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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

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

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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

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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

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Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??
ONLY 14 Spots remain! Your Purchase is your ticket to the event!
https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-form

Is there really a spiritual openness emerging among Gen Z—and if so, how should the church respond?

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg are joined by Mike Jessop, Director of Christian Education at Christ Greenfield, to unpack recent Barna findings on Gen Z, discipleship, and the future of the church. Together, they explore why Gen Z may be more spiritually open than previous generations, what authenticity really means to young adults, and how technology, loneliness, and cultural instability are shaping the next generation’s search for meaning.

See research here:
https://www.barna.com/research/young-adults-lead-resurgence-in-church-attendance/

If you care about LCMS health, leadership development, and long-term faith formation, this episode is essential listening.

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??
40 Spots remain! Your Purchase is your ticket to the event!
https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-form

What does faithful mission look like in today’s fractured, post-Christian culture?

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman is joined by Pastor Brandon Boos, missions pastor at Faith Lutheran Church (Oakville, MO) and one of the youngest pastors in the LCMS. Together, they explore how the church can remain deeply confessional while actively engaging the world—especially young adults who are searching for meaning, community, and truth.

This is an honest, thoughtful discussion for pastors, church leaders, and anyone who cares about the future of Lutheran mission in North America.

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!
(bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Scott Kirchoff to explore one of the most defining — and often misunderstood — aspects of Lutheran identity: the centrality of the Sacraments.

Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry, federal prison chaplaincy, and work on death row, Pastor Kirchoff challenges a subtle shift happening in American Christianity — where sermons become the high point and the Sacraments quietly move to the margins.

This episode is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and thoughtful members within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who are asking hard questions about identity, formation, and faithfulness in a changing cultural landscape.

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!
(bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

Many churches feel tired, conflicted, or stuck—but can’t quite explain why.

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Kurt Senske, longtime LCMS leader and governance expert, to talk about something most churches never examine: how decisions actually get made.

From endless meetings and pastor burnout to stalled mission and internal conflict, this conversation explores how church structure can either support the Gospel—or quietly undermine it.

You’ll hear:
- Why many churches feel harder to lead today than ever before
- The hidden cost of outdated church decision-making models
- How healthy governance frees pastors to be pastors
- Why conflict avoidance is hurting congregations
- What faith-filled, mission-driven leadership can look like in the LCMS

This isn’t about importing corporate models into the church. It’s about stewarding leadership wisely so the mission of Jesus can flourish.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, board member, or longtime church member, this episode will help you see your congregation with fresh eyes.

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!
(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!):
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with theologian and PhD candidate Will Fredstrom to explore AI through the lens of Christian theology, vocation, and embodied life.

This is not a fear-based conversation — it’s a thoughtful, hopeful, and deeply theological exploration of how Christians can live faithfully in a rapidly changing technological world.

Whether you’re a pastor, leader, parent, or simply wondering how AI is shaping your life, this episode will challenge and ground 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