Pastor Matt Popovits joins Zach for a critical and timely conversation about pastoral formation, SMP, the state of the LCMS, and why this cultural moment demands clarity, honesty, and courage. Matt shares his theological journey, the influence of the National Youth Gathering, his recent viral video, and why he believes the LCMS must expand—not restrict—pathways for pastoral formation.
They also dig into communication, preaching, AI, mission strategy, pastoral shortages, church mergers, and the deeper theological questions shaping the next generation of leaders. Plus—Matt tells the story of winning Wheel of Fortune.
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“Silence only enables dysfunction. If something doesn’t serve the mission of the local church, we must speak.” — Matt Popovits
“Pastoral formation begins in the local church. Seminaries steward it—but only if they steward it well.” — Matt Popovits
“We’re not against residential seminary. We’re for more pathways to form more pastors for more mission.” — Matt Popovits
“Equating sacrifice with relocation is not theological. It’s just jealousy disguised as piety.” — Matt Popovits
“The church needs more pastors—not fewer. And we need more ways to train them well.” — Matt Popovits
Take an unreasonable interest in someone else’s well-being this week.
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0:00–3:36 — Intro by Zach
Zach frames the episode and sets up the need for honest dialogue about leadership, formation, and mission.
3:36 — Matt’s LCMS roots & unexpected path to ministry
Growing up in Michigan, theater background at the University of Michigan, and discovering pastoral calling through congregational life.
5:46 — Youth Gathering stories & the power of spoken encouragement
How a single word of affirmation shaped Matt’s trajectory—and why communication matters profoundly in ministry.
9:31 — Ministry in Finland & global youth ministry insights
Why thousands of European young adults are rediscovering Christianity and what that means for the American church.
11:46 — What theater taught Matt about preaching
Emotion, tone, embodiment, collaboration, rehearsal, and why pastors need to “tell their face” the good news.
20:16 — AI in sermon prep (the healthy way to use it)
How AI can help refine clarity and tone without becoming a substitute for pastoral study and Spirit-led preparation.
25:36 — What is the SMP program? Why does it matter?
A clear explanation of SMP, CMC, contextual formation, and why alternate routes have fueled mission in NYC and Houston.
29:21 — Why Matt released his video
Accountability, public trust, and why pastors must address realities that hinder mission.
36:36 — Do LCMS leaders actually want fewer pastors?
Matt responds to critics, addresses common misunderstandings, and explains the logic behind his concerns.
45:06 — Why the new age-40 SMP restriction harms ministry
How the policy disconnects from real local needs and reduces opportunities for rising leaders.
48:36 — The myth of “real sacrifice”
Why some of the most sacrificial pastors in the LCMS are bivocational SMPs—and why relocation isn’t the only valid sacrifice.
51:36 — The CMC program & the extraordinary sacrifice of local leaders
Stories of leaders reaching immigrants, working full-time jobs, and planting churches in overlooked contexts.
56:56 — Is Matt against residential seminary?
Not at all—he’s against making it the only credible pathway in a diverse mission landscape.
58:36 — The circular logic around formation & uniformity
Why insisting on one method of pastoral training hasn’t produced unity—and won’t.
1:02:56 — How the new policy impacts Matt’s ministry directly
Church mergers, dying congregations, revitalization work, and why contextual formation is often the best solution.
1:06:21 — What Matt would tell a 29-year-old feeling called to ministry
Discernment, calling, confidence, and the confessional grounds for local ordination in emergencies.
1:10:16 — The heart of the issue: Word & Sacrament and mission
Why restricting pathways undermines mission and creates unnecessary division.
1:13:36 — What should pastors and churches do when the system stops serving them?
Speak truth in love, collaborate locally, push for reform, and resist disengagement.
1:17:36 — Local leaders make the best local missionaries
Why contextualized training is essential for healthy church planting and renewal.
1:18:36 — Wheel of Fortune story!
How Matt ended up on national TV and what the experience taught him.
1:20:46 — Matt’s Discipleship Challenge
Take an unreasonable interest in someone else’s well-being this week.
Ask, listen, encourage, and bless—just as Jesus did.
1:22:01 — How to connect with Matt
Social: @MattPopovits
Ministry: MakeItSimple.org (VoxCon, courses, coaching, newsletter)
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