Ever felt like your Sunday worship experience has nothing to do with your Monday morning reality? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Jim Marriott, we dive deep into the profound yet often misunderstood connection between liturgy, discipleship, and mission in the Christian life. Dr. Jim Marriott explores how liturgical practices can bridge the gap between Sunday worship and everyday discipleship, providing a framework for living the Christian life in all contexts. He cha...
Jul 02, 2025•47 min•Ep. 27
What does it truly mean to follow Christ? According to Dr. Michael Gorman, it goes far beyond simply believing the right doctrines. In this profound conversation, the renowned biblical scholar challenges us to consider whether we've been misreading the Apostle Paul all along. Dr. Michael Gorman shares his groundbreaking work on Pauline theology, exploring how Christians are called to not just believe the gospel but embody it. The conversation navigates deep theological waters with practical appl...
Jun 25, 2025•48 min•Ep. 26
Paul Dickerson, Associate Pastor at Christ Memorial Church, shares his journey from attorney to ministry and explores how business principles can transform church leadership and growth. While Paul values liturgical practices and their powerful connection to historical faith, he challenges listeners to consider when rituals become roadblocks rather than pathways to Jesus. Through compelling stories – from a young man shamed for wearing a hat in church to a karate instructor finding his place in w...
Jun 18, 2025•55 min•Ep. 25
What if one of the most "outdated" evangelism methods actually works better than we think? In this fascinating conversation, Pastor Timothy Koch dismantles the misconception that door-to-door evangelism belongs in the past and demonstrates how this approach is bringing people to Jesus in communities across America. • 33% of people in rural towns are unchurched, contrary to the misconception that everyone in small towns already belongs to a church • Koch's organization Jesus Door to Door (JD2D.or...
Jun 11, 2025•48 min•Ep. 24
Have you ever wondered how different cultures approach spiritual truth? Noks Shabalala shares her journey from ancestral worship in South Africa to Christian faith, offering fresh cultural perspectives on boldly communicating gospel truth with love rather than diplomatic politeness. Her multicultural background and direct communication style challenge listeners to prioritize mission over tradition and make the gospel accessible to everyone. • South African culture values direct, straightforward ...
Jun 04, 2025•53 min•Ep. 23
What if the entire Bible tells one cohesive story—and you're invited to play a part in it? Dr. Michael Goheen, author of "The Drama of Scripture," unpacks how understanding Scripture as a unified narrative transforms our spiritual lives and missional purpose. This narrative understanding transforms our approach to Scripture, vocation, and our role in God's kingdom. • The Missio Dei describes God's unfolding plan to renew creation that was broken in the fall • God's mission moves from one family ...
May 28, 2025•51 min•Ep. 22
Have you ever considered that God's questions might reveal more about you than your answers reveal about Him? When the Creator of the universe asks "Where are you?" or "Why do you doubt?" He's inviting us into something far deeper than a theological exercise. Charessa Koontz joins the podcast to discuss her new book "The 17 Questions of God and the Impact on Your Life Today," exploring how divine questions transform our spiritual journey. The number 17 holds special significance for her family, ...
May 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 21
What if our cultural moment isn't "post-Christian" but rather "pre-Christian"? This shift in perspective could transform how we approach ministry and evangelism in today's secular world. Dr. Dean Nadasdy, President Emeritus of the Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, draws from decades of ministry experience to share insights on effective leadership and evangelism. His pastoral wisdom challenges us to reconsider how we approach relationship-building, lay mobilization, ...
May 14, 2025•43 min•Ep. 20
The catalyst for mission isn't found in strategy, resources, or technical knowledge—it's rooted in prayer. But not just any prayer. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Pastor Chris Paavola shares how his journey from worship director to church planter to established church pastor led him to a profound revelation: most Christians don't know how to pray conversationally with God. • Prayer is the catalyst for mission and church transformation • The Global South practices prayer with more desp...
May 07, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 19
What grounds us when everything seems to be in constant flux? Dr. John Nordling, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, brings refreshing clarity to this question through his unique lens as both a classicist and Lutheran theologian. *Disclaimer* - this episode was recorded prior to the Apology Video by Pastor Tim which you can find here • Understanding the Word of God and Lutheran Confessions as our constant "pole star" amid cultural changes • The impor...
