In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Dr. Bruce Hartung—former seminary professor, counselor, and expert in family systems—to unpack one of the biggest challenges facing the Church today: polarization, anxiety in leadership, breakdown of empathy, and the subtle ways spiritual warfare is dividing believers.

Drawing from decades of experience in pastoral care and leadership development, Dr. Hartung explains why:

- Pastors today feel like they have a “target on their back”
- Political identity is reshaping theological conversations
- “Neural overload” is exhausting our ability to love people well
- And why triangulation (gossip) is quietly destroying church unity

This conversation dives deep into family systems theory, anxious leadership, and the call for Christians to become truly countercultural—not just in belief, but in behavior.

If you care about the future of the Church, pastoral health, or navigating conflict with wisdom and love—this episode is essential.

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What if the biggest thing holding you back… is the phrase “I could never”?

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Dr. Cole Braun and Dr. Ryan Bredow to unpack a powerful mindset shift: “Why wouldn’t you?” — and how curiosity can transform your leadership, faith, and everyday life.

From entrepreneurship and education to Ironmans and ministry, this conversation dives deep into:

Why leaders lose curiosity over time
How fear quietly limits your growth
The difference between boldness and recklessness
Why identity in Christ unlocks real risk-taking
And how small shifts in thinking can completely change your future

If you’re feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure of your next step — this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently.

Book: Why Wouldn’t You? How Curiosity Can Transform the Way You Live, Learn, and Grow
https://a.co/d/04OhiKeD

👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, and the future of the Church.

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What is the Mazaroth? Did God leave a message in the stars? In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Rev. Eric Eichinger — pastor, author, and creative voice in the LCMS — to talk about his new theological thriller, Blood of the Mazaroth.

Find It here:
https://a.co/d/0euGdz7x

They explore the biblical mystery behind the Mazaroth in Job, the Magi, the resurrection of Jesus, biblical numerology, the descent into hell, Christian art, and why storytelling still matters for the Church today. They also get into Eric’s work connected to the Reagan film, his book on Eric Liddell, and how Christians can engage culture through beauty, imagination, and truth. If you care about theology, the resurrection, Lutheran thought, Christian storytelling, or the future of the arts in the Church, this is a rich conversation.

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Why are there certain topics Christians avoid talking about—especially in church?

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Mike Novotny to unpack the taboo topics that are quietly affecting thousands of believers every Sunday. From pornography and sexual sin to abuse, politics, and shame—this episode dives into the real struggles Christians face and why bringing them into the light is the only path to healing.

Mike shares his personal story of addiction, the turning point that changed everything, and why honest confession within Christian community is so powerful. Together, they explore how Jesus addressed difficult topics head-on—and why the modern church must do the same.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or unsure how to talk about hard things… this episode is for you.

👉 See Mike's Book here: https://www.taboobook.org/

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Why do so many pastors, leaders, and Christians take themselves so seriously? In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Greg Griffith for a fun but meaningful conversation about humor, joy, leadership, and the role laughter should play in the life of the church.

Together they talk about why humor helps disarm tension, how joy can strengthen relationships, and why Christians should be some of the least offendable people in the world.

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Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!
(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Jordan Boessling to unpack the power—and potential danger—of leadership assessments like StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and Working Genius.

They explore how tools designed to help leaders grow can sometimes lead to overthinking, comparison, and misplaced identity. But when used properly, these assessments can unlock deeper self-awareness, stronger teams, and more effective ministry.

This conversation dives into emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, and the tension between knowing yourself and finding your identity in Christ. If you’ve ever taken a personality test—or questioned whether you should—this episode will challenge and sharpen your perspective.

Ultimately, it’s not just about knowing yourself… it’s about knowing who you are in Jesus.

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Many churches today are focused on growth, strategy, and multiplication—but what if we’ve missed the most important part of Jesus’ method?

In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with church planter and author Peyton Jones to talk about his new book Discipology and why the church must rediscover the simple rhythms of disciple making.

Get Peyton's new book: Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples
https://www.amazon.com/Discipology-Science-Making-Disciples-Exponential/dp/0310180333

They explore the difference between mobilization and multiplication, why most Christians have never been discipled, and how Jesus actually trained the first disciples to change the world.

The conversation also dives into the future of the church, why smaller relational communities are rising, and how everyday believers can be equipped to live out the Great Commission in normal life.

If you care about the future of the church and want to see believers mobilized for mission, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

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Is Generation Z actually returning to faith?

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In this episode, Pastor Tim Ahlman talks with Lutheran educator Chad Janetzke about what today’s students are really searching for spiritually. After nearly 20 years teaching theology at a Lutheran high school, Chad shares what he’s seeing firsthand from Gen Z: a deep hunger for authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a faith that speaks to real life.

They discuss the biggest cultural questions students are asking today—including mental health, identity, politics, and relationships—and how the Church can faithfully respond with both truth and compassion.

You’ll also learn a simple four-question framework Chad teaches his students to help them read the Bible and discover Christ throughout Scripture.

If you’re a parent, pastor, teacher, or church leader wondering how to reach the next generation, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

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