Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Why do some LCMS churches thrive—and others decline? Pastor Thomas Marcis, 36-year pastor of Zion in Bismarck and a Synodical Reconciler, joins Lead Time to talk about church health, conflict, rural ministry, next-gen engagement, and why pastors must get out of their bubble and into the community. From coaching high school soccer to navigating LCMS conflict processes to preparing for pastoral succession after nearly four decades, Pastor Marcis shares practical, hard-won wisdom every pastor and church leader needs right now. In this episode: • The real reasons churches get stuck • Why conflict shouldn’t surprise us—and how to handle it biblically • What suburban pastors don’t understand about rural ministry • How community engagement changes congregational culture • Generation Z: what they’re really looking for • Why long-term pastorates create both blessings and blind spots • Preparing a congregation for pastoral transition • What the LCMS gets right—and where we need reform If you care about the future health of the LCMS, this conversation is essential. The Best Pizza Franchise Opportunity Anthony & Luca's Pizza Kitchen is the hottest new Cheesesteak & NY Pizza Franchise. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org
