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. 3D AGO

    Why Lutherans Can’t Afford to Lose the Sacraments

    Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS! (bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim) https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor Scott Kirchoff to explore one of the most defining — and often misunderstood — aspects of Lutheran identity: the centrality of the Sacraments. Drawing from decades of pastoral ministry, federal prison chaplaincy, and work on death row, Pastor Kirchoff challenges a subtle shift happening in American Christianity — where sermons become the high point and the Sacraments quietly move to the margins. This episode is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and thoughtful members within the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod who are asking hard questions about identity, formation, and faithfulness in a changing cultural landscape. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    51 min

  2. JAN 6

    How Governance Shapes the Health of the LCMS (More Than You Think)

    Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS! (bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim) https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent Many churches feel tired, conflicted, or stuck—but can’t quite explain why. In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Kurt Senske, longtime LCMS leader and governance expert, to talk about something most churches never examine: how decisions actually get made. From endless meetings and pastor burnout to stalled mission and internal conflict, this conversation explores how church structure can either support the Gospel—or quietly undermine it. You’ll hear: - Why many churches feel harder to lead today than ever before - The hidden cost of outdated church decision-making models - How healthy governance frees pastors to be pastors - Why conflict avoidance is hurting congregations - What faith-filled, mission-driven leadership can look like in the LCMS This isn’t about importing corporate models into the church. It’s about stewarding leadership wisely so the mission of Jesus can flourish. Whether you’re a pastor, elder, board member, or longtime church member, this episode will help you see your congregation with fresh eyes. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    1h 9m

  3. 12/30/2025

    How AI Is Reshaping Humanity, Faith, and the Church

    Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman sits down with theologian and PhD candidate Will Fredstrom to explore AI through the lens of Christian theology, vocation, and embodied life. This is not a fear-based conversation — it’s a thoughtful, hopeful, and deeply theological exploration of how Christians can live faithfully in a rapidly changing technological world. Whether you’re a pastor, leader, parent, or simply wondering how AI is shaping your life, this episode will challenge and ground you. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    1h 9m

  4. 12/22/2025

    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. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

  5. 12/16/2025

    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 Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    56 min

  6. 12/09/2025

    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 Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    51 min

  7. 12/02/2025

    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. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify 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

  8. 11/28/2025

    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. Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

    33 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    374
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Lead Time
  • Show Website
    Lead Time

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