The LCMS presidential election is headed to a second ballot—and that has many people asking the same question:

Who will be the next LCMS president?

In this special joint episode of Lead Time and Red Letter Living, Tim Ahlman and Zach Zehnder unpack the election results and discuss what may be driving one of the closest presidential races in recent synod history.

The conversation covers support for President Matthew Harrison and Dr. Joel Biermann, the future of pastoral formation, church vacancies, leadership development, church growth, and why many leaders are calling for greater unity and conversation across the synod.

Most importantly, this episode reminds us that regardless of who wins the election, Jesus remains seated on the throne and the mission of the Church continues.

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.

Resources Mentioned

LINKS & RESOURCES

Lead Time Podcast

Red Letter Disciple Podcast

Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod

LCMS Elections Information

State of the LCMS Survey (Referenced by Zach Zehnder)
https://lcmsdata.com

Set Apart to Serve
https://www.lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve

Key insights from the episode

• For the first time in years, the LCMS presidential election is headed to a second ballot.
• The election results reveal a synod wrestling with questions of leadership, pastoral formation, and the future direction of the church.
• More than half of the voting delegates selected a candidate other than President Harrison, signaling a desire for conversation and potential change.
• Zach Zehnder publicly shares for the first time that he would personally vote for Dr. Joel Biermann.
• The ongoing pastoral shortage remains one of the most pressing challenges facing the LCMS.
• Faithfulness and fruitfulness are not competing values—the Church is called to pursue both.
• The Eighth Commandment matters, especially when discussing leaders, elections, and disagreements within the Church.
• Regardless of the election outcome, the next season of LCMS leadership will require healing, trust-building, and greater collaboration.
• Jesus remains seated on the throne, and the mission of the Church continues regardless of who becomes the next president.

Conversation Highlights

• Why the first-ballot results surprised many observers.
• What the election numbers may reveal about the current state of the LCMS.
• The growing support behind Dr. Joel Biermann and why many leaders believe momentum is shifting.
• Why pastoral formation, SMP pathways, and seminary education have become central election issues.
• The reality of church vacancies and what it means for congregations across the synod.
• Why many pastors and lay leaders feel unheard in current conversations.
• The tension between preserving traditions and creating new pathways for future leaders.
• How fear of growth can unintentionally hinder mission and outreach.
• The need for more charitable dialogue and healthier disagreement among church leaders.
• Why both Harrison and Biermann supporters should remain committed to unity in Christ.
• What happens next in the election process and how delegates can prepare for the next ballot.
• A reminder that while elections matter, the ultimate hope of the Church is found in Jesus, not any human leader.

Are you following Jesus? 

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