The Value of Walking Together: How Church Plans Protect Workers

The Value of Walking Together: How Church Plans Protect Workers

Author: Unite Leadership Collective March 18, 2025 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 CPS's governance structure provides strong protection for LCMS workers' retirement security. • Addressing a recent Wall Street Journal article about problems in church retirement plans • Why CPS's planned retirement contribution increases demonstrate proactive governance, not...

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 Pressure Point: Are SMP Pastors the Future or a Threat? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
Pastor Andy Greer went from fundraising for the Nebraska Cornhuskers to preaching from the pulpit at Messiah Lutheran Church. His story shines a light on one of the most controversial discussions in the Lutheran Church—M…
Faith vs. Feelings: Why the LCMS Might Have It Wrong... [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:49
Are emotions a weakness—or a vital part of faith? 💡 Grab Bill & Kristi’s new book, Deeply Loved, here: 👉 https://soulshepherding.org/deeply-loved-book Also available wherever books are sold. In this episode of Lead Time,…
Pastoral Leadership in a Divided Church [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:23
In this powerful Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. Mark Brandt — pastor, coach, and longtime leader in the Michigan District of the LCMS. Together they tackle deep and timely questions: What do we do when…
LCMS in Freefall? Hard Truths About Pastors, Pews, and the Future [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:48
Is the LCMS truly facing a pastoral shortage — or do we have too many pastors and too few people in the pews? In this bold Lead Time episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Tim Wood (Ad Crucem, CSL Regent) t…
LCMS Circuit Success Story: How Collaboration Can Actually Work [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:59
Most LCMS circuits struggle with collaboration—but not Pastor Joshua Reber’s. In this success story, Josh shares how his circuit has built healthy rhythms, a thriving newsletter, men’s retreats, and real theological dial…
Barrier Breakers or Distinction Keepers? The Tension Shaping the LCMS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
The LCMS wrestles with real division — often labeled “confessional vs. missional.” But is the deeper tension actually between Barrier Breakers and Distinction Keepers? In this episode, Pastor Bryan Wolfmueller joins Tim…
Why Most Lutheran Congregations Are Stuck at 50 Members [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:53
Across the LCMS and beyond, the average congregation hovers around 50 in worship. Why is this the case—and what can be done about it? In this Lead Time conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Rev. David Patterson (Instit…
LCMS at a Breaking Point? What We Learned at the PSD Convention [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:43
In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman returns from sabbatical with a candid conversation about the changing landscape of ministry in the LCMS. From re-organizing senior staff and shifting governance models, to the bib…
Why Most Lutherans Still Struggle With Identity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:33
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod often talks about vocation—but are we living it out? In this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Dr. Travis Guse, executive coach and author of Called to Be, t…