Lead Time

Unite Leadership Collective
  • 4.7 (56)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. 2D AGO

    Is Engaging Culture “Selling Out” the Gospel? | LCMS Response...

    Join the LCMS Current to receive the final edition of 2025! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent What does faithfulness look like when the culture around the Church changes? In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with ATK Ministry founder Josh Atkinson, whose Christ-centered hip hop ministry on the north side of Milwaukee is reaching young people many churches struggle to connect with. Josh shares the story of how a Lutheran high school chapel turned into a thriving nonprofit—complete with recording studios, artist development, after-school programs, Echo Nights concerts, and real fruit: baptisms, discipleship, and transformed lives. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    48 min

  2. DEC 16

    Can Faithful Lutherans Disagree? | Adiaphora, Doctrine; Where Should the Lines Be Drawn?

    What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another? In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight. This is not a debate episode. It’s a listening episode. Together, they explore: - Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn’t - How “liturgical pietism” and “it’s just contextual” can both miss the mark - Why drawing lines too tightly or too loosely can damage unity - The pastoral tension between hospitality and faithfulness, especially around the Lord’s Supper - What faithful disagreement actually looks like when everyone shares the same confession - Rather than trying to “win,” this conversation models something increasingly rare: theological conviction held with humility, charity, and love for the Church. If you’ve ever felt skeptical of church conversations that seem polarized, dismissive, or reactionary—this episode is for you. If you care about unity without compromise—this episode is for you. If you believe the Church is strengthened by honest dialogue rooted in Christ—this episode is for you! Our hope is not that you leave with every question answered, but that you leave encouraged to wrestle together, grounded in the gospel, for the sake of Christ’s Church. Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    55 min

  3. DEC 9

    Could Music Help Heal Our Synod? (A Vision for Unity)

    Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative: https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter Music from the Songwriter Initiative https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg In today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s research into Luther’s theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn’t afraid of emotion, innovation, or new styles—in fact, he believed the Church should be at the forefront of creativity. In this conversation, we explore: - Why Luther rejected the idea that music is “dangerous” - How contemporary worship has matured in Lutheran settings - Why some popular worship songs create real theological problems - Why the LCMS may be entering a musical renaissance - How 188+ Lutheran songwriters are creating thousands of new songs - Why all TSI resources are free and made for local congregations Whether you’re a traditional hymnal purist, a modern worship leader, or someone who loves both—this episode will challenge and encourage you. Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    50 min

  4. DEC 2

    Discussing the Ramifications of the New SMP Changes

    Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent In this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee’s newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage. Together, they process the document line by line—affirming what is good, questioning what is unclear, and challenging the church to think creatively and relationally about raising up new pastors. With nearly 600 LCMS congregations currently unable to call a pastor, this conversation matters deeply. How do we balance rigor with accessibility? Tradition with innovation? Residential formation with local mentorship? And are these new policies moving the LCMS closer to health—or further away? Whether you’re a pastor, district leader, seminarian, SMP graduate, or simply care about the future of the church, this episode provides clarity, context, and courage for the conversation ahead. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    50 min

  5. NOV 28

    Does Pastoral Formation Really ‘Threaten the Synod’? Joe Responds.

    Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Is pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”? Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles. In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially the claim that conversations around alternative or adaptive pastoral formation models could “threaten the fabric of the Synod.” We explore what’s actually happening, what people fear losing, and how the church can navigate these conversations with clarity, charity, and courage. Topics we cover: Why pastoral formation is so controversial right now The real fears behind “threat to the Synod” language How SMP changes impact large and small congregations differently Residential seminary vs. contextual seminary: what are we actually debating? Why younger pastors feel misunderstood and unheard Joe’s experience speaking at the ACELC The need for honest, public debate in the LCMS Why the future may require more—not fewer—formation pathways How we can preserve confessional integrity and raise up more workers Whether you're an LCMS pastor, delegate, seminarian, church leader, or simply someone trying to understand this conversation, you’ll find clarity, nuance, and hope here. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    32 min

  6. NOV 25

    Is It Time to Redefine Lutheran Identity?

    Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Dr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President & CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conversations happening in our church today. We explore: • The difference between welcoming and belonging • How Lutheran schools can reflect the communities they serve • What it means to be missional (not covenantal) • Why demographic shifts are an opportunity, not a threat • The simplicity (not simplistic nature) of the Gospel • How Lutheran identity can remain faithful AND adaptable Whether you're a pastor, educator, parent, or leader in the LCMS, this episode will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to see the mission of Jesus in a fresh and practical way. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    53 min

  7. NOV 18

    LCMS Health Crisis? Pastor Marcis on Conflict, Culture & What’s Next

    Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Why do some LCMS churches thrive—and others decline? Pastor Thomas Marcis, 36-year pastor of Zion in Bismarck and a Synodical Reconciler, joins Lead Time to talk about church health, conflict, rural ministry, next-gen engagement, and why pastors must get out of their bubble and into the community. From coaching high school soccer to navigating LCMS conflict processes to preparing for pastoral succession after nearly four decades, Pastor Marcis shares practical, hard-won wisdom every pastor and church leader needs right now. In this episode: • The real reasons churches get stuck • Why conflict shouldn’t surprise us—and how to handle it biblically • What suburban pastors don’t understand about rural ministry • How community engagement changes congregational culture • Generation Z: what they’re really looking for • Why long-term pastorates create both blessings and blind spots • Preparing a congregation for pastoral transition • What the LCMS gets right—and where we need reform If you care about the future health of the LCMS, this conversation is essential. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    49 min

  8. NOV 11

    Dr. Jamison Hardy on the Future of LCMS Education

    Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent In this episode, Dr. Jamison J. Hardy, President of the Concordia University System, joins Tim to discuss the exciting progress being made across LCMS universities — from record growth in church work enrollment to new scholarship initiatives and strategic partnerships. Dr. Hardy unpacks the $5,000 Church Work Scholarships, the refocus on Lutheran identity, and how the CUS is working with Set Apart to Serve and the seminaries to strengthen pathways for the next generation of pastors and teachers. They also discuss: - The latest on Concordia Ann Arbor - The push to unite around mission rather than division - Transparency in the “prior approval” process - What it really means to uphold “Lutheran identity” - How the LCMS can move forward together in love, truth, and courage This candid, hope-filled conversation models how LCMS leaders can engage tough topics with both conviction and grace. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    49 min
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4.7
out of 5
56 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Unite Leadership Collective
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    371
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Lead Time
  • Show Website
    Lead Time

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