Joy, Curiosity, and Hard Conversations in the LCMS Artwork

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

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Lead Time

Joy, Curiosity, and Hard Conversations in the LCMS

February 18, 2026 • Unite Leadership Collective • Episode 112

0:00 | 48:49

Are we unintentionally losing relational leadership in the LCMS?

In this episode of LEAD TIME, Tim sits down with DCE Jonathan Zellar to unpack the ideas behind Rare Leadership by Jim Wilder — and why joy, emotional intelligence, and relational connection may be the missing ingredients in many of our leadership conversations.

Concerned about what is happening in the wider LCMS?
Check this out: http://amazon.com/Confessing-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer-ebook/dp/B0FZW7MSTV

This episode isn’t about lowering doctrine. It’s about embodying it relationally.

If we can remain relational, act like ourselves, return to joy, and endure hardship well — we may find a healthier path forward together.

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