The LCMS Almost Lost This Pastor...

The LCMS Almost Lost This Pastor...

Author: Unite Leadership Collective June 24, 2025 Duration: 56:05
What happens when the traditional path to ministry isn't an option? For Pastor Eli Thomas, the journey to becoming an LCMS pastor meant navigating uncharted waters through the colloquy process while balancing family responsibilities, work, and education over eleven challenging years. What began as a winding path through different denominations ultimately led him back to Lutheran theology through his rediscovery of the real presence of Christ in the sacraments. • Taking 11 years to complete u...

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
Why Christians Should NEVER Sue Each Other… [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:39
What happens when Christians take each other to court… or when marriages fall apart long before anyone asks for help? In this episode of Lead Time, Tim and Jack sit down with Christian attorney Colin Hoffman to unpack th…
ULC Booth Rejected from the LCMS Convention 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:22
A special episode of Lead Time responding to a recent decision from LCMS leadership denying our request to host a booth at the upcoming LCMS Convention. Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings? Sign up here: https://w…
The Future of the LCMS (From a Presidential Nominee Dr. Joel Biermann) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:31
Today, We sit down with presidential nominee Dr. Joel Biermann to talk about the current state—and future—of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). What are the real strengths of the LCMS? Where are we struggling? An…
The LCMS Giving Crisis No One Is Talking About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:13
In this episode of Lead Time, we respond to the “Giving Crescendo” conversation and break down what’s really happening beneath the surface: an aging church body, a historic wealth transfer, and a short window of opportun…
First Article Gifts: A Leadership Framework for the LCMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:37
In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Texas District President Jon Braunersreuther to discuss: • The growing pastor shortage in the LCMS • The debate surrounding SMP pastoral formation…
Is the LCMS in an “American Interim”? A Gospel-Centered Response [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:21
What is the “American Interim” — and is the Church compromising its identity? In this episode of LEAD TIME, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kloha (Dean for the Center for Missional & Pastoral Leadership…
Priesthood of All Believers: The Debate That Still Shapes the LCMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:37
What is God’s mission? Sounds like a simple question. In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim and Jack sit down with veteran missiologist, Rev. Dr. Bob Scudieri to unpack the theology, history, and controversy surrounding miss…
Joy, Curiosity, and Hard Conversations in the LCMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:49
Are we unintentionally losing relational leadership in the LCMS? In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim sits down with DCE Jonathan Zellar to unpack the ideas behind Rare Leadership by Jim Wilder — and why joy, emotional inte…