Podcasts about lutheran church missouri synod

Stay up to date by joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Drawing from 36 years of leadership at Procter & Gamble and his book Kingdom Leadership, Ron Kelleher joins Tim and Jack to explore how Jesus reshapes the way Christians lead. They discuss servant leadership, integrity, humility, compassionate accountability, stewardship, discernment, prayer, and perseverance—and why these principles produce stronger organizations rather than weaker leaders.Whether you lead a business, ministry, team, classroom, or family, this conversation offers practical guidance for embodying Christ wherever you live, work, and play.Get Ron's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Leadership-Marketplace-Transformative-Faith-Driven/dp/B0GQ3XVLTY⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Join Lead Time Plus and support honest, hopeful, Christ-centered conversations for the future of the Church:https://app.echometric.org/go/lead-time-plus-audioTim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg welcome Dylan Owens, manager of the Bulldog Fan Shop and shooting sports coach at Concordia University, Nebraska. Dylan shares his journey from a Southern Baptist and charismatic background into the Lutheran Church, including the questions about Baptism and Communion that initially challenged him—and ultimately helped him discover the assurance and sacramental gifts of confessional Lutheranism.The conversation then turns toward one of the LCMS's greatest untapped opportunities: identifying, discipling, and empowering gifted laypeople to serve alongside their pastors. Dylan describes how leaders with experience in finance, law, nonprofit development, administration, and other fields helped prepare his congregation to receive a new pastor without placing the entire operational burden on his shoulders.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Jesus highlights the greatness of His little ones by saying that their angels always see the Father's face. When Jesus' disciples focus on their Father, they will share in the concern of the angels for the little ones of Jesus' kingdom. His care for His little ones shows through His activity as the Good Shepherd who seeks and saves the lost. In the same way, Christians do not neglect sin that threatens the Church, but in love, Christians seek for reconciliation and forgiveness for the sake of the health of the family of God.  Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 18:10-20.  To learn more about LCMS Worship, visit lcms.org/worship. “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversation⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️Rev. John Kunze has served Messiah Church and School in Lincoln, Nebraska, for more than 25 years. In this candid conversation, he explains why large congregations face unique ministry challenges—and why he believes their experience, ideas, and missional perspective are often missing from Synod-wide conversations.John, Tim, and Jack discuss representation at LCMS conventions, the growing complexity of Synod governance, pastoral formation through the SMP program, and the financial and relational realities of leading a large church and school. John also shares a remarkable story of reconciliation with a pastor who once publicly criticized his ministry—offering a hopeful picture of what confession, forgiveness, trust, and genuine unity could look like across the LCMS.The episode ultimately asks a much bigger question: Can the LCMS stop fighting over ministry differences long enough to learn from one another and reach more people with the Gospel?⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Stay up to date by joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) What if your congregation doesn't need to manufacture more missionaries—but simply learn to recognize the people God has already placed there?Tardelli Voss joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg to share what is happening through the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego. In just three years, the society has begun working with more than 50 everyday missionaries and helped launch over 20 ministries across San Diego and Tijuana. These aren't all traditional church plants. They include ministries emerging in neighborhoods, jails, military communities, immigrant communities, and even a potential karate-and-catechism class.Learn more about the Lutheran Mission Society San Diego and support its work at https://www.sdlutherans.org/⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversation⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️Why are faithful families quietly leaving the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod—even when their children still love Jesus, worship faithfully, and raise their own families in the Christian faith?Former LCMS President Rev. Dr. Jerry Kieschnick joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg for a candid conversation about the future of the LCMS. Jerry shares the message he prepared—but was not given the opportunity to deliver—at the 2026 LCMS Convention. It begins with the story of one LCMS family whose four adult children remain committed Christians, yet none will attend an LCMS congregation.Can the LCMS remain deeply confessional while becoming more relational, charitable, and missionally focused? Join the conversation—and help us pursue courageous, faithful dialogue for the future of the church.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Lead Time was asked to remove our recent conversation with Casey Salminen concerning Concordia University Ann Arbor. We have done so.In this personal response, Tim Ahlman addresses the decision, acknowledges what he does and does not know, and reflects on the sadness of conflict and litigation among fellow Christians. He emphasizes that the story of CUAA is complex, that no one should be reduced to either hero or villain, and that he continues to pray for Concordia University Wisconsin and Ann Arbor, their leaders, and everyone affected.But this response is also about something larger: Should difficult matters within the church be discussed publicly? Tim explains why Lead Time has sought to elevate the voices of pastors, commissioned workers, and lay leaders—even when their stories are uncomfortable. ⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

