The LCMS Political Engine: Who Really Gets a Voice?

The LCMS Political Engine: Who Really Gets a Voice?

Author: Unite Leadership Collective August 5, 2025 Duration: 49:16
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 Christ! As the LCMS heads into another round of district and national conventions, big questions loom: Who actually holds influence in shaping our Synod’s future? Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Emily Pacyga and Josh Salzberg for a behind-the-scenes look at overtures, reso...

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
LCMS at a Crossroads: Decline, Growth… or Something Else? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 congregati…
Why the LCMS Fails at Evangelism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:28
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…
The Messy Early Years of the LCMS...No One Talks About [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:40
Bob Sundquist takes us on a captivating journey through the turbulent founding story of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod—a tale far more complex and human than most church histories acknowledge. Moving beyond simplifie…
The LCMS Almost Lost This Pastor... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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 resp…
Is the Term "Servant Leadership" Worth Using in the LCMS? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:12
Joe Willmann shares his journey from wrestling coach to Lutheran Church Extension Fund leader, revealing how his perspective on leadership transformed from rigid systems to recognizing individual gifts and abilities. He…
Is the LCMS Emotionally Healthy? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:52
Tim Ahlman welcomes Rev. Dr. Michael Eckelkamp, who shares transformative leadership insights from his experience as Senior Executive Director at Christ Lincoln Church and Schools and mentor to countless leaders. • Two e…
Bridging LCMS Theology: Intellectual Tradition Meets Digital Mission [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:29
Tim sits down with Brian Stecker, associate pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waconia, Minnesota, and creator of the "On the Line" podcast, to explore theological leadership in today's changing religious landscape. Th…