Lead Time

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 his journey from a Baptist upbringing through Catholicism and Methodism before finding his home in confessional Lutheranism • The Wittenberg Project began as an online effort to provide Black Lutheran representation and theological perspective • Discussion of collaboration opportunities between LCMS congregations rather than operating independently • Exploring the tension between traditional and contemporary worship while maintaining Lutheran distinctives • Insights on how Lutheran churches can better welcome people across different cultural backgrounds • Addressing the challenges of the Lutheran "brand" and whether to emphasize or downplay denominational identity • The importance of building an online presence for Lutheran theology in a digital-dominant world • Reflections on congregational growth strategies and learning from innovations in other denominations Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 keeping Christ at the center of worship. • Journey from liturgical purist to liturgical pragmatist • How political tribalization has influenced church worship practices • Rising interest in traditional liturgy among younger generations • Origins and evolution of confession and absolution in the liturgy • Luther's balanced approach to tradition versus traditionalism • The importance of "contextual hospitality" in worship practices • Understanding that liturgy serves as means toward mission, not an end itself • The liturgical leader as servant within the assembly, not over it Connect with Dr. Kent Burreson at burresonk@csl.edu or through the seminary's website www.csl.edu. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 in a more confessionally unified LCMS while also creating a spirit of disunity • Contemporary debates about worship styles often conflate adiaphora (non-essential matters) with doctrine • "Liturgical pietism" can potentially make the liturgy, rather than Christ, the focus of worship • Political identities increasingly supersede baptismal identities in church conflicts • American politics have become more tribal, affecting how Christians relate to one another • "Backdoor ecumenicism" allows non-Lutheran theological concepts to enter through political associations • The church tends to focus on power struggles rather than creating hospitable spaces for sinners • "Sinners belong in church" remains a foundational Lutheran principle • Only Christ—not human efforts to enforce conformity—can bring order to a fallen world Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 demographic shifts and spiritual trends affecting LCMS congregations nationwide. • LCMS demographics show an aging trend with only 19% of households having children, down from 28% a decade ago • Lutherans maintain strong marriage rates with 69% of members married compared to 50% nationwide • Weekly worship attendance has dropped from 47% to 34%, significantly below the national average • Only 27% of LCMS members read scripture weekly, while 55% seldom or never engage with the Bible • Members reporting regular spiritual peace has plummeted from 63% to 43%, with those reporting no peace doubling • The church body is becoming more politically homogeneous with 66% identifying as Republican • Strategic recommendations include prioritizing young family outreach, developing leadership pathways, emphasizing spiritual disciplines, and maintaining gospel-centered messaging We must engage the community by offering Christ's peace in a troubled world, building bridges between our traditions and today's needs, and creating spaces for genuine spiritual growth in an increasingly anxious society. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 Missional and Pastoral Leadership: Biblical. Reformational. Missional. Affordable. Global. Visit https://cst.ilt.edu/cmpl/ or find the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership on Facebook for more information. • Dr. Jeff Kloha's journey through seminary education to leading the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership • Five foundations of CMPL: biblical, confessional, missional, affordable, and global • Partnership with Institute of Lutheran Theology to offer full theological degrees at approximately $4,000 per year • Addressing misconceptions that online education compromises theological quality • Projected loss of nearly half of active LCMS pastors by 2030 (from 5,300 to 3,300) • Creating pathways for congregations without pastors to develop leaders within their communities • Missional focus on equipping leaders who engage their communities rather than just "sit" after Sunday services • Supporting mission starts, bivocational leaders, and contexts not currently served by traditional models • The biblical principle that the church is defined by gathering around Christ, not by clergy credentials Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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. Grab Pastor Brian Davies' new book! • Pastor Brian Davies introduces his book "Captivating Conversations: How Christians Can Reclaim the Lost Art of Listening" • Jesus modeled asking questions rather than simply giving answers, demonstrating that transformation happens through invitation, not instruction • The "OCI" approach—being Open, Curious, and Inquisitive—creates space for genuine dialogue and relationship • Leadership should mirror Christ's approach of "leading through" rather than "leading over" people • Asking good questions helps us understand the stories behind people's positions and creates bridges for meaningful conversation • When Christians focus more on ecclesiology than mission, we lose perspective on what matters most • Our posture toward fellow believers should prioritize unity in mission over critiquing differences in practice Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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. • Coming from a corporate background before entering seminary and founding St. Peter in 2006 • Transitioning to a co-vocational model not from financial necessity but strategic choice • Reducing staff expenses to just 22% of church budget, freeing resources for church planting • Integrating workplace presence with pastoral ministry creates connections with unchurched people • Focusing pastoral energy on three key areas: casting vision, preaching/teaching, and connecting with new people • Creating an innovative men's ministry featuring "Beast Feast" events that draw non-church members • Using masculine language and military metaphors to engage men in church life • Developing a church multiplication model where growth leads to planting rather than expanding services • Approaching co-vocational ministry from abundance rather than scarcity mindset • Recognizing spiritual warfare intensifies during periods of significant ministry expansion Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

