Lead Time

Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative: Music from the Songwriter Initiative In today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s...

Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): In this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation...

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): Is pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”? Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful...

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): Dr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From...

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): Why do some LCMS churches thrive—and others decline? Pastor Thomas Marcis, 36-year pastor of Zion in Bismarck and a Synodical Reconciler...

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): In this episode, Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, President of the Concordia University System, joins Tim to discuss the exciting progress being made...

Information and Registration: This special bonus episode of Lead Time features Rev. Dr. Mike Gibson, President of the Pacific Southwest District (LCMS), joining Pastor Tim Ahlman to announce a historic upcoming event...

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): What if we could see how the LCMS is really doing — district by district? Today, Pastor Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor...

Join the LCMS Current! (sign up now so you receive the next Edition release on Thursday!): The LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers? What does healthy leadership...

Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim? Join the LCMS Current: The LCMS is wrestling with a familiar question: are we keeping distinctions or breaking barriers? Pastor Tim Ahlman, Jack Kalleberg, and...

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...

Are emotions a weakness—or a vital part of faith? 💡 Grab Bill & Kristi’s new book, Deeply Loved, here: 👉 Also available wherever books are sold. In this episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Bill...

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...

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)...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

If you care about the future of the LCMS, you won’t want to miss this one. 🔔 Save Lead Time to your library for real talk about leading in the LCMS today. Your perspective matters, let's have discussion that honors...

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...

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...

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...