us as John Stennfeld , a seasoned pastor at Christ Lutheran in Austin, Texas, reveals the foundations of his enduring journey. With a focus on God's word and a balanced identity, John discusses how understanding his "why" has influenced his leadership and ministry. Discover the significance of knowing who you are as a child of God and why this identity should take precedence over worldly labels. Explore the rich tapestry of Lutheran worsh...
Aug 23, 2024•55 min•Season 5Ep. 70
Join us as we chat with Dan Burk, principal and chief operating officer at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School in Westland, Michigan, who shares his intriguing journey and the layers of challenges and rewards that come with it. Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter We kick off with Dan's extensive background in Lutheran education. Discover the importance of strong support staff and the power of effect...
Aug 20, 2024•56 min•Season 5Ep. 69
Reverend Dr. Robin Dugall takes us on a compelling journey through his transition from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Facing challenges within congregations that he felt were veering away from foundational principles, Reverend Dugall’s narrative offers an intimate glimpse into his personal experiences and the broader implications for Lutheranism in America. This episode unpacks how the evolving association with liberal teachings ha...
Aug 16, 2024•39 min•Season 5Ep. 68
Ever wondered how a shift from musical theater to ministry could shape a dynamic pastoral career? Join us for an inspiring chat with Pastor Matt Popovits, senior pastor at St. Mark Lutheran in Houston, Texas, as he shares his remarkable journey and the pivotal role that mentorship played in his transformation. Learn how empowering young leaders within the church can pave the way for future generations, and gain insights into how recognizing potential can lead to fulfilling and impactful ministry...
Aug 13, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 67
How can we lead lives of true significance and unity in our vocations, whether in pastoral roles or everyday professions? Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) Reverend David Davis, the district president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Michigan, joins us to unpack these profound themes. David shares his journey and proactive efforts in supporting Concordia University Ann Arbor, highlighting the critical importance of unity within the LCMS, even in...
Aug 09, 2024•42 min
Ever wondered what it's like to grow up in the unique world of a pastor's family? This episode promises a blend of humor, candor, and valuable insights into the multifaceted lives of pastors and their families: Meet Alexa Ahlman, who shares her heartfelt and humorous tales of life as a pastor's kid. From the fun and camaraderie with her brothers at church to the pressures of living in the "fishbowl," Alexa provides an intimate glimpse into how these experiences shaped her. Together, we reflect o...
Aug 06, 2024•49 min•Season 5Ep. 65
What if transformation isn't just about self-driven change, but a divine journey that starts from within? In this episode of Lead Time, we sit down with Rob Kelly, co-author of "Metanoia: How God Radically Transforms People, Churches, and Organizations from the Inside Out," to explore this profound concept. Find the book here: https://www.metanoia-book.com/ Rob shares his unique theological path from Pentecostalism to a more sacramental and missional approach, drawing from the works of NT Wright...
Aug 02, 2024•1 hr•Season 5Ep. 64
What does it mean to be Lutheran in today's world? Join us on Lead Time as we sit down with Trevor Sutton, senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, to explore this question. Discover how confessional Lutheranism stands apart from its more liberal counterparts, and why confessing Jesus and adhering to the authority of scripture remain central. We discuss the theological shifts within Lutheranism over the decades and their far-reaching implications. Ever wondered if church d...
Jul 30, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 63
How does a university navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and legal battles? Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Dr. Don Christian, president of Concordia University Texas, joins us to discuss the ongoing lawsuit with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and what it means for the institution's future. You'll get an insider's perspective on the case's current status and timeline, as wel...
Jul 26, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 62
What if your journey to finding purpose took a turn you never expected? In this episode of Lead Time, we sit down with Greg Griffith, a seasoned pastor from King of Kings in Omaha, to uncover his unexpected path to ministry. From a seemingly ordinary childhood faith to a profound transformation in college, Greg shares how a mentor's guidance and a divine encounter shifted his aspirations from law to becoming a pastor. Discover the traits that marked him for leadership and the pivotal moments tha...
Jul 23, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 5Ep. 61
What happens when a church community embarks on a profound journey to explore the rich and transformative practice of baptism? Join us as we welcome Pastor Dan Schepmann from Gloria Dei in Nassau Bay, sharing the inspiring story of their recent baptismal remembrance Sunday. Over a powerful four-week sermon series, 48 members of the congregation either embraced baptism for the first time or reaffirmed their baptismal identity, facing theological questions and traditional practices head-on. Pastor...