The prior approval process for LCMS leaders lacks transparency and is creating distrust and division when qualified candidates are removed without explanation. Family dysfunction in the church is exacerbated when decisions are made without clarity. Pat Ferry, Bill Cario, and Tim Ahlman discuss the topic at length: • Two distinct processes exist for presidents versus theology faculty appointments • Presidential approval requires sign-off from two of three key leaders: LCMS President, District President, and CUS board chair • Theology faculty approvals follow a different, increasingly unclear process • Concordia Wisconsin's presidential search illustrates the challenges when preferred candidates are rejected without explanation • Leaders advocate for transparency while maintaining appropriate church oversight • Relational trust is broken when decisions are made without discussing rationales • Worship practices and associations may impact eligibility without explicit guidelines • The process has evolved over decades with decreasing clarity in recent years We need to continue working together for greater transparency. If we're going to break down walls between us, even little ones, we have to work at it together. Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 that is robust, affordable, and accessible • Cultural relevance – locally developed leaders understand their communities intuitively • Biblical foundations from Exodus 18 (Jethro and Moses), Acts 6 (appointment of deacons), and Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus • The community impact of having leaders with deep relational connections • Creating leadership pipelines for long-term church stability • The challenge of current LCMS systems that limit succession planning • How technology can help deliver robust theological education without compromising quality Go to theuniteleadership.org to create your free login for exclusive material and resources and explore ways to sponsor an episode. Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 structure provides strong protection for LCMS workers' retirement security. • Addressing a recent Wall Street Journal article about problems in church retirement plans • Why CPS's planned retirement contribution increases demonstrate proactive governance, not underlying problems • The economic and ministerial benefits of investing in church worker wellness initiatives • How CPS's multiple-employer approach provides protection and advantages individual congregations couldn't achieve alone • Upcoming district health strategies that will bring wellness initiatives to the local level • The importance of lay leaders creating a culture that supports worker wellness • Jim's announcement of his planned retirement at the end of 2026 and the succession planning underway Connect with Jim at jimsanft@concordiaplans.org to learn more about CPS services or to discuss church worker wellness initiatives. Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 beauty through diversity of notes working together rather than identical sounds • Musical metaphors illuminate church dynamics—dissonance and resolution both necessary for beautiful music • Vulnerability in leadership creates safety and authenticity rather than maintaining false facades • Curiosity about different expressions of faith builds understanding and appreciation across differences • The prior approval process needs greater transparency to build trust and protect church leaders • Churches facing decline must process grief before creating new visions for the future • Post-pandemic ministry requires adapting to new realities like online worshippers becoming in-person members • Community-facing spaces create opportunities for connection beyond traditional church activities Find Andy's books "10 Questions to Ask Every Time you Read the Bible" and "10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell" wherever books are sold, and subscribe to his newsletter at biblecurious.substack.com Exploring Workplace Mental Health with Dr. Bill Howatt Learn the why, what and how of fostering a mentally healthy workplace with Dr Bill Howatt Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 maintain personal relationships with everyone • The church uniquely transforms people from consumers to contributors, unlike any other organization • Three ways to bring people to church: announcements, invitations, and hospitality systems • "Easy evangelism" means anyone can participate by simply inviting friends without needing theological expertise • Identify 9 invitational opportunities throughout the year, with Christmas and Easter being natural starting points • Create attractional sermon series that balance solid theological content with themes that interest non-believers • Set realistic guest goals based on your church size (aim for annual guests equaling your average weekly attendance) • Equip 10% of your congregation annually through deeper evangelism training like Everyone His Witness or Alpha • Authenticity matters - people respond when formation is about equipping them for mission, not checking boxes • Remember growth is an "infinite game" - there's always more to do but each step forward matters Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

