The Tim Ahlman Podcast
Religion & Spirituality Podcasts
The Tim Ahlman Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiring conversations that equip leaders to thrive in every vocation, inside and outside the church. With three primary focuses, this podcast dives deep into:
Leadership: Learn from experts across...
Location:
United States
Description:
The Tim Ahlman Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiring conversations that equip leaders to thrive in every vocation, inside and outside the church. With three primary focuses, this podcast dives deep into: Leadership: Learn from experts across diverse fields as we explore how their insights can shape and sustain a healthy culture in the local church and beyond. Over 60% of listeners expressed a desire for practical discussions on cultivating thriving environments—and that's exactly what these conversations will deliver. Learn: Engage in deep theological discussions with scholars who illuminate how Christ is revealed on every page of Scripture. Together, we’ll bridge theology to the realities of a post-Christian America, ensuring practical application for today’s world. This segment aligns closely with the themes of the American Reformation Podcast and resonates with the 60% of you who crave more exploration in this area. Live: Discover healthy habits that empower leaders in all vocations to become holistically healthy. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to lead not only with faith but also with physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Join Tim Ahlman as we navigate leadership, learning, and living with purpose, so you can lead with strength, wisdom, and a Christ-centered vision.
Language:
English
Episodes
Why Most Leaders Lose Their Curiosity (And How to Get It Back)
4/22/2026
What if the biggest thing holding you back… is the phrase “I could never”?
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Dr. Cole Braun and Dr. Ryan Bredow to unpack a powerful mindset shift: “Why wouldn’t you?” — and how curiosity can transform your leadership, faith, and everyday life.
From entrepreneurship and education to Ironmans and ministry, this conversation dives deep into:
Why leaders lose curiosity over time
How fear quietly limits your growth
The difference between boldness and recklessness
Why identity in Christ unlocks real risk-taking
And how small shifts in thinking can completely change your future
If you’re feeling stuck, hesitant, or unsure of your next step — this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently.
Book: Why Wouldn’t You? How Curiosity Can Transform the Way You Live, Learn, and Grow
https://a.co/d/04OhiKeD
👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, and the future of the Church.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!
(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Duración:00:52:43
Did God Leave a Message in the Stars? | Eric Eichinger
4/15/2026
What is the Mazaroth? Did God leave a message in the stars? In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Rev. Eric Eichinger — pastor, author, and creative voice in the LCMS — to talk about his new theological thriller, Blood of the Mazaroth.
Find It here:
https://a.co/d/0euGdz7x
They explore the biblical mystery behind the Mazaroth in Job, the Magi, the resurrection of Jesus, biblical numerology, the descent into hell, Christian art, and why storytelling still matters for the Church today. They also get into Eric’s work connected to the Reagan film, his book on Eric Liddell, and how Christians can engage culture through beauty, imagination, and truth. If you care about theology, the resurrection, Lutheran thought, Christian storytelling, or the future of the arts in the Church, this is a rich conversation.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!
(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Duración:00:52:56
Taboo Topics the Church Need to Talk About
4/8/2026
Why are there certain topics Christians avoid talking about—especially in church?
In this powerful conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Mike Novotny to unpack the taboo topics that are quietly affecting thousands of believers every Sunday. From pornography and sexual sin to abuse, politics, and shame—this episode dives into the real struggles Christians face and why bringing them into the light is the only path to healing.
Mike shares his personal story of addiction, the turning point that changed everything, and why honest confession within Christian community is so powerful. Together, they explore how Jesus addressed difficult topics head-on—and why the modern church must do the same.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or unsure how to talk about hard things… this episode is for you.
👉 See Mike's Book here: https://www.taboobook.org/
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!
(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Duración:00:45:59
The Church Needs to Laugh More
4/1/2026
Why do so many pastors, leaders, and Christians take themselves so seriously? In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Greg Griffith for a fun but meaningful conversation about humor, joy, leadership, and the role laughter should play in the life of the church.
Together they talk about why humor helps disarm tension, how joy can strengthen relationships, and why Christians should be some of the least offendable people in the world.
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
Stay up to date by Joining the LCMS Current!
(LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:50:42
The Power (and Potential Danger) of Leadership Assessments
3/25/2026
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Jordan Boessling to unpack the power—and potential danger—of leadership assessments like StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and Working Genius.
They explore how tools designed to help leaders grow can sometimes lead to overthinking, comparison, and misplaced identity. But when used properly, these assessments can unlock deeper self-awareness, stronger teams, and more effective ministry.
This conversation dives into emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, and the tension between knowing yourself and finding your identity in Christ. If you’ve ever taken a personality test—or questioned whether you should—this episode will challenge and sharpen your perspective.
Ultimately, it’s not just about knowing yourself… it’s about knowing who you are in Jesus.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:49:25
Stop Growing Churches. Start Making Disciples. | Peyton Jones
3/18/2026
Many churches today are focused on growth, strategy, and multiplication—but what if we’ve missed the most important part of Jesus’ method?
In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with church planter and author Peyton Jones to talk about his new book Discipology and why the church must rediscover the simple rhythms of disciple making.
Get Peyton's new book: Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples
https://www.amazon.com/Discipology-Science-Making-Disciples-Exponential/dp/0310180333
They explore the difference between mobilization and multiplication, why most Christians have never been discipled, and how Jesus actually trained the first disciples to change the world.
The conversation also dives into the future of the church, why smaller relational communities are rising, and how everyday believers can be equipped to live out the Great Commission in normal life.
If you care about the future of the church and want to see believers mobilized for mission, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:01:02:11
What Gen Z Really Wants from the Church
3/11/2026
Is Generation Z actually returning to faith?
Join the LCMS Current! (Challenges/Opportunities shaping the LCMS)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this episode, Pastor Tim Ahlman talks with Lutheran educator Chad Janetzke about what today’s students are really searching for spiritually. After nearly 20 years teaching theology at a Lutheran high school, Chad shares what he’s seeing firsthand from Gen Z: a deep hunger for authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a faith that speaks to real life.
They discuss the biggest cultural questions students are asking today—including mental health, identity, politics, and relationships—and how the Church can faithfully respond with both truth and compassion.
You’ll also learn a simple four-question framework Chad teaches his students to help them read the Bible and discover Christ throughout Scripture.
If you’re a parent, pastor, teacher, or church leader wondering how to reach the next generation, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:41:55
Faithful Stewardship: Growing a $138M Kingdom Vision
3/4/2026
A faithful businessman once told God, “If You help my company survive, I’ll dedicate everything to You.”
In this episode, Tim sits down with Charlotte John-Gomez, President & CEO of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, to explore how one man’s bold commitment turned into a $138 million Kingdom legacy impacting churches, schools, and nonprofits across Wisconsin.
Join the LCMS Current! (Challenges/Opportunities shaping the LCMS)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Charlotte shares how the foundation partners with Lutheran ministries to address poverty, food insecurity, housing, addiction recovery, education, and innovative church outreach. Together, they discuss engaging gifted givers, servant leadership, listening as a leadership discipline, and what it means to be “pan-Lutheran” in a divided culture.
If you care about stewardship, leadership, unity in the Church, and practical ways the body of Christ can meet real needs — this conversation will inspire you.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:36:03
Movement, Not Monument: Recovering the Church’s Living Mission
2/25/2026
What if the church isn’t meant to preserve a monument—but to embody a movement?
In this deeply thoughtful and pastoral conversation, Tim sits down with Pastor Nathan Hoff of Trinity Lutheran in San Pedro to explore what it means to lead a church that is alive, attentive, and anchored in Christ.
Nathan reflects on 20 years of ministry in one congregation—what had to “die” in him as a leader, how blind spots become sanctifying tools, and why the church must resist becoming a museum curator of past movements. Together, they wrestle with institutional preservation vs. missional risk, unity in divided times, and the formation of young leaders through intentional community.
Nathan shares about Trinity’s Benedict-inspired young adult internship community—how rhythms of prayer, stability, shared life, and clear confession are shaping the next generation of pastors and leaders across church bodies.
