
Lead Time
Lead Time is a podcast of the Unite Leadership Collective, hosted by Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg. The ULC envisions a future in which all congregations fully equip the priesthood of all believers through world-class leadership development at the local level. Lead Time taps into biblical wisdom for practical solutions to today's burning issues. Each podcast confronts real-time struggles facing the local church in a post-Christian culture. Step into the action with the ULC. This is Lead Time
Episodes
341 episodes
Is the Term "Servant Leadership" Worth Using in the LCMS?
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 explains that excel...
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Episode 76
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54:12

Is the LCMS Emotionally Healthy?
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 early mentors shap...
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Episode 75
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53:52

Bridging LCMS Theology: Intellectual Tradition Meets Digital Mission
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. They discuss how tradition...
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Episode 74
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56:28

Are We Using Too Much Secular Language?
What happens when we apply biblical language to modern business concepts? Attorney Colin Hoffman joins Tim and Jack to challenge how Christian leaders use marketplace terminology and offers a refreshing biblical perspective on leadership develo...
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Episode 72
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53:09

The Genius of Jesus in Leadership
What if everything we thought about leadership was backward? In this thought-provoking exploration of "The Genius of Jesus," we unpack how Christ established the most effective leadership development movement in history—not through controlling ...
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Season 6
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Episode 71
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40:14

How Freedom Shapes Faith: Lessons from the AFLC
What does it mean to be "free" in a Lutheran context? Join us as we explore that question with President Micah Hjermstad of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. President Micah Hjermstad shares the history, structure, and visi...
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Season 6
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Episode 70
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44:38

Conviction and Cause: The Lutheran Balance
Dr. Jon Braunersreuther joins Tim Ahlman to challenge one of the most persistent false dichotomies in Lutheran circles: the notion that being "confessional" and "missional" represent opposing priorities. Drawing from his role as Director of Dis...
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Season 6
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Episode 69
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55:04

Tim Ahlman Issues a Formal Apology to the LCMS...
Tim Ahlman shares important commitments being made to increase unity in the LCMS regarding pastoral formation discussions, explaining his decision to step back from public commentary on this topic while pursuing appropriate denominational chann...
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Season 6
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Episode 68
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20:55

Jesus Never Feared a Tough Conversation (And Neither Should the LCMS)
Attorney Kurth Brashear doesn't shy away from addressing the challenging governance issues facing the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod today. Drawing from his extensive experience in both church leadership and legal practice, he offers a candid a...
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Season 6
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Episode 67
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47:28

Your Body Matters: Ethics and Faith in the Age of AI
What does it mean to be human in an age where technology increasingly blurs the lines between body and machine? Dr. John Pless, professor at Concordia Theological Seminary, tackles this question through the lens of Lutheran ethics.• Lut...
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56:48

The Wittenberg Project: Mission, Collaboration, and Growth in the LCMS
Tim and Jack welcome Tyree Toney (aka Lex Lutheran) to discuss his transition from a Baptist background to confessional Lutheranism, the Wittenberg Project, and opportunities for growth and enhanced mission within the LCMS.• Lex shares ...
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Season 6
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Episode 65
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1:04:49

From Liturgical Purist to Pragmatist: Rethinking Lutheran Worship
Dr. Kent Burreson shares his 25-year journey teaching Lutheran worship, exploring how liturgy should serve the gospel rather than becoming an end in itself. He offers wisdom on balancing historical practices with contextual relevance while keep...
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Season 6
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Episode 65
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50:49

Rethinking LCMS Conflict: Lessons from Seminex to Today
Tim and Jack welcome back Nick Graff, a former Marine Corps sergeant and special forces member, to discuss the aftermath of Seminex and its implications for the modern Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.• The aftermath of Seminex resulted i...
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Season 6
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Episode 64
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50:10

The State of the LCMS: Insights from the New Pew Research Study
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 candid insights into the dem...
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Season 6
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Episode 63
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1:04:57

The Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership: A Big Announcement
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 Center for Missiona...
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Season 6
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Episode 62
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47:51

The Lost Art of Listening with Pastor Brian Davies
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.
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Season 6
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Episode 61
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50:52

Rethinking Ministry: The Power of Co-Vocational Leadership in Church Growth
Pastor Robert Balduc shares his journey from corporate life at Ford to planting St. Peter Lutheran Church and becoming an intentionally co-vocational pastor maintaining his role at Volkswagen alongside ministry leadership.• Comin...
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Season 6
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Episode 60
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58:19

The Biblical Case for Raising Up Leaders in Your Church
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 leadership training...
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Season 6
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Episode 58
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39:31

The Value of Walking Together: How Church Plans Protect Workers
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 structu...
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Season 6
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Episode 57
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41:37

How the LCMS Can Live in Concordia (Harmony)
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 (harmony) creates b...
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57:49

Holy FOMO: How to Build an Invitation Culture
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 change and want to ...
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32:42

Feel Like Your Church is Invisible? Church Marketing Conversation from an LCMS perspective
Discover actionable church marketing strategies to boost attendance and connect with your community. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic outreach in today's changing landscape. • Discusses the significance of church...
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Season 6
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Episode 54
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36:49

Does Branding Matter for Churches? With James Saleska
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 branding, ensuring align...
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Season 6
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Episode 52
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34:48

Journey of Faith: Reverend Dr. Dale Meyer on Ministry, Culture, and Personal Growth
Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer shares his profound insights on faith, ministry, and the church's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine relationships within local congregations and encourages leaders ...
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Season 6
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Episode 51
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54:26

How the Light Shines Through with Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies | Part 2
The episode focuses on the interconnected themes of identity and story, emphasizing that understanding one's identity as a gift can alleviate the burdens of self-creation. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies leads the discussion on navigating authenticity in ...
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Season 6
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Episode 49
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59:04
