Podcasts about weekly updates

Join the LCMS Current!(sign up now so you receive the next Edition release on Thursday!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?What does healthy leadership look like in today's church?Dr. Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director of PLI (Pastoral Leadership Institute), joins Tim Ahlman to unpack the powerful “Square and Tower” metaphor — a framework that exposes the tension between movement and institution, freedom and structure, and mission and maintenance in the Church.Together, they discuss:- Why both the Square and the Tower are necessary for a thriving LCMS- How Jesus modeled Kingdom leadership beyond institutional control- What the early church teaches us about multiplying leaders- How PLI is equipping thousands globally to lead with courage and adaptability- The dangers of over-centralization, control, and “over-resourcing”- Why the next era of ministry demands entrepreneurial discipleshipThis episode is a masterclass in adaptive, Spirit-led leadership — especially for pastors and church leaders navigating tension between innovation and tradition.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

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Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentThe LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers?Pastor Tim Ahlman, Jack Kalleberg, and Pastor Jonathan Dinger return to one of Lead Time's most popular conversations—this time reframed around access.- What does it mean to create access to the Gospel without compromising theological depth?- How do local contexts—from Arizona to Idaho—shape the way churches live out the confessions?- And what happens when fear, control, or mistrust shape our leadership more than faith and freedom?

We were blessed to have a special guest speaker with us this weekend to share the word! INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

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Pastor Andy Greer went from fundraising for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to preaching from the pulpit at Messiah Lutheran Church. His story shines a light on one of the most controversial discussions in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod: the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program.In this honest and hope-filled conversation, Tim and Andy tackle the ongoing tension between residential seminary training and SMP pathways, the need for new leadership models in growing churches, and how to stay centered on Christ and His mission amid theological division.They also touch on the recent tragedy of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the church's response to political violence, and the call for unity in a polarized time.Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or simply care about the future of the LCMS, this conversation is a must-listen.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

This week, Pastor Zac shares how the Holy Spirit makes us holy by renewing our minds, guiding our actions, and forming Christlike character within us. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

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Are emotions a weakness—or a vital part of faith?

This week, Pastor Zac share how the Holy spirit sets us apart by cleansing us from impurity and consecrating us to God. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

In this powerful Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Mark Brandt — pastor, coach, and longtime leader in the Michigan District of the LCMS. Together they tackle deep and timely questions: What do we do when our prayers feel unanswered? How do we trust God's love in seasons of suffering? And what are the biggest temptations pastors face today?Mark shares personal stories from family struggles, ministry in Frankenmuth, and lessons learned from decades of service in the church. From the viral “crosses in the lawn” movement to the challenges of grief, division, and culture wars, this conversation is both raw and hopeful.Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, or someone wrestling with prayer in dark times, this episode will give you fresh perspective and encouragement to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

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Every Christian comes to moments when this question surfaces: How do I know this is really God's plan?  This week, Pastor's Zac shares some of the ways the Holy Spirit confirms the path we should take. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Is the LCMS truly facing a pastoral shortage — or do we have too many pastors and too few people in the pews? In this bold Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Tim Wood (Ad Crucem, CSL Regent) to confront the uncomfortable realities shaping the Missouri Synod's future.They tackle:- Why Lutheran churches have lost half their membership in 25 years.- Whether our law/gospel preaching model has fallen into a predictable rut.- The shocking case for consolidating congregations and “right-sizing” the pastoral field.- How biblical illiteracy is crippling the next generation of Lutherans.This candid conversation isn't about tearing down — it's about telling the truth in love, so we can chart a faithful future. Whether you agree or disagree, these are the questions the LCMS can't afford to ignore.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

