Tim Ahlman joins Zach Zehnder for a wide-ranging and deeply honest conversation about pastoral formation, institutional trust, and the future of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Recorded on the launch day of Tim’s new book, Confessing Jesus’ Mission: A Pastor’s Prayer for the LCMS, this episode reflects on the recent Koinonia Gathering, the ongoing debates around SMP and theological education, and what it will take for the Church to move forward together.
Drawing from history, personal ministry experience, and his doctoral research, Tim explores why pastors struggle with anxiety, conflict, and trust—and how the Church can rediscover a healthier, more missional posture without compromising its confession. Together, Zach and Tim challenge false binaries, call for deeper listening, and invite leaders and laity alike to engage in courageous, charitable conversations for the sake of the next generation.
This episode is a hopeful yet sobering look at where the LCMS has been, where it is now, and what it could become if it learns to walk together again.
Today’s episode is brought to you by Art of Leadership Academy. This community, formed by Carey Nieuwhof, is designed to help church leaders break the barriers that they are facing.
Every year, Carey unveils his annual Church Trends. This year, I’m working with Carey to unpack each of these trends and what they mean for discipleship.
Join me for FREE inside of his academy Wednesday’s at Noon CT each of the next 6 weeks as we look at each one of the 7 trends. I hope I see you inside the Academy.
Confessing Jesus’ Mission: A Pastor’s Prayer for the LCMS — available on Amazon here
Unite Leadership Collective: https://uniteleadership.org
Subscribe to The LCMS Current (bi-weekly newsletter)
Contact Tim Ahlman: tahlman@cglchurch.org
Pastoral formation in the LCMS has always been a conversation shaped by mission, context, and history.
Trust, humility, and listening are the greatest challenges facing church leaders today.
False binaries (confessional vs. missional, residential vs. online) are exhausting and unhelpful.
Outcome-based and competency-based education deserves serious exploration.
Institutional preservation must never come at the expense of local mission and gospel expansion.
Courageous conversations are essential—but costly—for healthy leadership.
This week, intentionally meet with someone you disagree with—on doctrine, practice, or ministry philosophy.
Have coffee. Listen well. Find common ground.
Then unite around your shared confession that Jesus is Lord.
Are you following Jesus?
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We’ll be uploading every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube Channel. If you aren’t subscribed already, you can do so here.
