In this episode of The Red Letter Disciple Podcast, Zach sits down with Pastor Frank Hart, an LCMS pastor and church planter serving in Katy, Texas.
Frank entered pastoral ministry through the Specific Ministry Pastor (SMP) program, a pathway designed to raise up pastors from within local ministry contexts.
But one question continues to create conversation in the LCMS:
Should SMP pastors remain under supervision and limited status for the rest of their ministry?
Frank shares his personal story—from coming to faith as a teenager, to spending years in the music industry, to planting New Church in Katy, Texas.
He also explains how the SMP program shaped his ministry and why he believes the church should rethink the permanent provisional status placed on many SMP pastors.
In this conversation, we explore:
Frank also reflects on the beauty of discipleship, church planting, and seeing people come to faith through local ministry.
If you care about the future of pastoral leadership in the LCMS, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful conversation.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Hodos. Hodos is a new non-profit designed to pave the way for the next generation of Lutherans. Designed for 18-29 year olds, Hodos is currently planning a national Young Adult Gathering for 2027. For interest, updated information, or donation options, please go to www.HodosWay.com.
Contact Frank: https://frankhart.com
New Church https://newchurch.love
The SMP program allows churches to raise up pastors directly from their ministry context.
Many SMP pastors are already serving in significant ministry roles before entering the program.
SMP pastors often remain under ongoing supervision even after ordination.
Some leadership roles in the LCMS remain restricted for SMP pastors.
The church continues to wrestle with the balance between theological formation and practical ministry training.
Different ministry contexts may require different pathways to pastoral formation.
Frank encourages Christians to go “straight to awkward”—having honest conversations that help one another grow in faith.
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.
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