Discussing the Ramifications of the New SMP Changes

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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.