Pastor Ted Doering discusses the critical need for church planting and revitalization within growing communities in this episode. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality, adaptability through challenging times, and unity within the LCMS, offering insights and encouragement for listeners engaged in church leadership and discipleship. • Exploring the need for new churches alongside revitalizing existing ones • Sociological factors informing why new believers are drawn to church plants • The ro...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 44
Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy joins us for an impactful discussion on the challenges and joys of pastoral ministry, exploring difficult sayings of Jesus and their relevance in today's church. We reflect on leadership, personal growth, and the importance of clear communication in ministering to others. • Reflecting on the joys of pastoral work, especially with youth • Navigating the complex challenges of human relationships in ministry • Understanding difficult teachings of Jesus in their proper context...
Jan 28, 2025•45 min•Season 6Ep. 43
Aaron Engelman shares his journey of discovering meaningful roles within the church beyond traditional pastoral work, emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation in ministry. The conversation explores the changing landscape of church work, where professionals can leverage their skills to serve the gospel effectively while fostering connections within the community. • Aaron's background and journey to vocation in the church • The impact of the LCMS Youth Gathering on church involvemen...
Jan 24, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 42
This episode highlights the central theme of transforming the church’s approach to mission work by prioritizing outreach and collaboration. Dr. David Maier discusses the rebranding of the Mission Partners Platform into ‘The Center’ and focuses on unity, humility, and effective community engagement within church leadership. • Importance of making Jesus the center of ministry • Rebranding Mission Partners Platform to The Center for collaborative outreach • Challenges at Synod Conventions and need ...
Jan 21, 2025•1 hr•Season 6Ep. 41
https://www.uniteleadership.org/post/from-power-to-invitation-easing-frustration-and-building-trust-within-the-lcms In this conversation, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg discuss the impact of culture on the local church, focusing on leadership styles, the importance of values and mission, and the frustrations within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). They explore the contrast between coercive and invitational leadership, emphasizing the need for humility, transparency, and a spirit of invi...
Jan 17, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 40
https://lovedsent.org/ What happens when the calling of faith meets the complexities of modern life? Pastor Jeff Cloeter joins us for a heartfelt discussion about the joys and trials faced by pastors today. From extraordinary stories of faith, to the core mission of transforming hearts and spreading God's love, we explore the evolving landscape of pastoral ministry. Pastor Jeff shares his unique insights into the profound ways the church has adapted in recent years, bringing a fresh perspective ...
Jan 14, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 39
The episode revolves around the themes of identity, community, and the joy of Jesus as central aspects of faith. Pastor Tom Pfotenhauer shares his extensive Lutheran heritage and emphasizes how belonging can empower congregants during struggles, illuminating the significance of hospitality and strong community ties in ministry. • Discusses the significance of identity in Christ • Shares experiences battling mental health struggles within the congregation • Explores Lutheran theology as a source ...
Jan 10, 2025•53 min•Season 6Ep. 38
The journey of church leadership can be filled with challenges, as Tim Niekerk shares his experiences navigating change, trust, and moral crises at Salem Lutheran Church. His story illustrates the importance of communication and understanding in fostering a healthy church community while also addressing the unique complexities of leading a long-standing congregation. • Tim Niekerk's journey in ministry and leadership challenges • The historic significance of Salem Lutheran Church and its unique ...
Jan 07, 2025•54 min•Season 6Ep. 37
This podcast episode explores the transformative journey of Broadmoor Community Church under Rev. Gregory Manning, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and community engagement in urban ministries. Listeners gain insight into the challenges and strategies of creating a culturally relevant church that serves a diverse congregation, particularly within the context of the Lutheran Church's historical complexities around race and identity. • Rev. Manning's journey from Kansas City to New Orlean...
Jan 03, 2025•51 min•Season 6Ep. 36
Lutheranism’s struggle between mission and doctrine finds renewed clarity in this episode as Dr. John Pless offers insights from his unique journey and extensive theological experience. The conversation highlights how confessional integrity lays the groundwork for effective mission work, calling for unity and collaboration among church members to actively live out their faith in the world. • Introduction of Dr. John Pless and his background • Discussion on the influence of historical Lutheran fi...