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 marketing for growth • Shares three key outreach strategies: announcements, invitations, and hospitality • Details the role of your church website as a welcome hub • Explores the importance of analytics in measuring engagement • Advises on setting marketing goals and budgets for effective outreach Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

A heartfelt journey of ministry transformation emerges as we chat with Pastor James Whatley, who shares vital insights on stepping away from traditional paths to establish a thriving church community. With an emphasis on risk-taking, emotional health, and an inviting culture, this conversation explores the interplay of faith and growth in contemporary ministry. - Introduction to James Whatley and his ministry background - The significance of community engagement and relationship building - Challenges faced within the LCMS structure and decision-making - Embracing risk and discomfort for church renewal - Importance of emotional health in pastoral leadership - Strategies for creating an inviting church culture - The gap between local congregational urgency and denominational focus - Insights on ministry's adaptability to modern culture - Final encouragements on fostering openness and outreach If you find this podcast helpful, please share it with your family, friends, and neighbors, especially those in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod who are praying for us to unite to reach people with the gospel. Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

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 alignment between mission statements and the experiences they provide. • Emphasis on the holistic nature of branding for churches • Importance of storytelling in conveying church identity • Disconnection between mission statements and lived experiences • Tips for creating accessible and inviting church websites • Recognition of branding as an ongoing, evolving process Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

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 to embrace adaptability while reflecting on their vocation and the importance of community outreach. • Highlighting the importance of relationships in ministry • Discussing changes in parish ministry over the decades • The impact of digital media and the need for local congregations • Addressing issues of confession and accountability in the church • Viewing retirement as a spiritual preparation for eternal life • The necessity of good works as expressions of faith Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

This episode explores the current challenges and opportunities in pastoral formation within the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod. Tim and Jack discuss the significance of seminary education, the necessity of embracing bivocational ministry, and innovative strategies for leadership development amid cultural change. • Understanding liminal space in modern church leadership • Emphasizing unity within LCMS despite passionate disagreements • The crucial role of seminaries in maintaining scriptural confessions • Exploring the Specific Ministry Pastor Program and its challenges • Proposing decentralized models for pastoral education and leadership • Addressing the stigmas surrounding bivocational ministry • Inviting collaborative dialogue for innovation in ministry Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

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 a complex society, the role of suffering, and the impact of essentialism in relationships. • Exploring the relationship between identity and personal narratives • Understanding societal pressures of authenticity in modern life • The role of suffering in shaping a deeper sense of identity • The dangers of reducing individuals to singular labels • Highlighting the importance of historical and religious wisdom • Embracing identities as gifts from a divine perspective • Community and faith as core components of resilient identity Faith That Challenges. Conversations that Matter. Laughs included. Subscribe Now! Breaking down faith, culture & big questions - a mix of humor with real spiritual growth. Listen 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

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. Chad Lakies inspires a refreshed understanding of church as a beacon of light, extending beyond its walls into the world. • Importance of resilience in the face of challenging culture shifts • Engaging with communities through hospitality and authenticity • Understanding and embracing a broader view of vocation • Practical tools for creating spiritual conversations • The need for love and empathy amid societal anger and fear Support the show Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter Visit uniteleadership.org

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 a culture of discipleship. • Emphasizing humility as a key trait for effective leaders • Understanding multiplication versus addition in church growth • Learning from Jesus and Paul’s models of leadership development • Encouraging a shift from a pastor-centric model to community-based models • Highlighting the importance of discipleship as a holistic apprenticeship • Providing actionable steps towards fostering a culture of multiplication Discover how to make a profound impact in your community through intentional leadership development! If you're interested in consulting from us: click here. Perspectacles Podcast Contemplative Edu-tainment for Change Listen 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