How a Rural LCMS Church Grew from 30 to 105

How a Rural LCMS Church Grew from 30 to 105

Author: Unite Leadership Collective September 7, 2026 Duration: 1:04:07
When Rev. Seth Davidson arrived at St. John Lutheran Church in Athens, Texas, the congregation averaged around 30 worshipers, had an average age of 71, struggled to make payroll, and appeared to be approaching the end of its ministry. Today, the church is welcoming young families, celebrating baptisms and confirmations, and running out of room. What changed? Seth joins Tim Ahlman to share how patient teaching, courageous leadership, community service, hospitality, and a willingness to challe...

Hosted by Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg, Lead Time comes from the Unite Leadership Collective, an organization driven by a specific vision: to see every local congregation become a place where every believer is equipped through exceptional leadership development. This isn't about abstract theory. Instead, each episode digs into the immediate, real-time struggles that churches and their leaders are navigating in a post-Christian context. The conversations you'll hear are grounded in the belief that ancient biblical wisdom holds profoundly practical solutions for today's most pressing issues. Whether addressing community dynamics, organizational challenges, or personal leadership hurdles, the podcast serves as a resource for those seeking thoughtful, faith-based perspectives that work in the real world. By focusing on actionable insights, Lead Time aims to bridge the gap between spiritual truth and everyday application, fostering resilience and effectiveness within local faith communities. Tune in for candid discussions that honor the complexities of modern ministry while pointing toward sustainable, principled leadership.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Lead Time
Podcast Episodes
Should the LCMS Stop Selling Off Church Property? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:09
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date. Resolution 9.11 may sound like a technical bylaw issue — but it could have major implications for th…
The CMPL Controversy in the LCMS | Dr. Jeff Kloha Responds [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date. Dr. Jeff Kloha joins Tim Ahlman for a timely Lead Time conversation in the middle of a heated LCMS c…
A Conversation with CUWAA Leadership About Concordia Ann Arbor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:46
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) Stay up to date. In this special Lead Time conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Dr. Erik Ankerberg, President…
Did the LCMS Give Up on Concordia Ann Arbor Too Soon? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:29
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter) The Concordia Ann Arbor story continues to raise painful questions for many in and around the LCMS. In this episode,…
The LCMS Election Is Down to 14 Votes | Round 3 Could Change the LCMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:46
The LCMS presidential election has moved into historic territory. After two rounds of voting, President Harrison’s lead has narrowed from 228 votes to just 14 votes, while hundreds of eligible voters still have not cast…
Is LCMS Bureaucracy Holding Back Ministry? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:23
In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman welcomes back Jim Sanft, former President and CEO of Concordia Plans, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, trust, Lutheran education, lay leadership, LCMS bureaucracy, a…
LCMS Runoff Shock: Can Biermann Beat Harrison? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:11
The LCMS presidential election is heading to a runoff — and the numbers are impossible to ignore. President Matthew Harrison received 43.8% on the first ballot. Dr. Joel Biermann received 39.0%. For the first time in thi…
The Future of the LCMS: Generosity and Tithing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:30
In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Philip Meinzen, a longtime LCMS educator and creator of The Grace Formula, for a powerful conversation about stewardship, generosity, tithing, deb…
The LCMS Pastor Pipeline Problem [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:16
In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman talks with Jim Simpson, a retired higher education leader with decades of experience in curriculum development, administration, accreditation, and student success. Together, they…