What are the duties of the 4th Vice President of the LCMS? The Rev. Nabil Nour (4th Vice President of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early life and seminary journey, his work in the Executive Synod District as 4th Vice President, and what he loves about being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent What if people aren't rejecting spiritual conversations—they're simply waiting for someone willing to have one?Tim sits down with Rev. Randy Larson, Church Partnerships Director at FiveTwo, to discuss the growing spiritual hunger in our communities and why churches can no longer wait for people to walk through their doors. Randy explains how congregations can build a compelling vision, develop the next generation of leaders, and embrace thoughtful strategy without compromising their biblical mission.Randy also shares the simple practice that transformed his relationship with his neighbors: taking “five-minute mission trips” across the street. From cultivating a thick skin and soft heart in ministry to bringing the church onto front porches and around fire pits, this conversation offers practical encouragement for pastors and everyday Christians ready to join Jesus in their own neighborhoods.Learn more about Randy and the work of FiveTwo:https://fivetwo.comSupport the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

Stay up to date by joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) What happens when millions of dollars are given to a Lutheran university for Gospel-centered ministry—and the campus those gifts were intended to support is later sold?Casey Salminen, president of the Oscar & Keturah Haab Foundation, joins Tim Ahlman to tell the remarkable story of Oscar and Kay Haab, their generosity toward Concordia University Ann Arbor, and the responsibility Casey says Kay entrusted to her before her death. Casey explains why the foundation continues to seek answers regarding donor intent, restricted gifts, the proposed fitness center, CUAA's endowment, and the decisions that preceded the sale of the main campus.Casey also shares her perspective on the alternative plans supporters believe could have preserved ministry on the property, the human toll experienced by students, employees, alumni, and donors, and why “I don't know” cannot be the final answer when institutions and ministries are at stake.This conversation ultimately reaches beyond one university. Tim and Casey discuss transparency, institutional trust, the closing of Lutheran churches and schools, spiritual warfare, the contribution of women in the church, and the hope that God can still bring new ministry from the ashes.This episode presents Casey Salminen's account and perspective on events, including matters that remain disputed or unresolved. Lead Time welcomes thoughtful, charitable responses from those with additional perspectives.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Stay up to date by joining the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) What if words Christians use every week—like law, preach, prophecy, confess, obey, sanctification, and sacrament—do not always mean what we assume they mean?Rev. Dr. Mike Middendorf joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg to examine how these familiar theological terms are actually used in Scripture. The conversation challenges the idea that preaching belongs only to pastors, prophecy primarily predicts the future, confession is mostly about admitting sin, and sanctification begins with what Christians accomplish.They also explore law and Gospel, the priesthood of all believers, Zionism and dispensationalism, the biblical meaning of Israel, the relationship between pastors, elders and deacons, and why careful exegesis matters for the life of the church. Throughout the conversation, one concern rises above the rest: when Christians misunderstand biblical language, the richness of the Gospel can become obscured.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