Meet Me in the Word: A Daily Devotional
Thoughtful reflections for Jesus-Followers Monday through Friday.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:54:37
Getting Through What You’re Going Through
2/19/2026
Author, spoken word poet, and speaker Tanner Olson joins the Tim Ahlman Podcast to talk about poetry, grief, humor, AI, NBA basketball—and most importantly—hope.
Tanner’s newest book, Getting Through What You’re Going Through, releases February 17, 2026, and is a powerful collection of poems, essays, and reflections for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, identity questions, or spiritual wrestling.
This episode is vulnerable, joyful, honest—and filled with encouragement for anyone who feels like they’re just trying to get through what they’re going through.
Grab Tanner’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Through-What-Youre-Going/dp/0310465745
Connect with Tanner at https://www.writtentospeak.com/
If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:58:36
What Really Shapes Healthy Lutheran Churches?
2/4/2026
Tim’s new book is out now and tackles the real leadership and discipleship challenges facing the LCMS today. If you care about faithful, missional Lutheran leadership rooted in Scripture and love for the local church, this book is for you.
https://www.amazon.com/Confession-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer/dp/B0G1685QDV/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0
Churches don’t drift toward mission—they drift toward maintenance.
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Dan Hauser to talk about what it really looks like to lead a church and school toward gospel-centered transformation. From reaching the unchurched through mission schools to creating a culture where people feel known and loved, Dan shares hard-won leadership insights shaped by decades of ministry, church revitalization, and church planting.
They dig into the tension between traditional and contemporary worship, why vision and values matter more than ever, and how churches can move people from consumer Christianity to empowered discipleship. This conversation is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and educators navigating growth, cultural change, and mission in today’s church.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:50:41
A Lutheran (LCMS) Conversation on LGBTQ Questions
1/29/2026
Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??
14 Spots remain! Your Purchase of Tim's Book is your ticket to the event!
https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-form
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim is joined by Pastor Mark Schultz and Josh Salzberg for a careful, pastoral conversation about one of the most sensitive and emotionally charged topics facing the Church today. Rather than rushing to arguments or soundbites, this conversation slows down and asks a different question: What does it look like to lead with the gospel when real people and real pain are involved?
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:01:13:43
Why “Spiritual but Not Religious” Isn’t Enough
1/21/2026
Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??
40 Spots remain! Your Purchase is your ticket to the event!
https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-form
In an age where many describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” what is actually being lost?
In this wide-ranging conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Lutheran pastor and theologian Gabe Kasper to explore why intuition-driven spirituality ultimately leaves people unrooted—and why historic Christian confession, ritual, and community still matter deeply today.
Wednesday in the Word
What the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the world
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:01:01:05
Why Leadership Growth Often Stalls in Churches
1/15/2026
What if the church’s leadership problem isn’t theology—but formation?
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with John Rector, ministry leader, executive coach, and Area Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Austin, Texas.
John shares his journey from church planting and nonprofit leadership to coaching leaders in ministry and the marketplace. Together, they explore why coaching—not just preaching—may be the missing ingredient in leadership development, and how Jesus Himself modeled a coaching approach to discipleship.
Whether you’re a pastor, church staff member, coach, or leader in the marketplace, this episode will challenge how you think about discipleship, authority, and legacy.
📌 Learn more about John’s work at https://rectorleadership.com/
📌 Explore FCA Austin at https://fcaaustin.org/
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:01:04:40
Second-Chair Leadership: Hard Conversations That Matter
1/7/2026
What does faithful leadership look like when you’re not the one in charge?
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Emily Phoenix, Program & Communications Director at KINDLE and host of Cultivating Second Chair Leaders, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about leadership, identity, and faithfulness in today’s church.
This episode isn’t about winning arguments — it’s about cultivating gentleness, courage, and Christ-centered leadership in a polarized age.
Whether you’re a pastor, commissioned worker, lay leader, or simply someone longing for healthier conversations in the church, this episode invites you to slow down, listen well, and refocus on the mission of Jesus.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:54:32
The Voices in Your Head Are Shaping Your Leadership
12/23/2025
What voices are shaping your leadership—encouraging courage, or quietly reinforcing shame?
In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with pastor, coach, and author Jeff Meyer to explore the concept of your Internal Board of Directors—the inner voices that guide (or derail) your decisions, identity, and spiritual resilience.