Dec 31, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 35
Lead Time listeners, Tim Ahlman here! We love bringing you content to grow as leaders in your ministry and beyond, but we want to make sure we’re hitting the mark. Can you help us out by filling out a quick 5-question survey? It’ll take less than a minute and help us know what you like about the podcast, what topics you want more of, and even which guests you’d love to hear from next. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LeadTimePodcast The episode highlights the innovative ministry of Pastor Ed Doern...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 6Ep. 34
Lead Time listeners, Tim Ahlman here! We love bringing you content to grow as leaders in your ministry and beyond, but we want to make sure we’re hitting the mark. Can you help us out by filling out a quick 5-question survey? It’ll take less than a minute and help us know what you like about the podcast, what topics you want more of, and even which guests you’d love to hear from next. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LeadTimePodcast The episode highlights the importance of entrepreneurial leadersh...
Dec 24, 2024•54 min•Season 6Ep. 33
Lead Time listeners, Tim Ahlman here! We love bringing you content to grow as leaders in your ministry and beyond, but we want to make sure we’re hitting the mark. Can you help us out by filling out a quick 5-question survey? It’ll take less than a minute and help us know what you like about the podcast, what topics you want more of, and even which guests you’d love to hear from next. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LeadTimePodcast In this conversation, Tim Ahlman and Scott Gress explore the mult...
Dec 20, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 32
Discover how to sustain joy throughout a lifetime in ministry with insights from my father, Pastor Dave Ahlman. Starting each day with scripture and prayer, Dave emphasizes the role of a pastor as a humble messenger of God's grace. Joy acts as a vital fuel for effective ministry, and this episode unveils the power of seeking Jesus' love and mercy in every sermon delivered. Together, we reflect on the profound impact of the Holy Spirit in fostering connections and spreading God's love within the ...
Dec 17, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 31
Discover how a former corporate leader brought his expertise into the world of pastoral ministry with Pastor Mike Omtvedt's inspiring journey. Transitioning from the business world to leading congregations at Hosanna Lutheran Church, Pastor Mike shares his story of utilizing corporate skills to ignite growth and connection within smaller communities. Joined by Pastor Adam Finney, they explore the transformative power of adaptability, from urban Portland to rural settings, and highlight the impor...
Dec 13, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 30
Reverend Dr. Jamison Hardy, the newly elected president of the Concordia University System, joins us to unveil the transformative shifts brewing within the Concordia universities. Discover the impact of the 2023 convention's resolution 704B, which pivots the system from managing bricks and mortar to robust ecclesiastical support. We celebrate the vitality coursing through these institutions, with promising developments such as the 802 church work students eager to shape the future of Lutheran mi...
Dec 06, 2024•58 min•Season 6Ep. 28
Coach Chance Childers, a pivotal figure at Concordia University Ann Arbor, joins us to share his insights on the meaningful intersection of faith and sports. In this conversation, Tim Ahlman and Coach Chance Childers discuss the significant role of Concordia Ann Arbor in shaping young lives through football and education. They explore the impact of athletics on character development, the calling of coaching, and the importance of maintaining Lutheran identity within the institution. The conversa...
Dec 03, 2024•44 min•Season 6Ep. 27
What if the key to resolving church conflicts lies in a simple shift towards transparency and understanding? We confront past misunderstandings around the prior approval process within our synod, with Scott offering an apology to President Harrison and other leaders. The importance of clear communication becomes apparent as we extend an invitation to President Harrison, aiming to foster deeper connections and cooperation. Navigating the complexities of church leadership isn't easy, especially wh...
Nov 29, 2024•20 min•Season 6Ep. 26
What if your church work felt like a true calling rather than just a job? We had the pleasure of hosting Pastor Jason Scheler, who shares his journey from selfishness to servanthood and the powerful transformation that occurs when we embrace grace. Through heartfelt stories, Jason recounts the pivotal role that dedicated teachers and spiritual influences played in shaping his missionary heart, and he offers critical insights into the disconnect between career motivations and spiritual calling, p...
Nov 26, 2024•54 min•Season 6Ep. 25
Unlock the transformative power of Lutheran education with insights from Dr. Thomas Wrege , who shares his extensive knowledge and experience in this episode. Discover how Lutheran schools approach education as a mission field, welcoming diverse families and teaching the Bible in a distinctively Lutheran way. Explore the challenges and joys of reaching out to unchurched families and fostering faith formation among students, while also addressing the decline in Lutheran students attending confirm...
