Dr. Jeff Kloha returns to discuss pastoral formation, the launch of the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership, the SMP age decision, and why he believes the LCMS must expand—not restrict—pathways for leaders. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. Our newest 40-day challenge, Giving Challenge, launched this past Fall — and the results have been incredible.
Churches and individuals are experiencing real joy as they step into the generous life Jesus calls us to. We’ve heard amazing stories already:
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If you want a 40-day challenge that not only helps people practice everyday generosity but also helps pastors and church leaders fund the God-sized visions in front of them, it’s time to jump in.
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Resources mentioned in the episode
“We’re forming real leaders in real contexts. That’s exactly what the New Testament did.” – Jeff Kloha
“The LCMS once had multiple creative pathways for pastoral formation. We didn’t get here by accident—we restricted them over time.” – Jeff Kloha
“You can’t force people to move to St. Louis or Fort Wayne. Life doesn’t work that way anymore.” – Jeff Kloha
“There is no biblical foundation for saying someone must ‘sacrifice’ a certain way to be a pastor.” – Jeff Kloha
“Most of our students would never attend residential seminary. We’re serving people the system currently can’t.” – Jeff Kloha
“Online formation isn’t self-study. Our students are doing rigorous, live coursework with experienced Lutheran faculty.” – Jeff Kloha
“LCMS congregations—especially immigrant and multiethnic ones—cannot rely on a single formation model.” – Jeff Kloha
“Conflict isn’t the problem. Our inability to talk to one another is.” – Jeff Kloha
“What I see online about me often has no connection to reality. Very few people actually reach out.” – Jeff Kloha
“The New Testament church flourished in a non-Christian culture. We have the same Gospel and the same opportunity.” – Jeff Kloha
Jeff Kloha’s Challenge of the Week
Read an entire book of the Bible this week—straight through in one sitting.
Let the Word speak on its own terms.
Pick Philippians, Galatians, Acts, or another full book—and share what God showed you.
Are you following Jesus?
Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.
In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will get results back immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.
You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.
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