We head Southeast for our conversation, recorded at the LCMS Synod Convention. The Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon (President, Southeastern District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, also serving King of Glory, Williamsburg, VA) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and school journey, how he became a pastor, how he serves as President of the Southeastern District, what makes this district unique, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date. Who gets to decide what the Bible means—and how can Christians recognize when an interpretation has crossed the boundaries of historic Christian faith?Rev. Roland Weisbrot joins Tim Ahlman to explore the regula fidei, or “rule of faith”: the apostolic summary of Christian truth preserved in Scripture, confessed in the historic creeds, and passed down through the worshiping life of the Church. They discuss why sola Scriptura does not mean reading Scripture in isolation, how the creeds protect the Church from theological distortion, and why Christ must remain at the center of all Christian interpretation.Read Roland's articleSupport the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversationThis story simply must be shared.Carter Nath was already serving his rural Iowa congregation when its pastor announced his approaching retirement. As two neighboring Lutheran Church Missouri Synod churches searched for a path forward, Carter was willing to pursue pastoral formation and continue serving the people and community he loved. Then he learned that his age could prevent him from entering the Specific Ministry Pastor program.Carter joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg to tell the deeply personal story behind an approaching church closure—and to explain what is truly lost when a rural congregation disappears. This is not merely a conversation about institutional policy. It is about people, communities, pastoral formation, and whether the LCMS can develop faithful local leaders before more Gospel outposts reach their final Sunday.Carter's story deserves to be heard by anyone who cares about rural ministry, the pastoral shortage, and the future of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.If you have a story to share, email: tahlman@cglchurch.orgSupport the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Clara Schmitt was a mover and a shaker who spent most of her adult life relentlessly pursuing her goal to develop a national women's group to support missions through The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.  For the last 179 years of USA history, LCMS women have been “influencers” in our American culture, using their many gifts and talents to share Jesus' love in their homes, families, churches, schools, and work places. HIS Story through History: Faithful Women is a set of stories about LCMS women who applied biblical principles in their vocations; some names you may recognize, while others are known only to a few.  Listen here or read these stories at https://www.lwml.org/250   Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.    HIS Story Through History: Faithful Women, written by Carolyn Blum, Hartford, Wisconsin  Copyright © 2026 Lutheran Women's Missionary League. All rights reserved.  lwml.org

Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversation: https://app.echometric.org/go/lead-time-plus-audioLearn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusIn a hyper-political, post-Christian culture, what is the church actually called to do? Should Christians retreat from the world, fight to reclaim the culture through political power, or continually adapt the church's message to fit whatever society currently values?Minnesota South District President Lucas Woodford joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg for a wide-ranging conversation about faithful ministry in a rapidly changing America. They explore the dangers of allowing the church to be co-opted by political parties, the difference between healthy contextualization and reshaping Christianity around a target market, and why modern secularism may be less atheistic than it is a return to ancient paganism.Lucas also explains why Christians are not called to evangelize a collapsing culture, but to bring the hope of Christ to the people living within it. The conversation examines Lutheran worship, cowboy and culturally specific churches, the work of the Holy Spirit, pastoral formation in the LCMS, institutional adaptation, and what it means to be “in the world and of the Word.”The culture may be changing—but the Word of God still works. Where the Word is sown, its culture is grown.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date. Why do so many attempts at church change stall, divide congregations, or leave pastors exhausted?Reverend Dr. Keith Haney joins Tim Ahlman to explain why compelling vision alone isn't enough. Drawing from his book, Guided by Grace: A Narrative to Lead Organizational Change, Dr. Haney identifies the foundations churches frequently overlook: creating genuine urgency, building a diverse guiding team, defining the destination, measuring meaningful progress, and maintaining relationships when change becomes painful.Tim and Keith also discuss why servant-hearted pastors can struggle to lead change, the danger of leadership isolation, the value of mentors and coaches, and how churches can remain united across racial and political differences. This is a practical and encouraging conversation for pastors, ministry leaders, and congregation members who want to move their churches forward without losing sight of grace—or one another.Learn more about Dr. Keith Haney, his writing, and his podcast at https://becomingbridgebuilders.org/Support the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