This week, Pastor Zac shares about being led by the Spirit into God's future, even when His answer is “no” or “not now” as He prepares us for a greater “yes.” The safest way into the future is to walk in step with the Spirit. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Most LCMS circuits struggle with collaboration—but not Pastor Joshua Reber's. In this success story, Josh shares how his circuit has built healthy rhythms, a thriving newsletter, men's retreats, and real theological dialogue that bring pastors and congregations closer together.In this episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Josh to explore:- What makes circuit collaboration thrive.- Why pastoral wellness matters for the whole church.- The surprising power of Sabbath rest and holistic health.- How preaching and sermon evaluation can sharpen pastors.- Why faithfulness, not results, is the ultimate goal.This conversation is both honest about the challenges and hopeful about what's possible when circuits work together in the LCMS.Sunburnt SoulsChristian Mental Health Podcast Hosted by a Pastor with Bipolar. Faith and Mental Health.Listen on: Apple Podcasts SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

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This weekend, we are blessed to have Brother Andre Van Zyl with us Sunday for both 9AM & 11AM services as well as a 6PM service and again Monday at 6PM.  INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

This special Lead Time episode is unlike any other. Pastor Tim Ahlman is joined by his father, Pastor Dave Ahlman, to reflect on the tragic recent events shaking our nation—the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the stabbing in Charlotte, and the weight of remembering September 11th.Together, father and son wrestle with the hard questions: Where is God in the midst of evil? How do Christians make sense of senseless violence? How do we hold on to hope when the world feels dark?Drawing deeply from scripture and their own pastoral experiences, Tim and Dave share honest grief, the promise of Christ's victory over death, and a call to courageous faith. This is a conversation for anyone searching for hope, perspective, and peace in a time of great uncertainty.

The LCMS wrestles with real division — often labeled “confessional vs. missional.” But is the deeper tension actually between Barrier Breakers and Distinction Keepers?In this episode, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins Tim and Jack for an honest dialogue about the state of the Synod — and whether conversations like this podcast are helping or hurting. Together they explore:- What drives “barrier breakers” and “distinction keepers”- Why polarization happens inside the church- How confession and absolution can restore unity

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From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture testifies of men and women whose encounters with the Spirit of God transformed the course of their lives. And the good news is this what He did then, He still longs to do today in us. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Weekly Updates

Across the LCMS and beyond, the average congregation hovers around 50 in worship. Why is this the case—and what can be done about it?In this Lead Time conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. David Patterson (Institute of Lutheran Theology) to dig into the deeper issues behind church decline and revitalization. Together they explore:The real indicators of a congregation's health (it's not money or attendance).Why many churches remain “stuck” despite good intentions.How Ephesians 4 points to a path forward—knitting the body together in Christ.The role of humility, unity, and truth-telling in revitalization.This is a candid look at the challenges facing Lutheran congregations today—and the hope that still exists for renewal through the Spirit of God.

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

This week, Pastor Zac shares how the Holy Spirit shapes our discipleship by guiding us into truth, forming us in community, and empowering us for mission. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Episode 512. Recorded on Friday August 29th, 2025 at around 6:38 PM Pacific Time.

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman returns from sabbatical with a candid conversation about the changing landscape of ministry in the LCMS. From re-organizing senior staff and shifting governance models, to the biblical case for pastoral sabbaticals, to the urgent realities of pastoral formation, this episode doesn't shy away from the hard questions.Tim shares personal reflections from his sabbatical and his upcoming book release, while Jack dives into the tough realities facing small congregations, bivocational ministry, and the need for fresh approaches to leadership. Together they recap the Pacific Southwest District convention, explore resolutions around SMP pastors and Lutheran identity, and call the church to unity rooted in Scripture and Confession.

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

This week, Pastor Zac shares how the Holy Spirit is God's promise that you are never alone as you live out His mission. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod often talks about vocation—but are we living it out? In this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Dr. Travis Guse, executive coach and author of Called to Be, to challenge the assumption that “calling” is only for pastors and church workers.Travis shares his journey through burnout, identity crisis, and rediscovering Luther's radical teaching that every baptized believer has a holy calling—whether they're pastors, parents, accountants, or baristas. The conversation explores:✅ Why so many in the LCMS struggle with identity and purpose✅ How Luther's view of vocation can transform ordinary life✅ Why coaching may be the key to raising up healthier leaders and congregations✅ The controversial question: Does the LCMS undervalue the callings of everyday believers?This episode will make you rethink what it means to follow Jesus in the LCMS—and why discovering your God-given calling may be the most urgent issue facing the church today.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

