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Is Concordia Seminary embracing “Seminex 2.0”?

Does modern linguistic theory make Scripture meaningless?
Can Christians interpret the Bible “objectively”?

In this episode of LEAD TIME, Pastor Tim sits down with Jim Voelz, longtime professor at Concordia Seminary, to respond directly to recent critiques surrounding his books:

- What Does This Mean?
- Principles of Biblical Interpretation for Everyone

This conversation tackles some of the most important theological questions facing the LCMS right now: hermeneutics, authority, objectivity, and confession.

If you care about faithful biblical interpretation, Lutheran theology, and the future of our church — this episode is for you.

Concerned about what is happening in the wider LCMS?
Check this out: http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTV

Support the show

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter

Visit uniteleadership.org

What happens when churches stop listening to their people—and what becomes possible when they do?

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with Ryan Ermeling, founder of Parent Pulse and the newly launched Church Voice, to explore why feedback often feels threatening in church leadership—and why avoiding it can quietly erode trust, unity, and mission.

👉 Learn more about Church Voice at https://www.churchvoice.io/

Together, they unpack the difference between feedback and insight, how real-time listening can prevent families from slipping away unnoticed, and why humility—not fear—is the posture faithful leadership requires. The conversation also tackles healthy conflict, trust within the LCMS, and how leaders can listen without surrendering theological conviction.

If you’re a pastor, church leader, or ministry decision-maker navigating complexity, disagreement, or change, this episode offers a grounded, hope-filled framework for leading with clarity, courage, and care.

Care about what is happening in the wider LCMS? Check this out:
http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTV

Support the show

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter

Visit uniteleadership.org

Tim's Book - Confessing Jesus' Mission is finally out! Find it here:
http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTV

This is a very special episode of LEAD Time.

On launch day of Confessing Jesus’ Mission, Tim Ahlman joins the podcast for a different kind of conversation—not to defend a book, but to ask a deeper question facing the church today:

Have we lost a shared sense of why the church exists?

In this episode, Joe Beran interviews Tim about the growing fragmentation within the LCMS, the false binary between confession and mission, and why fear has quietly replaced courage in many of our conversations. Together, they explore how tribalism has shaped church discourse, why the Missio Dei must once again drive our priorities, and how the church can move from playing defense to faithfully going on offense for the sake of the lost.

The conversation also touches on pastoral formation, leadership development, and why strategic thinking does not undermine Lutheran identity—but can actually serve it when rooted in Christ, the Means of Grace, and love for neighbor.

This episode is not a manifesto. It’s an invitation:
- To leaders who care deeply about the future of the church
- To pastors and lay leaders willing to have honest, collegial conversations
- To anyone longing for unity without compromise and mission without fear

Tim also shares who the book is for, who it’s not for, and how it’s meant to be read—not in isolation, but in community, as a catalyst for deeper conversation and renewed clarity around the mission God has already given His church.

If you’ve felt the tension between faithfulness and fruitfulness, confession and mission, or tradition and innovation, this episode is for you.

Support the show

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter

Visit uniteleadership.org