The Red Letter Disciple

Why are so many young adults searching for deeper faith? In this special session from the Hodos Influencers Gathering, Bryan Wolfmueller explains why Lutheran theology is uniquely equipped to answer the questions this generation is asking. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

For the first time in LCMS history, the synodical presidential election has advanced to a third ballot. With only 14 votes separating incumbent President Matthew Harrison and challenger Dr. Joel Biermann, Zach Zehnder and Matt Popovits discuss what this unprecedented election reveals about the state of the LCMS, the future of pastoral formation, and why every vote matters. To access the show notes...

For the first time in years, the LCMS presidential election is headed to a second ballot. Tim Ahlman and Zach Zehnder break down the results, discuss the growing support for Dr. Joel Biermann, and explore what these numbers reveal about the future of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Most churches want to make disciples. Few have a clear strategy for multiplying them. In this episode, Zach sits down with LCMS pastor, church planter, and Kairos Network founder Matt Peeples to discuss micro-groups, disciple-making, and why simplicity may be the key to reaching the next generation. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

With 88 overtures related to pastoral formation headed to the 2026 LCMS Convention, one of the most important conversations in the Missouri Synod is heating up. Former Concordia Seminary professor Dr. Andy Bartelt joins Zach Zehnder to explore the history, tensions, opportunities, and future of pastoral formation in the LCMS. To access the show notes visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

In this special breaking episode of Red Letter Disciple, journalist Sam Jane joins Zach Zehnder to unpack the closure of Concordia Ann Arbor and the newly announced sale of the campus to the University of Michigan. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

What is the Go Network, and why are so many mission-minded Lutherans talking about it? Greg Finke and Deaconess Noemí Guerra join Zach Zehnder to discuss trust, discipleship, collaboration, and the future of mission in the LCMS. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

What if the real issue in pastoral formation isn’t pathways—but outcomes? Pastor Brad Urlaub joins Zach to discuss why pastors are leaving ministry, the importance of long-term formation, and the five outcomes every pastoral pathway should produce. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

The LCMS is facing a pastoral shortage—so why limit one of its fastest-growing pathways? Chris Holder shares what it’s really like to go through the SMP program. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com .

What happens when a declining LCMS church chooses courage over comfort? This episode shares the real story of a church merger that brought new life, new people, and renewed faith. As more and more LCMS churches are in decline, helping churches merge like this is a path forward. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

What actually forms a faithful pastor? District Presidents Nathan Meador and Wally Vinovskis unpack residential vs. online seminary and what our LCMS churches really need today. To access the snow notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Brady Finnern joins Red Letter Disciple to talk about the future of the LCMS, why forgiveness still matters, what concerns him about decline, and how hope in Christ can shape the church’s next chapter. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

What would Joel Biermann prioritize if he became LCMS president? In this episode, Zach sits down with Biermann to talk about confessional unity, discipleship, church politics, young adults, worship tensions, and what a more engaged future for the LCMS could look like. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

 Kenny Jahng joins Zach Zehnder to talk about why AI is more than a productivity tool. This conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, identity, relationships, discipleship, and the future of the church. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com .

What happens when a pastor retires without a plan? In this episode, Zach talks with his dad, Mark Zehnder, about pastoral succession, leadership transitions, the LCMS pastor shortage, and why churches need intentional pipelines for the next generation of leaders. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com .

Should SMP pastors always remain under supervision and limited status in the LCMS? Pastor Frank Hart shares his story, challenges, and hopes for pastoral formation in the church. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com .

Why are so many churches struggling to find their next youth pastor, worship leader, or ministry staff member? In this episode, Zach sits down with Dave Miller to talk about the church’s leadership pipeline problem, why Gen Z gives real reason for hope, and how residency programs can help churches raise up leaders from within. If you care about mentoring young leaders, staffing the future Church,...

What exactly does a DCE do—and why is the LCMS facing a major shortage? Concordia St. Paul DCE Program Director Shelly Schwalm joins Zach to talk about discipleship, Gen Z’s fears and faith, women serving in the LCMS, and behind-the-scenes insights from the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Gen Z men are returning to church. Gen Z women are leaving. What’s going on—and what should church leaders do about it? In this episode, Zach sits down with Grant and Cheyanne Skeldon (Way Church, Nashville | THINQ) to unpack the gender gap emerging in Gen Z and how discipleship is the key to reaching the next generation. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Poet and author Tanner Olson joins Zach Zehnder for a powerful conversation about hope, pain, youth ministry, infertility, anxiety, and the power of words. Plus, Tanner shares two poems from his brand new book Getting Through What You’re Going Through. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Dr. W. Mart Thompson, Director of the SMP Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Zach to explain how SMP works, who it’s for, why it exists, and what outcomes the LCMS should actually expect—cutting through confusion in a convention year. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Tim Ahlman returns on the podcast to discuss pastoral formation, trust, division, and his new book Confessing Jesus’ Mission . A candid, hopeful conversation about the future of the LCMS and the work still ahead. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Michael Zeigler of Lutheran Hour Ministries joins Zach to talk sermon prep, Scripture memory, pastoral formation, preaching in a studio vs. a sanctuary, and how digital media, even AI, can faithfully serve the Church. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Jack Kalleberg joins Zach to discuss pastoral formation, leadership development, and the hidden costs shaping the future of the LCMS—exploring opportunity cost, SMP, online formation, and what the church needs next. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com .

Dr. Gene Veith joins Zach for a rich and hope-filled conversation about vocation, ordinary life, and where God is really at work. Gene Veith is an author, longtime professor, and one of the most influential Lutheran thinkers of the last several decades. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com .