Pastor Nate shares we have a promise from Jesus that the Holy Spirit will take what belongs to Christ and declare/witness it to us.  INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

If you care about the future of the LCMS, you won't want to miss this one.Your perspective matters, let's have discussion that honors Christ! New LCMS data reveals a stunning reality: nearly three-quarters of congregations worship fewer than 100 people each week. Tim and Jack unpack what this means for the future of our pastors, our mission, and our very identity as a church body. Are we facing an “emerging emergency” in staffing, sustainability, and representation? From micro-church struggles to the influence of large congregations, this candid conversation doesn't shy away from the hard truths — and the hopeful opportunities.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

This week, Pastor Zac explores the person of the Holy Spirit, who draws us into God's presence, ignites our hearts with genuine praise, and transforms us through worship. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

If you care about the future of the LCMS, you won't want to miss this one.

Listen to market and economic updates from our CIO Office.

This week Pastor Zac talks about the Holy Spirit's vital role in inspiring the Scriptures and ensuring that every word is God-breathed, trustworthy and applicable to our lives. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Subscribe to Lead Time for real talk about leading in the LCMS today.Why are so many LCMS churches stuck in cycles of insecurity, burnout, and unhealthy culture? In this episode, Dr. Kirk Triplett joins Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg to expose the deeper issues plaguing leadership culture in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. From toxic feedback loops to forgotten celebration, from unclear mission to constant comparison—this conversation digs deep into what's quietly killing joy and mission in our churches.We explore:- How the LCMS avoids clarity by hiding behind “love God, love people”- The difference between behavioral values and organizational values- Why too many pastors are driven by insecurity and the 2% who complain- What the church can learn from Starbucks, big toes, and baby baptismsIt's time to rest, rejoice, and relax—without losing momentum.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

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This week Pastor Nate shares that we have a promise from Jesus that the Holy Spirit will take what belongs to Christ, and declare and witness it to us. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Whether you're a traditionalist, a missional reformer, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge your assumptions and stir your heart for unity, clarity, and bold gospel witness.Rod Zwonitzer—a second-career pastor with a background in corporate marketing—joins Lead Time to drop some hard truth: the LCMS is great at feeding the sheep but terrible at fishing for the lost. In this rich, candid conversation, Rod explores the tension between doctrinal purity and outreach, confessional liturgy and contemporary music, and why the term “church growth” sends some Lutherans into panic mode.From defending contemporary worship (with his Stratocaster in hand) to later questioning whether pop culture fits in the sanctuary, Rod shares his journey through marketing, ministry, and the Book of Proverbs—all while urging the church to stop fighting and start fishing.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

This week Pastor Zac shares about the profound role that the Holy Spirit plays at the communion table. INFO Website: scaccesschurch.com Weekly Updates: program.scaccesschurch.com FOLLOW Facebook: facebook.com/scaccesschurch Instagram: instagram.com/scaccesschurch YouTube: youtube.com/@scaccesschurch GIVE: give.scaccesschurch.com ABOUT: State College Access Church is a life-giving, family-oriented, non-denominational church in the State College area. Our weekend service includes contemporary worship, biblical message, and age specific kids ministry for infants through children in 5th grade.