Join Lead Time+ to continue the conversationLearn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusThe LCMS needs more pastors—but can it expand the pastoral pipeline without sacrificing theological depth?Rev. Dr. Andrew Bartelt and Rev. Dr. James Voelz join Tim Ahlman to trace the history of DELTO and the Specific Ministry Pastor program, explain why SMP was never designed to be equivalent to a residential MDiv, and confront the growing tension between maintaining rigorous formation and reaching congregations and communities that lack pastoral leadership.The conversation moves beyond filling vacant pulpits to ask what the church's entire ministry ecosystem could become. Could deacons and evangelists recover meaningful roles? Should SMP lead into broader certification or an online MDiv? How can residential education, contextual formation, and lifelong supervision complement one another rather than compete?The church must get the message right—and get the message out. This conversation explores what may need to change for the LCMS to do both.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Join Lead Time+Learn more about Lead Time+One of the clearest moments of pushback at the LCMS Convention came when the body rejected a proposal that would have moved the Synod presidential election to the convention floor—choosing instead to preserve and strengthen the broader congregational voting process.Jack Kalleberg and Pastor Joe Beran explain why that vote mattered, what it revealed about authority and trust within the LCMS, and how President Harrison handled a result that went against the committee's recommendation.They also enter the deeper debate underneath several convention decisions: Is Lutheran identity defined by Scripture and the Confessions alone, or is it also connected to a particular style of worship? What should worship look like at the Concordias? Is the LCMS prepared to reach people across America's different cultures—or are we asking people to first conform to a culture we have labeled “Lutheran”?The episode concludes with the complicated relationship between the LCMS and the AALC, the limits of what delegates were able to know before voting, and a reminder that even through a messy convention process, Jesus remains Lord of His Church.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Mark Stern, Chicago Attorney and LCMS Layman The post A Roundup of the 69th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod – Mark Stern, 7/23/26 (2044) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

We catch up with Erin Bode at the LCMS Synodical Convention about the release of a special collaborative album that has been in the works for years. Erin Bode (singer, songwriter, and recording artist) joins Andy and Sarah to talk about her trips to South Africa in the early 2000s to visit the Themba School, why she returned to the Themba School to record with the boys' choir, the collaborative process required to create the beautiful music on the new release "Sounds of Mercy," and some insight into the creative process and what she learned through the process of creating this album. Find the new release of Erin Bode and the Themba Boys Choir at resources.lcms.org/erin-bode. Hear our previous interview with Erin and President Harrison at kfuo.org/2025/12/18/coffee-hour-121825-erin-bode-and-the-themba-girls. Music in this episode from Sounds of Mercy, Erin Bode, the Themba Boys' Choir and The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Join Lead Time+Learn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusRecorded on location at the 2026 LCMS Convention, Jack sits down with Joe Beran for an immediate and honest reflection on what the convention floor is revealing about the direction of the church body.Why do floor committee recommendations carry so much weight? What did the difficult Simple Seminary and Jeffrey Kloha exchange reveal about the way disagreement is handled? And is the LCMS pursuing healthy unity—or moving toward greater uniformity in ministry practice?Jack and Joe discuss pastoral formation, the growing weight of synodical bylaws and resolutions, the newly created worship committee, contextual ministry, proposed changes to the presidential election process, and the realization that entrepreneurial ministry voices may represent a passionate minority within the Synod.Can the LCMS remain deeply confessional while giving faithful leaders the freedom to reach different communities in different ways?Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

We take a tour of the Great Lakes region for today's conversation, recorded at the LCMS Synodical Convention. The Rev. Eric Skovgaard (Great Lakes Region 6th Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and serving at Elm Grove Lutheran Church, Elm Grove, WI) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his first career influenced his pastoral formation, how he's served the church over the years, the Great Lakes region of the LCMS, his duties as 6th Vice President, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Join Lead Time+Learn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusRecorded across two days at the LCMS Convention in Phoenix, this 2 part special Lead Time episode captures the conversation both before and after one of the convention's most consequential debates.Tim Ahlman and Joe Beran discuss the reaffirmation of residential seminary as the LCMS's primary and preferred pathway for pastoral formation, the convention's response to unauthorized formation partnerships, and the urgent reality of hundreds of empty pulpits. Can the church maintain rigorous, confessional formation while continuing to explore faithful ways of meeting the leadership needs already confronting local congregations?The conversation also moves beyond resolutions and institutional policy. Tim and Joe address labels, caricatures, communion practice, LCMS history, the future of SMP, and the “narcissism of small differences” that can cause Christians who agree on nearly everything to treat one another as enemies.How can the LCMS disagree honestly, guard its confession, raise up more workers, and continue walking together in love?Share your perspective in the comments—and remember that faithful reform should never produce unhealthy zeal, contempt, or division inside the local church.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Jesus promises His disciples that as they confess Him before the world, He will confess them before His Father in heaven. The disciples must know that this will bring division even within their own families, and they must bear this division as carrying a cross while following Jesus. To lose their lives for His sake will be to truly keep their lives eternally. Those who receive the disciples are actually receiving Jesus and the Father who sent Him. This strengthens the disciples as they go out proclaiming the kingdom of God.  Rev. Dr. Scott Murray, pastor emeritus in Houston, TX and Third Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Matthew 10:32-42.  “The Reign of Heaven Stands Near” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies the Gospel according to St. Matthew. The first evangelist proclaims that God has fulfilled His Old Testament promises by sending Jesus to bring the reign of the heavens among us. As the Son of David, Jesus is the gracious King we need, and as the Son of Abraham, Jesus is the blessing to all the families of the earth.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Pastor Appel serves at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, IL. Learn more at flcgodfrey.org. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

