
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
332 episodes
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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57:35

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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1:05:36

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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51:36

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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50:58

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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1:05:44

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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48:39

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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51:39

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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59:06

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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40:18

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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42:24

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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58:37

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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33:29

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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37:37

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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35:36

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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55:14

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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59:51

How the Light Shines Through with Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies | Part 1
See Graphic:Believers are called to resist the discouraging narratives of darkness and hopelessness by embodying empathy, vulnerability, and resilience. Through creative community engagement, Dr. ...
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Season 6
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Episode 48
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53:52

Discussing Church Growth - From a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Perspective
This episode dives deep into the importance of multiplication over mere growth in church leadership. We explore humility as a foundational quality for leaders, the biblical basis for raising up other leaders, and practical steps for cultivating...
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Season 6
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Episode 47
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25:59

Hope in the LCMS: Celebrating the Good - Lutheran Hour Ministries Speaker Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler
Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler shares his hopeful perspective on the LCMS, emphasizing the importance of cultural hospitality and unity through shared goals. The conversation explores the mission of Lutheran Hour Ministries, the importance of dialogu...
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Season 6
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Episode 45
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52:21

Does the LCMS Even Need New Churches?! | Pastor Ted Doering
Pastor Ted Doering discusses the critical need for church planting and revitalization within growing communities in this episode. He emphasizes the importance of hospitality, adaptability through challenging times, and unity within the LCMS, of...
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Season 6
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Episode 44
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1:04:43

Did Jesus Really Say That!? | Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy
Rev. Dr. Chris Kennedy joins us for an impactful discussion on the challenges and joys of pastoral ministry, exploring difficult sayings of Jesus and their relevance in today's church. We reflect on leadership, personal growth, and the importan...
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Season 6
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Episode 43
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45:15

Video Preaching in the LCMS...Yea or Nay?? | Aaron Engelman
Aaron Engelman shares his journey of discovering meaningful roles within the church beyond traditional pastoral work, emphasizing the importance of technology and innovation in ministry. The conversation explores the changing landscape of churc...
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Season 6
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Episode 42
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44:32

Changing the Culture of LCMS Conventions with Rev. Dr. David Maier
This episode highlights the central theme of transforming the church’s approach to mission work by prioritizing outreach and collaboration. Dr. David Maier discusses the rebranding of the Mission Partners Platform into ‘The Center’ and focuses ...
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Season 6
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Episode 41
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59:41

Our Current Frustrations with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
https://www.uniteleadership.org/post/from-power-to-invitation-easing-frustration-and-building-trust-within-the-lcms
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Season 6
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Episode 40
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24:03

Faith, Sacrifice, and the Future of the LCMS with Pastor Jeff Cloeter
https://lovedsent.org/What happens when the calling of faith meets the complexities of modern life? Pastor Jeff Cloeter joins us for a heartfelt discussion about the joys and trials faced by pastors ...
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Season 6
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Episode 39
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51:18
