LCMS at a Crossroads: Decline, Growth… or Something Else?

LCMS at a Crossroads: Decline, Growth… or Something Else?

Author: Unite Leadership Collective August 13, 2025 Duration: 30:25
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 congregations worship fewer than 100 people each week. Tim and Jack unpack what this means for the future of our pastors, our mission, and our very identity as a church body. Are we facing an “emerging emergency” in staffing, sustainability, and representation? From micro-church ...

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: 100

Lead Time
Podcast Episodes
The State of the LCMS: Insights from the New Pew Research Study [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:57
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod faces significant challenges based on the latest Pew Research Center findings, with declining prayer frequency, weekly worship attendance, and scripture reading. Tim and Jack offer cand…
The Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership: A Big Announcement [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:51
The rapid decline in active LCMS pastors—down 10% in just two years—underscores the need for new approaches to theological education that remain confessionally Lutheran while meeting modern ministry contexts. Enter the C…
The Lost Art of Listening with Pastor Brian Davies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:52
Listening may be the most powerful yet underutilized tool in our spiritual arsenal, particularly in a culture that prizes quick responses and winning arguments over deep understanding. Grab Pastor Brian Davies' new book!…
The Biblical Case for Raising Up Leaders in Your Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:31
Tim and Jack explore why developing church leaders locally is both biblical and essential for church health and growth. • The urgent need for leadership in the post-Christian, secular American context • Sustainable leade…
The Value of Walking Together: How Church Plans Protect Workers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:37
Jim Sanft, President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, breaks down the differences between single-employer church plans and multiple-employer denominational benefit programs like CPS. He offers crucial insights on how…
How the LCMS Can Live in Concordia (Harmony) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:49
Pastor Andrew Jones shares insights on unity within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, exploring how harmony functions differently from uniformity and creates a more beautiful expression of Christ's body. • Concordia (h…
Holy FOMO: How to Build an Invitation Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:42
We explore the theological and practical foundations for creating an invitation culture in your church and why it's essential for long-term growth and sustainability. • Churches often resist growth because people fear ch…
Does Branding Matter for Churches? With James Saleska [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:48
The episode delves into the significance of branding in church ministry, emphasizing how identity and storytelling play crucial roles in reaching new audiences. Church leaders are encouraged to rethink their approach to…