Join Lead Time+: https://www.skool.com/leadtimeplus/aboutLearn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusJust days before the 2026 LCMS Convention, the debate over the future of the Concordia University System has reopened.Concordia University, Nebraska President Dr. Bernard Bull joins Tim Ahlman to explain why he believes the Synod should preserve the current CUS structure while completing deeper financial, legal and governance due diligence. They examine the proposed $600,000-$1.2 million in savings, Bull's concern that as much as $20 million in designated gifts could become more complicated, and the responsibility of overseeing more than $1 billion in university assets.Beyond the numbers, this conversation asks a much larger question: Will the LCMS pursue an expansive vision for Lutheran higher education, or narrow the Concordia system to only one or two institutions? What should delegates do with Resolutions 7-01 and 7-08? Share your perspective respectfully below.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

We head to Ohio for today's conversation! The Rev. Dr. Kevin Wilson (President, Ohio District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his early life and school journey, how he became a pastor and how his previous interests help him in this vocation, how he's served the church over the years, what makes Ohio a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentJoin the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date.Why are so many Christians uncomfortable sharing their faith? Randy Loubier believes it's because we've turned evangelism into a formula Jesus never gave us.Randy spent 50 years as an anti-Christian before personal tragedy led him to open the Bible for himself. What began in Genesis—and unexpectedly came alive in Leviticus—ultimately transformed his life and sent him into the streets to share the hope he had found.Tim and Randy explore how Jesus approached unbelievers, the proper place of sin and repentance, Lutheran law-and-gospel theology, and simple ways ordinary Christians can bring the love of Christ into grocery stores, workplaces, neighborhoods, and everyday conversations. Evangelism doesn't have to begin with pressure or a perfectly memorized presentation. It can begin with prayer, curiosity, compassion, and a willingness to notice the person in front of you.Learn more about Randy's work and discipleship resources at https://www.72disciples.com/Support the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

Join Lead Time+: https://www.skool.com/leadtimeplus/aboutLearn more about Lead Time+: https://www.uniteleadership.org/support/leadtimeplusCould a Lutheran medical school have changed the future of Concordia University Ann Arbor—and strengthened the entire Concordia system?In this special 2026 LCMS Convention episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Paul Fowler—physician, attorney, LCMS lay leader, and experienced medical-school developer—to hear the plan he believes could have created a Christ-centered College of Osteopathic Medicine, generated substantial long-term revenue, protected pre-seminary education, and expanded the LCMS's capacity for global mercy work.Dr. Fowler explains how medical schools helped rescue struggling Christian colleges in Kentucky and Mississippi, why he believes a fully enrolled program could generate roughly $64 million in annual gross tuition, and why he's concerned about Concordia's proposed partnership with the for-profit Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine. This episode presents Dr. Fowler's perspective and concerns—Lead Time welcomes the leaders involved to continue the conversation and respond.Go deeper with Lead Time+, our private community for listeners who want to move beyond the headlines and engage directly with Tim, Jack, and other Lutheran leaders through private episodes, monthly live Zoom conversations, and a space for real discussion.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

