Tim engages with Ida and Walt Cowart, senior trainers at Restoring the Foundations. They discuss their journey in ministry, the importance of personal encounters with God, and the need for reformation within the American Christian Church. The Cowarts share insights on prophetic gifting, the significance of joy in faith, and the impact of generational baggage and demonic oppression on individuals. Their ministry focuses on helping people recognize their calling and experience freedom in Christ. W...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 17 min•Season 2Ep. 116
Join us as visionary leader Alan Graham shares his extraordinary journey from the bustling world of real estate to founding Community First Village, a beacon of hope for the homeless in Austin, Texas. Alan's inspiring pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago has imparted profound insights into the universal quest for purpose and reconciliation. Together, we unravel the dynamic between humility in faith and the enriching embrace of diverse belief systems, while maintaining a heartfelt conviction i...
Nov 27, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 115
Reverend Dr. James Voelz joins us for a riveting exploration of reformation within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the broader Christian community. Ever thought about how the gospel remains relevant in today’s fast-paced world? Dr. Voelz shares fascinating insights from his experiences at both Missouri Synod seminaries, underscoring the critical role of engaging laypeople in deep theological conversations. We promise you’ll gain a fresh perspective on why Bible study is not just a church ...
Nov 20, 2024•54 min•Season 2Ep. 114
Imagine navigating the challenges of ministry without feeling overwhelmed or burnt out. Pastor Kevin Bueltmann, the director at Shepherds Canyon Retreat Center, shares his inspiring journey from burnout to healing, and how he now dedicates his life to supporting other ministry leaders in similar situations. Discover the critical importance of creating a supportive community where pastors can thrive, sustain their ministries, and find joy and hope even amidst the pressures of leadership transitio...
Nov 13, 2024•39 min•Season 2Ep. 113
Reverend Dr. David Lewis from Concordia Seminary joins us to unravel the mysteries of the Gospel of Mark's controversial ending. Discover how this ancient text invites us into a deeper understanding of Jesus and challenges us to embrace authenticity and community in our faith journey. As we navigate the complexities of a post-Christian world, we explore the pressing need for church leaders to preserve authentic Lutheranism while creatively engaging with their communities, striking a pivotal bala...
Nov 06, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 112
Join us for an invigorating conversation with Greg Galindo, a multifaceted leader whose expertise spans real estate, health, wellness, and ministry. Greg provides thought-provoking insights into the role of the American Christian church, urging a move away from nationalistic interpretations and a return to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Together, we unpack the challenges of westernizing Christianity and highlight the church's mission to navigate believers through a secular society, all while emp...
Oct 30, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 111
What if your local church could rise above political divides and embrace every voice? Join us for a compelling conversation with Pastor Matt Cario, a visionary from Concordia University, Nebraska, who is actively championing reformation within the Lutheran Church. Pastor Cario shares his insightful perspectives on nurturing younger leaders and advocating for a less pastor-centric approach in church communities. By placing emphasis on unity, trust, and inclusivity, he envisions a future where the...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 110
Discover the inspirational journey of Richard and Lynn Gast, leaders of the Pedal Pushers at the Rose Bowl Parade and devoted servants of Lutheran Hour Ministries for over three decades. With a remarkable team of 4,000 volunteers, they masterfully orchestrate the creation of eight stunning floats, spreading the message of Jesus to millions worldwide. Listen as they share their secrets to successful event coordination, emphasizing the power of a servant attitude and strategic organization, while ...
Oct 16, 2024•47 min•Season 2Ep. 109
What if the American Christian church and public education could unite to address today's most pressing societal challenges? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Kurt Rohrs, a governing board member of the Chandler Unified School District, as we navigate the turbulent waters of social disorder, violence, and class divisions. Drawing from historical reformation movements, Kurt offers fresh insights into the significance of liberty and the First Amendment in safeguarding religious practice...
Oct 09, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 108
Hit the play button for a thought-provoking journey as we sit down with Lee Jackson, co-founder of Distinctly His Ministries. Together, we unravel the pressing need for reformation in American Christianity, highlighting the transformative power of unity and love. Say goodbye to insular church practices and hello to embracing diverse communities, including those in the inner city. Lee and I discuss the importance of serving others without a "savior mentality" and envision a church that transcends...