Jul 19, 2024•37 min•Season 5Ep. 60
Unlock the secrets behind successful church growth and discover the environments that best support adult conversions in the LCMS. This episode features Lyman Stone, a seasoned demographer and LCMS layperson, who shares the motivations and rigorous methodologies behind the recent Lutheran Religious Life Survey. From innovative survey participation techniques to the challenges of interpreting high-response data, Lyman's insights provide a comprehensive look at the current state of Lutheran congreg...
Jul 16, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 5Ep. 59
Unlock the secrets of effective church engagement with our special guest, Blue Van Dyke. As an executive pastor with a rich background in global marketing, digital advertising, and venture capital, Blue brings a unique perspective on how business principles can transform church communication and member engagement. From his journey with prestigious firms like Daimler Benz to the development of Studio C, an innovative member engagement system for churches, Blue shares compelling insights into turn...
Jul 12, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 58
Ever wondered why negative feedback can be the ultimate game-changer for leaders? Join us as we sit down with Ryan Ermeling, leader of Parent Pulse and the Chair of the Board of Regents at Concordia University, Irvine. Ryan unveils the surprising benefits of actively seeking out and embracing negative feedback to foster growth and self-improvement. Listen to personal anecdotes that show how cultivating a culture of open feedback can transform leadership effectiveness and build stronger, more sel...
Jul 05, 2024•36 min•Season 5Ep. 56
What happens when you bring ministry to an eclectic and diverse mountain town? Reverend Dr. Jeff Skopak shares his remarkable journey serving at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and School in Asheville, North Carolina. Jeff unveils the unexpected joys and unique challenges of ministering in a community where the cultural, social, and political landscape is as varied as the Blue Ridge Mountains themselves. From engaging with pre-Christian families to partnering with Evangelism Explosion, Jeff's stories h...
Jun 28, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 54
Reverend Erik Gauss from Cross Lutheran Church and School in Illinois, takes us through his 17-year ministry journey, shedding light on his dedication to developing lay leadership. Erik recounts his personal experiences and the various initiatives like huddles, men's groups, and leadership groups that he has spearheaded. We also navigate the unsettling trend of some pastors discouraging lay participation in the Great Commission, probing into its roots and possible ramifications. Have you ever wo...
Jun 25, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 53
Can AI truly transform the way ministry operates within the church? Join us on this thought-provoking episode of Lead Time Hot Topic Friday! We uncover the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence in ministry alongside my good friend Matt Engel. We dive into the many facets of AI integration, from streamlining administrative tasks like email management and chatbots to enriching sermon content and crafting impactful social media snippets. But it's not all about efficiency; we stress the...
Jun 21, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 54
Discover the unexpected ways small churches are making a huge impact in the world of church planting, as Reverend Dr. Chris Holder joins us to share his wisdom on fostering gospel-centered growth. Through our enlightening conversation, it becomes clear that the size of a congregation doesn't dictate its ability to contribute to new ministries. We delve into the power of collaboration, from networks to mergers, and shine a light on creative strategies that move beyond the traditional, such as pla...
Jun 14, 2024•38 min•Season 5Ep. 52
What does it take to maintain a strong LCMS identity in a diverse academic setting? Dr. Thomas offers an insightful look into Concordia Irvine's hiring practices, the emphasis on Lutheran intellectual tradition, and the holistic formation of students. From the operational dynamics of the Concordia University System to the strategic efforts to build unity while respecting individuality, this episode offers a deep dive into the leadership and culture that drive Concordia University, Irvine. Tune i...
Jun 11, 2024•46 min•Season 5Ep. 51
Have you ever felt like growth is a battle rather than a blessing? Join Tim Ahlman in this candid bonus episode of Lead Time, where he shares his personal reflections on growth, both as a spiritual journey and a complex challenge. Through the lens of his own struggles with negative thought patterns and spiritual warfare, Tim opens up about finding solace in writing and poetry. Listen as he presents his spoken word poem "Growth," offering a raw and honest portrayal of the fears and insecurities t...
Jun 10, 2024•5 min