Apr 30, 2025•51 min•Ep. 18
What if developing youth leaders wasn't about having the coolest, most relatable youth pastor? What if the most effective behaviors for nurturing young servant leaders were actually accessible to anyone willing to show up consistently? Jonathan Kopecky and Jackie Druckhammer share findings from their Youth Leadership Initiative research project, revealing vital behaviors that help develop young leaders in the church. Their data shows that anyone can effectively mentor youth regardless of age or ...
Apr 23, 2025•52 min•Ep. 17
The Shroud of Turin contains mysteries that have baffled scientists for decades, offering compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus through radiation signatures that cannot be explained by conventional science. • A detailed exploration of the Shroud of Turin's physical characteristics, including the negative image containing 3D information • Scientific evidence showing the image is not a painting, scorch, liquid, or photograph as determined by the Shroud of Turin Research Project • Expla...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 16
Through honest conversation about modern parenting challenges, Adam Griffin shares how Christian families can create a discipleship-centered home culture that nurtures genuine faith in children while freeing parents from perfectionistic anxiety. • Anxiety in middle-class American parenting stems from making everything important and measurable • The gospel offers freedom from perfectionism without lowering standards • Family discipleship doesn't require theological expertise—just willingness to g...
Apr 09, 2025•55 min•Ep. 15
Pastor Gabe Kasper explores how our networked, globalized world has fractured into competing narratives about meaning and purpose—and why the gospel offers the transcendent perspective we desperately need. • Aiming for happiness directly will never work; we must aim for something greater • Modern culture offers four primary narratives: moralism, hedonism, therapeutic mindset, and nihilism • Leaders grow through the books they read and the people they meet • Pastor as curator—reading widely to se...
Apr 02, 2025•50 min•Ep. 14
Pastor Jason Schleicher shares insights from his new book "Good Lord: A Not So Shocking Look at the Goodness of God," exploring how we can recognize divine goodness even amid life's struggles and pain. • God's goodness is visible throughout creation—from breathtaking landscapes to the intricacy of our bodies • Starting with listening is crucial when people question God's goodness during difficult seasons • Peter's story demonstrates how God's goodness includes redemption for our failures and sho...
Mar 26, 2025•52 min•Ep. 13
Kim Marxhausen shares invaluable insights on caring for caregivers, drawing from her personal experience with in-laws who had dementia and her professional background in educational psychology. She explores how brain science, emotional intelligence, and faith-based practices create sustainable patterns for those supporting others through illness or aging. • Understanding primary vs secondary emotions helps caregivers respond appropriately in stressful situations • The "superhero syndrome" can tr...
Mar 19, 2025•47 min
Sarah Crowder shares her approach to teaching high school theology, creating inclusive spaces where students feel valued, and uncovering hidden stories of the Reformation while addressing Gen Z's unique challenges. If you're a parent trying to help your teenager through their faith journey, finding someone who's gone through it before can help you know you're not alone. The gospel gift of forgiveness and restoration is exactly what our world needs. • Designing classroom spaces where students fee...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 10
Transforming leadership through faith and vulnerability. Join us in discovering Julie Eesley’s inspiring journey from teacher to Executive Director at King of Kings Lutheran Church. • Journey from education to church leadership • Importance of embracing one's unique experiences • Roles of executive directors in advancing church missions • Creating welcoming environments for newcomers • Establishing one-on-one meetings for team accountability • Power of gratitude in fostering community relationsh...
Mar 05, 2025•57 min•Ep. 9
The episode explores the core characteristics of effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the need for confidence in faith and strong emotional intelligence. Bill discusses the importance of knowing congregants by name and engaging them in ministry, highlighting the dangers of clericalism and advocating for a culture where all believers actively participate in nurturing their faith. • Characteristics of pastoral leadership: confidence in faith, strong communication, and care for congregants • ...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 8
Josh Dotzler shares a compelling narrative of how purpose transforms lives through community revitalization and leadership development. His experience highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues while fostering local talent for lasting impact. • Discusses the transition from sports to community service • Explores the challenges of urban revitalization and systemic inequities • Highlights the importance of empowering local leaders • Discusses the impact of faith on community building ...