Oct 02, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 107
What happens when believers unify in love and purpose? Pastor Mike Gowans from Bethel Church in Chandler, Arizona, joins us on the American Reformation Podcast to answer this profound question. With a heart fervent for discipleship and church planting, Mike shares his vision for a church that mirrors the diverse yet harmonious nature of heaven. You'll hear his take on countering societal redefinitions of identity and why embracing diversity within the church is not just important but essential f...
Sep 25, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 106
In this conversation, Tim Ahlman interviews Rachel Grack, a writer and editor, about the power of the written word and the role of storytelling. They discuss the need for reformation in the American Christian Church and the importance of infiltrating society with love and truth. They also explore the impact of social media on communication and the value of taking time to think before responding. Rachel shares her love for writing and her experience as a children's nonfiction author. They discuss...
Sep 18, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 105
Have you ever wondered how trauma impacts faith and spiritual practices? On this episode of the American Reformation Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Janyne McConnaughey, a trauma survivor and renowned expert in neuroscience and trauma education. Dr. McConaughey sheds light on her groundbreaking book, "Trauma in the Pews," and shares her personal journey of healing. We discuss the often-overlooked connection between trauma and spirituality and how ministry leaders can better support their communiti...
Sep 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 104
Have you ever wondered how to navigate the pressures of pastoral ministry without losing your sense of self? Join us on this enlightening episode of the American Reformation Podcast as we chat with Kirk Triplett, the voice behind the Pastor Positive Mental Health podcast . Kirk takes us through his transformative journey with Calvary Chapel, addressing the pitfalls of performance-based Christianity and the urgent need for authentic connections within the American Christian Church. Discover how r...
Sep 04, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 103
What if the challenges we face today are the catalyst for a profound reformation in the church? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Reverend Dr. Gary Kinnaman, who brings over half a century of ministry experience to examine the impact of social media, COVID-19, political turmoil, and racial tensions on church life. Gary offers a seasoned perspective on transitioning from traditional church leadership to broader ministry work, drawing intriguing parallels with historical figures like D...
Aug 28, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 102
What happens when an educator transitions from a routine-oriented teaching environment in Decatur, Illinois, to a respect-driven, relational ministry in Phoenix, Arizona? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Timothy Fote from Valley Lutheran High School, as he shares his unique journey and insights on fostering unity among Christian churches in America. Timothy discusses the rise of overt practices of witchcraft and secularism and underscores the critical importance of grounding educati...
Aug 21, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 101
What if the key to church reformation lies in embracing simplicity and a missional mindset? Pastor Ethan Matott from Red Rocks Church in Austin joins us to discuss this radical idea and more on the American Reformation Podcast. Ethan shares his compelling journey from a college party lifestyle to becoming a pastor, highlighting his passion for returning to the foundational principles of the early church as depicted in Acts 2. Our conversation takes a deeper turn as we examine the notion of spiri...
Aug 14, 2024•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 100
Today, We're joined by Charessa Koontz, a seasoned director of Christian education, who reveals her fervent prayers for reformation. Charessa dives into the essence of our baptismal identity and the significance of communal bonds, urging a reconnection with God's work in our lives. We discuss the mental health crisis among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, exploring how social media pressures and the advent of the self-facing camera have contributed to rising anxiety and depression. Struggling to pass down f...
Aug 07, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 99
What if the church could retain its mission and identity amidst the ever-changing social and political tides? Join us as we welcome Joshua Pfeiffer, PhD candidate at Concordia Seminary and an Australian pastor, who offers a profound perspective on maintaining clarity and confidence within the church. Joshua shares his observations from two and a half years in the United States, exploring the church's vital role as the tangible presence of Christ in a complex world. We venture into the unique int...
Jul 17, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 2Ep. 97
Discover how to navigate the delicate balance between legalism and flexibility in worship practices with Reverend Steve Zank, Director of the Center for Worship Leadership at Concordia University, Irvine. Steve shares his profound insights on maintaining theological fidelity while being pastorally attentive. We discuss the critical need for contextualizing worship without compromising biblical truths, and the role emotions, community, and pastoral courage play in fostering unity within the churc...
Jul 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 96
Ever wondered how a seasoned pastor reinvigorates hope in struggling churches? Join us on the American Reformation podcast as we welcome Pastor Jeremy Jacoby, a trailblazer in church planting and revitalization. Pastor Jeremy opens up about his transformative journey from founding new congregations to breathing new life into established churches that are navigating transitions and demographic changes. His personal anecdotes about being an empty nester add a relatable and uplifting dimension to h...