Nov 22, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 24
What if the future of the church lies not in grand, imposing structures, but in the intimate connections made within small communities? Join us as we uncover the fascinating journey of Pastor Travis Hartjen , a dedicated church planter and youth minister. His story is a powerful testament to the transformative potential of staying within the church to enact change. Explore the evolving world of youth ministry with Travis, as he shares insights on engaging today's skeptical teens with authenticit...
Nov 19, 2024•51 min•Season 6Ep. 23
What does it take to go from fighter pilot to leader in higher education? We explore this intriguing question with Dr. Thomas Cedel, a man whose journey is as diverse as it is inspiring. From almost joining the ranks of NASA astronauts to leading Concordia University Texas, Dr. Cedel shares his thoughts on the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the spiritual richness that guides him. We discuss the comforting yet challenging path of dependency on Christ, celebrating the profound strength found i...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 22
What if leadership wasn't about having all the answers, but about asking the right questions? Join us as we explore this paradigm shift with Dr. Vanessa Seifert, a respected leader in the Nebraska District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. With her deep expertise spanning theology, leadership, and ministry, Dr. Seifert brings a fresh perspective to the table as we uncover the essence of adaptive leadership. She shares compelling insights on how mobilizing people to tackle challenges can be ...
Nov 12, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 21
Discover the transformative power of Lutheran theology and mission work as we welcome the esteemed Dr. Detlev Schulz to our podcast. As a leading professor and missiologist at Concordia Theological Seminary, Dr. Schulz unpacks the profound insights from his influential book, "Mission from the Cross." Explore the concept of Missio Dei, where God is the initiator of mission, and the church's sacred duty to align with His divine purpose of salvation. Uncover how pastors, as spiritual caregivers and...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 6Ep. 20
What if Martin Luther's 95 Theses still hold the key to understanding our modern world? Reverend Dr. Joel Okamoto joins us to uncover the timeless significance of Luther's challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, initially meant to ignite scholarly debate yet resulting in a revolutionary shift. We engage with the importance of open dialogue within church bodies and the role of academic thought leaders in fostering meaningful conversations that can lead to transformative change. Explore how Nietzs...
Nov 05, 2024•54 min•Season 6Ep. 19
Paul Schult, a pastor from Redwood City, California, joins us for a captivating discussion on transforming faith and leadership within the church. Explore the journey of his congregation's rebranding to Bridge City Church and delve into the relational depth of Christianity explored in his book, "Getting to Know Jesus." Learn how Paul uses relationship-driven perspectives on theological concepts, such as the Ten Commandments and the Apostles' Creed, to make faith more personal and impactful, refl...
Nov 01, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 18
Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann as we tackle some of the most challenging ethical dilemmas facing church leaders today. As our political landscape heats up, Dr. Biermann provides profound insights into how issues of sexuality, race, and immigration intertwine with rapid societal changes. Discover how Christians can maintain their allegiance to Christ above all else, even when the world around them seems politically charged and divisive. Step into the world of...
Oct 29, 2024•58 min
What if you were called to action by a viral video and found yourself on a mission halfway across the world? Meet Mike Warneke, the passionate founder of Fields of Dreams Uganda, whose journey began with a deep-rooted faith and a life-altering visit to Uganda. Inspired by the resilience of the Ugandan people and a calling from his faith, Mike's mission evolved into a lifelong commitment to bringing hope and change to marginalized communities. Join us as we explore the story of how one individual...
Oct 25, 2024•58 min•Season 6Ep. 16
Reverend Dr. Harold Ristau joins us to share his remarkable journey from being a military chaplain in Canada and academic dean in Africa to leading Luther Classical College in Wyoming. In this episode, listeners will gain insight into Dr. Ristau's vision for a Christ-centered educational environment that marries practical trades with rigorous theological and philosophical studies. Discover how the college's commitment to a 100% Lutheran faculty and its partnership with Concordia Nebraska sets it...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Season 6Ep. 15
Discover the transformative power of storytelling in film with our special guest, Temeko Richardson, a distinguished executive producer, director, and writer renowned for her inspirational works. Journey with us as we uncover how films can transcend socio-economic divides, offering audiences a mirror to universal human experiences like suffering, joy, and sacrifice. By highlighting the church's mission for unity in a divided world, we explore the creative arts' role in fostering a shared underst...
Oct 18, 2024•49 min•Season 6Ep. 14
