Lead Time

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 th...

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 theologi...

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...

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 br...

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 ho...

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&apos...

What if the future of theological education wasn't bound by the walls of traditional campuses? Reverend Jeff from the North American Lutheran Seminary joins us to unravel this intriguing possibility by explaining the seminary's innovative hub-and-spoke model. As the Director of Vocational Discernment, he shares how partnerships with institutions like Trinity Anglican Seminary and Concord...

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you. Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus! All NEW ULC Missions Class For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10 For a 25% off discount - join our LeadTime Email List!! Kairos Network: Missionary Pathway Dis...

Ever wonder how everyday believers can shape the future of their church without heading down the path of pastoral ordination? Meet Ty Schommer, a devoted deacon and co-vocational leader from Alaska, who shares his compelling journey within the Lutheran Church. Ty's story is a testament to the power of laity, revealing how congregations can cultivate spiritual growth and leadership among their...

What if our disagreements could actually bring us closer together? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the art of disagreeing agreeably with our special guest, Matt Borrasso, pastor at Trinity Lutheran in Lexington Park. Drawing from the works of Diana Glyer, Matt shares his insights on fostering intellectual hospitality and cultivating curiosity over condemnation within the Lutheran Church...

Unlock the secrets of Martin Luther's profound theological insights with our special guest, Dr. Bob Kolb. Join us as we explore the evolution of Luther’s understanding of the devil's multifaceted role in the Christian life, through his intriguing concepts of the "black devil" and "white devil." Discover how these ideas reveal Satan’s cunning strategies to lure believe...

Can demographic shifts and economic changes redefine the future of Concordia Plan Services? Explore this and more in our enlightening conversation with Jim Sanft . As we unpack the multifaceted challenges surrounding pension plans and rate increases, Jim illuminates how demographic declines in ordained and commissioned ministers are counterbalanced by the promising growth of lay workers and Luther...

Reverend Dr. David Schmitt has spent nearly three decades shaping the voices of future pastors, and today, he shares his wisdom on the art of preaching with us. Discover how he likens sermon crafting to cooking a rich stew, blending diverse life experiences to create messages that resonate deeply with congregations. We'll uncover how integrating personal stories and experiences into sermons n...

Unlock the secret to effective church leadership with insights from Vince Parks, one of the few ordained executive pastors in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Our conversation reveals how specialized roles like the executive pastor can transform a congregation by focusing on operations, systems, and strategy, thereby allowing traditional pastors to concentrate on spiritual guidance. Vince share...

Can Christian themes hold their own against blockbuster franchises like "Fast and the Furious" and "Iron Man"? Join us as Todd Freeman, a seasoned filmmaker turned ministry director, shares his insights on the power of "suspension of disbelief" and how it allows audiences to embrace even the most fantastical elements in storytelling. We explore why Christian filmmaker...

Can faith and reason coexist in today's secular academic world? Join us in a compelling discussion with Reverend Dr. Joshua Hollmann, professor of systematic theology at Concordia University in St. Paul, as we navigate the complex landscape of integrating faith into academic life. Dr. Hollmann shares his profound insights from his article "Faith Seeking Understanding: Theological Paradig...

What sustains a pastor through 35 years of ministry? Join us as John Stennfeld , a seasoned pastor at Christ Lutheran in Austin, Texas, reveals the foundations of his enduring journey. With a focus on God's word and a balanced identity, John discusses how understanding his "why" has influenced his leadership and ministry. Discover the significance of knowing who you are as a child o...

Join us as we chat with Dan Burk, principal and chief operating officer at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School in Westland, Michigan, who shares his intriguing journey and the layers of challenges and rewards that come with it. Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter We kick off with Dan's extensive...

Reverend Dr. Robin Dugall takes us on a compelling journey through his transition from the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Facing challenges within congregations that he felt were veering away from foundational principles, Reverend Dugall’s narrative offers an intimate glimpse into his personal experiences and the broader implications for...

Ever wondered how a shift from musical theater to ministry could shape a dynamic pastoral career? Join us for an inspiring chat with Pastor Matt Popovits, senior pastor at St. Mark Lutheran in Houston, Texas, as he shares his remarkable journey and the pivotal role that mentorship played in his transformation. Learn how empowering young leaders within the church can pave the way for future generat...

How can we lead lives of true significance and unity in our vocations, whether in pastoral roles or everyday professions? Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) Reverend David Davis, the district president of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) in Michigan, joins us to unpack these profound themes. David shares his journey and proactive efforts in supporting Co...

Ever wondered what it's like to grow up in the unique world of a pastor's family? This episode promises a blend of humor, candor, and valuable insights into the multifaceted lives of pastors and their families:  Meet Alexa Ahlman, who shares her heartfelt and humorous tales of life as a pastor's kid. From the fun and camaraderie with her brothers at church to the pressures of living...

What if transformation isn't just about self-driven change, but a divine journey that starts from within? In this episode of Lead Time, we sit down with Rob Kelly, co-author of "Metanoia: How God Radically Transforms People, Churches, and Organizations from the Inside Out," to explore this profound concept. Find the book here: https://www.metanoia-book.com/ Rob shares his unique the...

What does it mean to be Lutheran in today's world? Join us on Lead Time as we sit down with Trevor Sutton, senior pastor at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Lansing, Michigan, to explore this question. Discover how confessional Lutheranism stands apart from its more liberal counterparts, and why confessing Jesus and adhering to the authority of scripture remain central. We discuss the theological...

How does a university navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and legal battles?  Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Dr. Don Christian, president of Concordia University Texas, joins us to discuss the ongoing lawsuit with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and what it means for the instit...