Reverend Dr. David Schmitt has spent nearly three decades shaping the voices of future pastors, and today, he shares his wisdom on the art of preaching with us. Discover how he likens sermon crafting to cooking a rich stew, blending diverse life experiences to create messages that resonate deeply with congregations. We'll uncover how integrating personal stories and experiences into sermons not only fulfills the preacher but also opens up profound, surprising connections through the Holy Spirit.

Our conversation takes us through the intersection of literature, culture, and religion in preaching. With my background in American and English literature, we'll explore how understanding mystery and ambiguity in texts can enhance the contextual nature of sermons. We'll break down the four essential components of preaching—text, theology, evangelical proclamation, and hearer interpretation—and share a unique classroom exercise designed to align future preachers' inherent definitions with the technical teachings of the seminary.

Lastly, we'll delve into the qualities that define Lutheran preaching, including its scriptural foundation, theological clarity, and practical life application. We'll discuss the evolving differences between Lutheran and evangelical preaching and the necessity of including Christ in every sermon. From effective preaching strategies to balancing creativity with authenticity, Reverend Dr. Schmitt offers invaluable insights to help pastors rejuvenate their methods and connect more deeply with their audiences. Join us for an enriching discussion that emphasizes unity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of the gospel in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

Unlock the secret to effective church leadership with insights from Vince Parks, one of the few ordained executive pastors in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Our conversation reveals how specialized roles like the executive pastor can transform a congregation by focusing on operations, systems, and strategy, thereby allowing traditional pastors to concentrate on spiritual guidance. Vince shares his journey and expertise, shedding light on the biblical basis for these roles and how different gifts within a congregation can complement each other for greater kingdom impact.

Ever felt the pressure to be "Superman" in ministry? Vince opens up about the immense challenges that LCMS pastors face, especially fresh seminary graduates who are expected to be generalists. Drawing from his own experience managing a large church staff, Vince shares valuable strategies for balancing pastoral duties with effective staff leadership and development. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a collaborative environment and continuously recruiting to build a strong, supportive church community.

Cultivating a healthy organizational culture is crucial, and Vince discusses how leaders can set the tone by addressing both positive and negative behaviors. We explore strategic systems for church leadership, including team design, governance models, and the often unseen structures that keep a church running smoothly. The conversation also tackles the urgent need to expand training pipelines for LCMS workers, ensuring that church leadership remains accessible and effective in various economic contexts. Tune in for a wealth of insights and practical strategies that can elevate your approach to church leadership.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org

What if the centralized control within the church is holding back its mission?

To Register for the Unfettered Word Conference CLICK HERE

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt and Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler as we dissect the Mission Partners Platform—a groundbreaking initiative aiming to build a stronger, more interconnected network within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt shares his profound experiences from his new role at PLI and the awe-inspiring mission work unfolding in Mexico. Meanwhile, Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler brings an urgent call for accountability, stressing the need for congregations to set tangible goals for growth and outreach against the backdrop of current challenges facing the LCMS.

We'll also scrutinize the limitations of the current centralized system for placing theological teachers and workers within the Synod, advocating for a revolutionary shift towards a more decentralized model. This bold move could empower local entities and district presidents, restoring both trust and efficiency. Additionally, discover how contemporary tools like podcasts are reshaping the church's engagement with culture, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming Unfettered Word Conference in Ann Arbor. This conference is set to stimulate meaningful dialogue and action, urging local pastors and congregations to take ownership of their ministry missions, creating a 'Coalition of the Willing' committed to active and immediate mission work. Don't miss this riveting discussion on mobilizing for the Great Commission.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the show

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

Visit uniteleadership.org