----- Worship Times Sunday – 8:00 & 10:45 a.m. Monday – 6:30 p.m. https://trinitysheboygan.org https://facebook.com/trinitysheboygan We are a congregation of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Join us as we proclaim Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins. --- Trinity Lutheran Church, School and Child Care have been "Making Known the Love of Christ" in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and throughout the world since 1853 as a congregation gathering around God's Word and Sacraments to receive forgiveness and life everlasting. Trinity is located in downtown Sheboygan, only one block from the Mead Public Library and the Weill Center for the Performing Arts. We invite you to visit us in person! Trinity Lutheran Sheboygan is a proud member of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit their website: https://www.lcms.org/​​​​ Music for this production was obtained through a licensing agreement with One License, LLC. The copyright permission to reprint, podcast, and record hymns and songs is acquired through ID Number: 730195-A #LCMS #Lutheran #DivineService

We head out to South Dakota for today's conversation! The Rev. Randy Sturzenbecher (President, South Dakota District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his upbringing in South Dakota and his path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what it's like to serve so close to where he was raised, what he's learned from his service to the church, what makes South Dakota a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentJoin the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date.Is the church getting distracted by end-times speculation, rapture anxiety, and geopolitical fear?In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Erick Sorensen from 1517 to talk about Israel, dispensationalism, Revelation, and why Christians should greet Christ's return with hope rather than fear.The conversation doesn't stop there — Tim and Erick also dig into signs of spiritual awakening in the West, Word and Sacrament ministry, the role of hospitality in a healthy church, why organizational leadership is unavoidable for pastors, navigating change without burnout, and safeguarding ministries from moral failure.This is a wide-ranging, honest, gospel-centered conversation for pastors, church leaders, and Christians who want clarity, courage, and hope in a confusing time. Jesus is enough — the church is changing, but the core message remains unchanged.Support the showWatch Us On Youtube! Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent

https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentJoin the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date.Resolution 9.11 may sound like a technical bylaw issue — but it could have major implications for the future of mission, ministry, property, insurance, and institutional trust in the LCMS.In this special Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Bart Day, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund; Kevin Herweck, President of Concordia Plan Services; and Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President of the Pacific Southwest District, to bring clarity to one of the most important resolutions heading into the 2026 Synod Convention.They discuss why Resolution 9.11 is being proposed, how it could help LCMS agencies respond more quickly to ministry opportunities, what it means for real estate development and closed church properties, why Concordia Plan Services needed more flexibility for insurance solutions, and whether this resolution impacts RSOs.If you are an LCMS delegate, pastor, church leader, or layperson who cares about the future of mission in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, this conversation is worth your time.This is not just about bylaws. It is about whether the church can steward its resources creatively, responsibly, and missionally for the sake of the Gospel.Support the show⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️Care about the future of the LCMS?Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

We head out to Montana for today's conversation! The Rev. Ryan Wendt (President, Montana District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church, Billings, MT) joins Andy and Sarah to answer the now infamous Lightning Round of Favorites (which every COP member will be subjected to) and to talk about his childhood and path to seminary education, where he has served along the way, what he's learned from his service to the church, interesting facts about Montana and what makes it a unique place, and why he loves being a pastor in the LCMS today. Learn more about the LCMS President and Vice Presidents at lcms.org/about/leadership/president and the 35 LCMS Districts at lcms.org/districts. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

Mark Stern, Chicago Attorney and LCMS Layman The post The 69th Regular Convention of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – Mark Stern, 6/17/26 (1683) first appeared on Issues, Etc..

Tom Halvorson, attorney and author, “Complaint Filed in LCMS v. Christian, Bannwolf & Concordia University Texas” LCMS Persists in Asserting Federal Jurisdiction of Concordia University Texas Case Complaint Filed in LCMS v. Christian, Bannwolf & Concordia University Texas The Sovereignty of Nebulous Ethos at Concordia Texas Two Simple Questions about Concordia Texas Throwing Off the Bylaws of the LCMSThe post An Update on a Lawsuit Between Concordia University Texas and the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod – Tom Halvorson, 6/9/26 (1603) first appeared on Issues, Etc..