Jeff shares vulnerably about a dark season that exposed the power of negative self-talk, the theology of shame, and how leaders—especially pastors—often become their own harshest critics. Together, Tim and Jeff unpack how law and gospel shape our inner dialogue, why isolation is so dangerous for leaders, and how grace reshapes both our brains and our leadership.
This conversation weaves together neuroscience, pastoral theology, Luther, Scripture, and practical habits for cultivating healthier internal leadership—anchored in baptismal identity and the Spirit of Truth.
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:46:38
The Fire That Sustains Ministry and Marriage
12/17/2025
In this episode of TAP, Tim Ahlman is joined by pastor, author, and theologian Carl Lehenbauer for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about ministry longevity, marriage, discipleship, and the fire of God’s love that holds it all together.
Carl shares his journey from associate pastor to senior pastor—and now into a discipleship-focused role—reflecting honestly on burnout, self-awareness, delegation, and the quiet faithfulness that sustains long-term ministry. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of Carl’s new book, Fire and Song, a rich exploration of the Song of Songs as God’s love song to His people.
Together, Tim and Carl explore:
- Why love—not programs—is the foundation of a healthy church
- How God’s love fuels marriage rather than asking couples to manufacture it
- The connection between the Song of Songs, Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit
- Why admiration and commitment still matter in a distracted culture
- How marriage forms us into people who look more like Christ
This episode is honest, theological, pastoral, and hopeful—a reminder that God’s love is not only proclaimed, but sung over His people.
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:48:31
From Felonies to Freedom: How Jesus Transformed Pastor Raygen Mitchell
12/10/2025
Pastor Raygen Mitchell from Scottsdale Bible Church shares his extraordinary journey—from a traumatic childhood, seven felonies, multiple incarcerations, and meth addiction… to a supernatural encounter with Christ that completely transformed his life.
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this episode, Tim and Raygen dive deep into:
- How God uses suffering and brokenness to shape leaders
- What Raygen means when he says “God said…”—and how Scripture formed his discernment
- The explosive revival happening among Gen Z
- Discipleship models that are actually working in large churches
- What healthy multi-site leadership looks like
- Why unity across denominations matters now more than ever
This is one of the most powerful personal testimonies we’ve ever featured.
If you’re longing for hope, revival, or clarity on how to disciple well in 2025 and beyond, this conversation will move you.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:51:22
Is Pastoral Formation "Adiaphora?" -- Dr. Biermann Explains
12/3/2025
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary—one of the most influential voices in the LCMS today. They tackle some of the most misunderstood and debated topics in Lutheran life: Adiaphora, Christian freedom, pastoral formation, worship, and Lutheran identity.
Dr. Biermann offers historical clarity, theological precision, and pastoral wisdom on issues shaping the future of the church. What counts as Adiaphora? Are we making rules where Scripture hasn’t? What actually forms a pastor? How do congregations and seminaries work together? And how should pastors speak into cultural chaos without losing their footing in the gospel?
Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, seminarian, or someone passionate about the future of the LCMS, this episode delivers clarity, challenge, and encouragement.
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:39:52
How Porn Culture Shapes Church Leadership — Without Us Knowing
11/26/2025
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?
Join the LCMS Current:
https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent
In this episode, Tim sits down with Dr. Andrew Bauman — author, researcher, and founder of the Christian Counseling Center — for one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast.
Dr. Bauman recently gathered data from 2,800 women serving in Protestant churches, uncovering patterns of sexism, power misuse, and cultural blind spots that many church leaders never see.
We talk about:
• What actually makes a church unsafe
• The shocking data leaders need to hear
• How porn culture has quietly shaped Christian leadership
• Why Paul’s “women be silent” passages may not mean what you think
• The shadow side of ministry leadership
• True intimacy vs. AI-driven fantasy culture
• How pastors can heal their own inner world to lead healthier churches
This episode is not about politics — it’s about becoming a safer, more Christlike church.
Dr. Bauman’s Book: Safe Church
https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Church-against-Christian-Communities/dp/1540903974
Support the show
Watch Us On Youtube!
Duración:00:53:23