Jun 19, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 95
What happens when you blend adaptive leadership with intercultural ministry? In our latest episode, we sit down with Vicar Nery to uncover the secrets to thriving in diverse cultural landscapes without losing theological integrity. Drawing from the wisdom of the Apostle Paul and Walker’s rich experiences in Brazil, we explore humility, the value of listening, and the relational approach needed to bridge cultural divides. Walker's stories will inspire you to appreciate the beauty and challenges o...
Jun 12, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 94
How can the power of art transform the Christian Reformation? Join us for a compelling conversation with the talented Todd Freeman, a masterful screenwriter, producer, and director, who offers a fresh perspective on leveraging filmmaking to communicate the gospel authentically. Todd’s journey through the independent film world serves as a powerful metaphor for the church's need to embrace creativity and sincerity in evangelism. We dive into how Jesus’ adaptable ministry styles can inspire the ch...
Jun 05, 2024•56 min•Season 2Ep. 93
Ryan Barlow's journey from Mormonism to Lutheranism is a story that pulses with the transformative power of grace. As he shares his personal odyssey on our podcast, we witness the trials and triumphs of embracing a new faith tradition, and the impact it has on family, community, and personal identity. Navigating the waters of change, Ryan's insights offer a beacon of hope to those wrestling with their own spiritual paths, and his leadership at the East Mesa campus exemplifies the potential for f...
May 29, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 92
I do ministry in a denomination that struggles to engage college students and young adults. If you’re listening and you’re an LCMS Lutheran I pray you have an open heart to the Hope Church story. We have much to learn from our brothers and sisters in other Christian faith traditions. PLUS, I have come to know and highly respect my guest Brian as a partner in spreading the Gospel in the valley and beyond over the past 10 years. Discover how to ignite a transformative fire in the hearts of college...
May 22, 2024•58 min•Season 2Ep. 91
Join me as I welcome my dear friend and Concordia, Nebraska alumnus, Daniel, to explore the transformative power of worship and its lasting impact on our ministry work. We take a nostalgic trip back to our college days, where we spearheaded a contemporary worship service, igniting a diverse community's passion for Jesus. Our heartfelt conversation dives into the current challenges faced by the church, including engaging congregations, discipling in a bustling world, and the yearning for a reform...
May 15, 2024•59 min•Season 2Ep. 90
Embark on a profound exploration of the Holy Spirit's transformative power as Pastor Mark Surburg joins me to illuminate its pivotal role from the early church in Acts to contemporary American Christianity. Our dialogue begins to unravel the mysteries of the Spirit's work in both communal empowerment and personal faith, revealing its subtle yet significant influence on baptism, confirmation, and the Lutheran tradition. Pastor Surburg's rich insights guide us through the complexities of the Spiri...
May 09, 2024•48 min•Season 2Ep. 89
When Reverend Mark Schulz joins us, we open our hearts to a conversation where deep-rooted beliefs confront modern challenges. Together, we examine what it means for the American Christian church to be truly impactful in today's society. We wrestle with the powerful notion that it is not the church which possesses a mission; rather, it is the mission that possesses a church. Our discussion traverses the landscape of pastoral leadership, the vitality of mission-centric communities, and the import...
May 01, 2024•1 hr 1 min
When the soul craves a deeper, more meaningful connection with its faith, where does one turn? This week, my father-in-law, Reverend John Koczman, joins me for an earnest conversation that goes to the heart of the American Christian church's need for reformation. As we sit down, we grapple with the question of how to cultivate genuine discipleship and communicate the Gospel in a way that touches the personal narratives of each believer. Reverend Koczman, with his decades of experience and mentor...
Apr 17, 2024•45 min•Season 2Ep. 86
Join Stella Yau and me as we traverse the landscape of an American church in the throes of reformation, where the confines of worship expand into the vibrancy of community engagement. Stella shares her profound journey from intercultural ministry with Link to an upcoming venture in Southeast Asia, revealing the profound impact of intentional relationships and the living testament of God's work in our lives. As we peel back the layers of leadership and personal loss, grief, especially through the...
Apr 10, 2024•55 min•Season 2Ep. 85