Feb 19, 2025•57 min•Ep. 7
This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning our lives with God's mission through active participation in our communities. By sharing personal stories and insights, Greg Finke illustrates how everyday discipleship transforms lives and encourages listeners to embrace their role in loving and serving others. • Importance of recognizing God's calling in our lives • The role of community in practical discipleship • Embracing a 'life of love' as a mission statement • Fear of God as a push towar...
Feb 12, 2025•57 min•Ep. 6
Pat Hickcox shares his remarkable journey from a military background through struggles with PTSD and a fractured relationship with faith to the founding of Alpine Cowboy Church. His experiences underscore the importance of love, community, and personal vulnerability in healing and returning to a life of purpose. • Pat's military service and initial disconnection from faith • The role of relationships in rekindling faith and resilience • Addressing the realities of PTSD among veterans • The trans...
Feb 05, 2025•41 min•Ep. 5
Ever wondered how to balance the demands of ministry with the joys and challenges of parenting? Join us as we engage in a meaningful conversation with Andy Ritchie, the senior pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church, who shares his personal journey of spiritual leadership and family life. Through his stories, we uncover the triumphs and setbacks that have shaped his ministry and the unanticipated joys of watching his children grow into their faith. Andy delves into his experiences, emphasizing the de...
Jan 29, 2025•49 min•Ep. 4
This episode explores the impactful journey of educator Kayla Marty, who emphasizes the integration of faith in education. Through her innovative approach at Ignite within Concordia Lutheran Schools, she shares insights on overcoming doubt, the importance of community in education, and how humility in leadership fosters growth. • Kayla's story of faith and education • Overcoming doubt and trusting in God's plan • The importance of community support in education • Changes in the education landsca...
Jan 22, 2025•51 min•Ep. 3
This episode dives deep into the importance of trauma-informed care within faith communities. We discuss the need for churches to shift their focus from outreach to nurturing spiritual formation and creating safe environments for healing. • David Ruybalid shares his journey from a traumatic upbringing to becoming a pastor • The significance of music in worship as a form of healing and connection • Discussing the imbalance between mission-focused worship and formative practices • Understanding th...
Jan 15, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 2
The Tim Ahlman Podcast will have three primary focuses. Leadership: Learning from “experts” in a variety of vocations (within and outside of the LCMS) and applying their expertise to leadership life in the local church. These conversations will largely focus on developing and maintaining a healthy culture in our various vocations. Over 60% of you in the recent survey said you wanted to talk about healthy culture. Learn: Deep Theological Discussion. I will host many scholars to aid in our underst...
Jan 08, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1
This episode delves into the complexities of human sexuality, emphasizing the importance of open and loving conversations around sexual integrity, identity, and the challenges faced by today's youth. Charessa Koontz shares valuable insights on the changing attitudes of Generation Z regarding sexuality, the impact of pornography, and practical ways for families to engage in these essential discussions. Infograpic: https://www.dailyinfographic.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/internet_porn-640x2590....
Jan 01, 2025•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 120
The episode reveals profound insights into the challenges and triumphs of faith within the Asian cultural landscape, emphasizing the need for deeper reliance on prayer and scripture. Dr. Lockwood discusses the unique context of the underground church in China, the idolatry of self in Western Christianity, and the transformative power of the gospel amidst cultural and legalistic challenges. • Examines the prayer reliance in Western versus Asian churches • Discusses cultural influences on Christia...
Dec 25, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 119
In this episode of the American Reformation podcast, host Tim Ahlman engages in a heartfelt conversation with Cassie Moore, a storyteller and youth engagement specialist. They discuss the importance of hope in the church, strategies for connecting with Gen Z, the art of listening, and the challenges of youth mental health. Cassie shares her journey in working with vulnerable youth and her efforts in suicide prevention. The conversation also delves into the power of storytelling, particularly thr...
Dec 18, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 118
What happens when corporate leadership meets church reformation? Join us as we unpack that unique intersection with Mark Ernster, a seasoned leader who spent three decades at Procter & Gamble. Through a lens shaped by both the business world and nonprofit endeavors, Mark shares invaluable insights on how unity, humility, and the involvement of laypeople can act as catalysts for reformation within the American Christian church. We explore how principles like mutual accountability and recogniz...
Dec 11, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 117
