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.

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

💡 Grab Bill & Kristi’s new book, Deeply Loved, here:
👉 https://soulshepherding.org/deeply-loved-book
Also available wherever books are sold.

In this episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Bill & Kristi Gaultiere, founders of Soul Shepherding and authors of the new book Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You, to explore how Lutheran culture—and the broader LCMS—may have misunderstood emotions.

For decades, many in the church have lived as if “faith over feelings” is the only faithful approach. But what if Jesus Himself shows us a better way—one that embraces both truth and empathy?

You’ll hear:
- Why emotional health and spiritual maturity go hand in hand
- How empathy transforms leadership and relationships
- The difference between sympathy and biblical empathy
- What happens when we repress emotions in the name of doctrine
- And how to recover a faith that truly feels like grace

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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.

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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.

Why do some stories explode into global fandoms while others fade away? What makes...

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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.

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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.

🙏 Join us as we remember, reflect, and cling to the eternal hope of Jesus Christ.

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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

👉 We want to hear from you: Is this podcast part of the solution or the problem?

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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.

👉 Share this with a leader or member who needs encouragement about the future of the church.

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