Are 10,000+ commissioned ministers in the LCMS being overlooked at the highest levels of church leadership? In this eye-opening episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Bob McKinney, Dr. Jonathan Laabs, and Audrey Duensing-Werner to confront the decades-long tension around voting rights and representation for commissioned ministers in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.Why, after 16 attempts across multiple conventions, is the Synod still resisting change? What's really holding us back: polity, fear, or a misunderstanding of power and ministry?This conversation isn't about titles. It's about team, honor, and advancing the gospel in a post-Christian age. Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, DCE, teacher, or simply love your local church — this is a conversation the entire Synod needs to hear.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

In this episode, the hosts discuss the latest updates in FC25's FUT mode, including player values, card analysis, and the impact of shooting mechanics on gameplay. They also delve into the new season's promotions, the Women's Euros, and the introduction of virtual reality experiences in sports. The conversation highlights the excitement and challenges of the current FC landscape, while also addressing the community's feedback on various features and mechanics.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Welcome02:00 Weekly Updates and Gameplay Experiences04:48 Player Value Game: Analyzing Top Players09:55 Exploring Player Cards: Pele vs. Yamal15:05 The Importance of Play Styles in Gameplay19:53 Shooting Mechanics: Low-Driven Shots and Game Balance23:52 Introduction to SBCs and Player Cards28:31 Evaluating New Season Cards29:58 Discussion on Women's Football and New Promo37:02 Virtual Reality Experience in Sports Viewing39:51 Wrap-Up and Future Plans⁠⁠Join the Discord Server for Free! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://discord.gg/rzAjWezwr3 Check out our socials:X: https://twitter.com/futinreviewBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/futinreview.bsky.socialInstagram: https://instragram.com/futinreviewTolando's socials:https://x.com/Tolando77https://www.instagram.com/tolando77/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@tolando77https://www.youtube.com/@Tolando77https://www.twitch.tv/tolando77Questions:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠futinreview@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/futinreview⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.futinreview.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://patreon.com/futinreview⁠

Is the small church model dead? In this explosive episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Rob Myallis (ELCA) for a brutally honest conversation about the economic realities choking the life out of mid-sized churches. With rising costs, unsustainable pastoral expectations, and shifting cultural engagement, Rob unpacks why churches averaging 80–120 in attendance may not survive without radical change.We tackle everything:$30,000 health insurance costsWhy 150 people is the relational ceilingThe burnout crisis among solo pastorsWhy people treat church like a rec center, not a sanctuaryAnd the hard truth: your old church model probably isn't workingIf you've ever asked, “Why are so many churches declining?” or “What future does my congregation really have?”—this one's for you.Support the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Bob Sundquist takes us on a captivating journey through the turbulent founding story of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod—a tale far more complex and human than most church histories acknowledge. Moving beyond simplified narratives of heroes and villains, Sundquist reveals how the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS, Martin Stephan, led 700 Saxon immigrants to America in 1838 only to face accusations and eventual exile across the Mississippi River.This conversation reveals how historical understanding helps us navigate present church tensions between pastoral and congregational authority.• History is fundamentally about storytelling and understanding people, not just memorizing dates• Martin Stephan was the first "celebrity pastor" of the LCMS whose leadership eventually created a crisis• The accusations against Stephan of sexual impropriety likely had no concrete evidence but were used to remove him• C.F.W. Walther developed Lutheran understanding of church authority through the trauma of Stephan's removal• Pastors should focus primarily on Word and Sacrament ministry rather than business management• The LCMS has historically had a hyper-fixation on the Office of Ministry as a result of early traumas• Walther's "Duties of an Evangelical Lutheran Synod" (1879) offers wisdom for contemporary church conflicts• The Missouri Synod repeats the same resolutions without taking action, indicating unresolved tensionsSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

What happens when the traditional path to ministry isn't an option? For Pastor Eli Thomas, the journey to becoming an LCMS pastor meant navigating uncharted waters through the colloquy process while balancing family responsibilities, work, and education over eleven challenging years.What began as a winding path through different denominations ultimately led him back to Lutheran theology through his rediscovery of the real presence of Christ in the sacraments.• Taking 11 years to complete undergraduate and seminary education while working and raising a family• Navigating the challenging colloquy process to become an LCMS pastor• Finding joy in interactive Bible study that transforms both teacher and students• Serving two congregations simultaneously, including one with an average age of 80• Moving from lecture-style teaching to dialogue that helps people experience Scripture• Reflecting on convention experiences and hopes for the future of pastoral formation• Discovering God's faithfulness when facing unexpected challengesSupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org