Lead Time

Tim Ahlman shares important commitments being made to increase unity in the LCMS regarding pastoral formation discussions, explaining his decision to step back from public commentary on this topic while pursuing appropriate denominational channels for dialogue. • Tim commits to no longer discussing LCMS pastoral formation on his podcasts or promoting non-Synod-approved leadership training programs...

Attorney Kurth Brashear doesn't shy away from addressing the challenging governance issues facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod today. Drawing from his extensive experience in both church leadership and legal practice, he offers a candid assessment of how the church's governance structures sometimes hinder rather than help our shared mission. • Developing a heart for church mission...

What does it mean to be human in an age where technology increasingly blurs the lines between body and machine? Dr. John Pless, professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, tackles this question through the lens of Lutheran ethics. • Lutheran ethics begins with our relationship to God, not merely descriptive or prescriptive approaches • Transhumanism views the body as "an assemblage of replac...

Tim and Jack welcome Tyree Toney (aka Lex Lutheran) to discuss his transition from a Baptist background to confessional Lutheranism, the Wittenberg Project, and opportunities for growth and enhanced mission within the LCMS. • Lex shares his journey from a Baptist upbringing through Catholicism and Methodism before finding his home in confessional Lutheranism • The Wittenberg Project began as an on...

Dr. Kent Burreson shares his 25-year journey teaching Lutheran worship, exploring how liturgy should serve the gospel rather than becoming an end in itself. He offers wisdom on balancing historical practices with contextual relevance while keeping Christ at the center of worship. • Journey from liturgical purist to liturgical pragmatist • How political tribalization has influenced church worship p...

Tim and Jack welcome back Nick Graff, a former Marine Corps sergeant and special forces member, to discuss the aftermath of Seminex and its implications for the modern Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. • The aftermath of Seminex resulted in a more confessionally unified LCMS while also creating a spirit of disunity • Contemporary debates about worship styles often conflate adiaphora (non-essential m...

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod faces significant challenges based on the latest Pew Research Center findings, with declining prayer frequency, weekly worship attendance, and scripture reading. Tim and Jack offer candid insights into the demographic shifts and spiritual trends affecting LCMS congregations nationwide. • LCMS demographics show an aging trend with only 19% of households having chi...

The rapid decline in active LCMS pastors—down 10% in just two years—underscores the need for new approaches to theological education that remain confessionally Lutheran while meeting modern ministry contexts. Enter the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership: Biblical. Reformational. Missional. Affordable. Global. Visit https://cst.ilt.edu/cmpl/ or find the Center for Missional and Pastoral L...

Listening may be the most powerful yet underutilized tool in our spiritual arsenal, particularly in a culture that prizes quick responses and winning arguments over deep understanding. Grab Pastor Brian Davies' new book!  • Pastor Brian Davies introduces his book "Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening"  • Jesus modeled asking questions rathe...

Pastor Robert Balduc shares his journey from corporate life at Ford to planting St. Peter Lutheran Church and becoming an intentionally co-vocational pastor maintaining his role at Volkswagen alongside ministry leadership. • Coming from a corporate background before entering seminary and founding St. Peter in 2006 • Transitioning to a co-vocational model not from financial necessity but strategic...

Tim and Jack explore why developing church leaders locally is both biblical and essential for church health and growth. • The urgent need for leadership in the post-Christian, secular American context • Sustainable leadership training that is robust, affordable, and accessible • Cultural relevance – locally developed leaders understand their communities intuitively • Biblical foundations from Exod...

Jim Sanft, President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, breaks down the differences between single-employer church plans and multiple-employer denominational benefit programs like CPS. He offers crucial insights on how CPS's governance structure provides strong protection for LCMS workers' retirement security. • Addressing a recent Wall Street Journal article about problems in church re...

Pastor Andrew Jones shares insights on unity within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, exploring how harmony functions differently from uniformity and creates a more beautiful expression of Christ's body. • Concordia (harmony) creates beauty through diversity of notes working together rather than identical sounds • Musical metaphors illuminate church dynamics—dissonance and resolution both n...

We explore the theological and practical foundations for creating an invitation culture in your church and why it's essential for long-term growth and sustainability. • Churches often resist growth because people fear change and want to maintain personal relationships with everyone • The church uniquely transforms people from consumers to contributors, unlike any other organization • Three wa...

Discover actionable church marketing strategies to boost attendance and connect with your community. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic outreach in today's changing landscape.  • Discusses the significance of church marketing for growth  • Shares three key outreach strategies: announcements, invitations, and hospitality  • Details the role of your church website as a welcome...

The episode delves into the significance of branding in church ministry, emphasizing how identity and storytelling play crucial roles in reaching new audiences. Church leaders are encouraged to rethink their approach to branding, ensuring alignment between mission statements and the experiences they provide. • Emphasis on the holistic nature of branding for churches  • Importance of storytelling i...

Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer shares his profound insights on faith, ministry, and the church's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine relationships within local congregations and encourages leaders to embrace adaptability while reflecting on their vocation and the importance of community outreach.  • Highlighting the importance of relationships in...

The episode focuses on the interconnected themes of identity and story, emphasizing that understanding one's identity as a gift can alleviate the burdens of self-creation. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies leads the discussion on navigating authenticity in a complex society, the role of suffering, and the impact of essentialism in relationships. • Exploring the relationship between identity and personal n...

See Graphic: Believers are called to resist the discouraging narratives of darkness and hopelessness by embodying empathy, vulnerability, and resilience. Through creative community engagement, Dr. Chad Lakies inspires a refreshed understanding of church as a beacon of light, extending beyond its walls into the world. • Importance of resilience in the face of challenging culture shifts  • Engaging...

This episode dives deep into the importance of multiplication over mere growth in church leadership. We explore humility as a foundational quality for leaders, the biblical basis for raising up other leaders, and practical steps for cultivating a culture of discipleship. • Emphasizing humility as a key trait for effective leaders • Understanding multiplication versus addition in church growth • Le...

Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler shares his hopeful perspective on the LCMS, emphasizing the importance of cultural hospitality and unity through shared goals. The conversation explores the mission of Lutheran Hour Ministries, the importance of dialogue in faith, and the future vision for a welcoming church community.  • Discussing hope and innovation within the LCMS  • The significance of cultural hospit...

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...

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 challenge...

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 back...

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...