Lead Time

Today we're joined by Reverend Dick Koehneke, an experienced voice and guiding force in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Reverend Koehneke sheds light on his conviction that God calls us to be faithful to whatever is put before us, a belief he nurtured through his admirable journey serving in various congregations, his tenure at the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support, and his involvement with the LCMS Ministerial Care Coalition.

Dedicated to the cause of church worker wellness, Reverend Koehneke helps us identify the significant threats that church workers face in their journey - spiritual attack, burnout, temptation, and isolation. We discuss the crucial role of preventive strategies in mitigating these threats, with special focus on the importance of staying rooted in God's word and prayer and maintaining accountability with peers. The episode takes an insightful turn as we look into the distinction between guilt and shame, and how they shape a church worker's life.

Our conversation goes on to highlight the importance of setting clear expectations in a congregation and how it can prevent burnout among church workers. Reverend Koehneke shares his own experiences with a Board of Elders who provided clarity and security during his tenure. We also touch upon the relatively less discussed topic of secondary traumatic stress in pastoral care, underscoring the need for pastors to seek preventive care. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode, rich with wisdom and insights beneficial for anyone involved in church leadership.

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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

On today’s episode, we have an open and engaging conversation with Reverend Bill Hartley, who takes us through his unique faith journey - from the Jesus movement in the 70s, through various evangelical churches, and finally to the Lutheran Church. His recounting of both the triumphs and trials he’s experienced reveals his deep love for God and the theological depth of Lutheranism itself. 

As we journey with Reverend Hartley, we delve into the nuances of Methodist, Presbyterian, and Lutheran worship, emphasizing the importance of preserving the church's historical connection dating back 1500 years. We also explore how perceptions of God and man have evolved in the modern era, and why the focus should be on the church and the community over the individual. Reverend Hartley eloquently shares his perspective on the collective theological voice of the ages, God's grace, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

Lastly, we tackle the tough questions of leading a church that is resistant to change, and the trials that come with pastoral ministry. Reverend Hartley’s unwavering focus on preaching the Word of God is a true testament to his faith. Join us as we dive into discussions about engaging both the head and the heart in worship, the crucial role of church planting, and the joy that comes from the faithfulness of the few. Join us and experience a journey that covers the highs, lows, and learnings of leading a missional church, all while staying faithful to the Lutheran tradition.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Get a backstage pass to the diverse and Christ-centered community of Concordia Texas as we sit down with Reverend Jacob Boessling, the Campus Pastor. Discover the unique dynamics among the student body, the challenges faced by first-generation college-goers, and how Concordia maintains a welcoming, inclusive environment with Jesus at its center. Reverend Jake also shares an intriguing perspective on how non-Christians can be drawn near into Jesus' love in unique ways.

Our exchange navigates through the tricky terrain of emotional safety, the significance of different viewpoints as exemplified by Jesus, and the vital role of relationship-building within the LCMS. Experience the eye-opening account of Jake Boessling's journey as a rostered worker and the profound impact of joy on his experience.

In the latter part of our conversation, we delve into the dramatic shift at Concordia Texas, where 15 Campus pastors chart their course following the Concordia board's decision to be self-governed. Follow their journey, the support they received, and the unique stories that emerged from the process. We also take a detour into the world of organic farming with Apricot Farms in LA, showcasing it as a metaphor for diversity. This engaging episode will have you reflecting on the necessity of multiple perspectives and experiences within the church's mission and the importance of creating a harmonious ecosystem to sustain it. Get ready for a thought-provoking ride!

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

In today's bonus episode, we grapple with the stimulating debates surrounding 'The Zeal of His House' and the 'Worship Wars,' or pondering the complexity of roles between the pastor and the layperson in the LCMS culture. That's just a taste of our fascinating exploration in this episode. We pull apart the often-confused terms 'traditional' and 'liturgical,' and navigate the challenging terrain between reformed theology and Lutheranism. A recent survey of LCMS members gives us further food for thought, revealing intriguing perspectives on how the Holy Spirit operates and challenging the need for strategic planning or evangelism in churches.

Ever wondered how we can reclaim the contentious terms 'missional' and 'evangelical'? Let's wrestle with these words and redefine our faith as Lutherans. We'll dive deep into the Great Commission, revealing how missional and confessional can beautifully co-exist and how Lutheranism has been at the forefront of international missions since the Reformation. Liturgical worship doesn't need to be stuck in one era - we'll explore its potential to blend both traditional and contemporary elements. We'll also reflect on the competitive spirit in Lutheran circles and contemplate a future vision for LCMS, with lessons drawn from the military's decentralized leadership model. Intrigued? Join us as we journey through the rich past, vibrant present, and promising future of LCMS.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

What does it take to lead with kindness, courage, and wisdom amidst the trials and tribulations of our time? Reverend Dr. Tim Klinkenberg paints an inspiring picture in our enlightening conversation about his journey. From humbly playing football to receiving pastoral affirmation and now spearheading critical conversations ahead of the LCMS convention, Tim's dedication to Jesus and his love for us all is an inspiring tale we can't wait for you to hear.

Tim exposes the often untold aspects of leadership and mentorship in the church, sharing insights drawn from a lifetime of experience. His strategic approach to team building, married with his unique blend of passion and wisdom, opens a new perspective on leadership development. Through our discussion, we delve into the critical need for unity, collaboration, and respectful conversations in the church, even when we're surrounded by disagreements. 

Towards the end, we explore the Concordia University System, its restructuring, and the implications for the future of the Missouri Synod. Emphasizing the importance of trust, policy-based governance, and a broader representation in the church, Tim offers a hopeful vision for the future of the church. A future where the church is known for its kindness, courage, and leads individuals towards the truth. Join us in this thought-provoking episode and let's together contribute towards building a unified and hospitable church.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

What if unity and powerful testimonies of Christ's love were the keys to addressing the challenges that plague the church? Join us as we converse with Amy Schweim, an experienced DCE leader in the local church and advisory delegate to the 2023 Synodical Convention in Milwaukee. With her vast experience spanning 29 years, Amy sheds light on the current difficulties faced by the church, including the shortage of professional church workers and the need to project a united witness of Jesus's love. She also shares her greatest aspirations and concerns for the future of the church, stressing the need for solidarity and potent attestations of Christ's love.

Can the church, through scripture reading and open dialogue, stand firm amidst the forces of competition and Satan? Amy offers a firsthand insight into the deliberations held at the 2023 Synodical Convention, underpinning the importance of scripture reading and creating space for sufficient discussion. Together, we delve into the role of competition within the church, the importance of unity against Satan's forces, and the critical role of active listening in ensuring all voices are heard. This riveting conversation exposes the real-time struggles faced by the local church in today's post-Christian culture, offering biblical wisdom for practical solutions. So, tune in and let's confront these issues head-on!

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Jeffrey Kloha joined Museum of the Bible in summer 2017. He manages the Museum of the Bible Education, Scholars Initiative, Exhibits, Curatorial, and Collections departments and is responsible for executing those departments’ strategic plans, along with managing other professionals.

Jeff previously served 18 years as professor of New Testament at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, and also served Concordia as provost/chief academic officer. During that time, he oversaw two accreditation processes, transitioned the institution from quarters to semesters, steered the development of new curricula and managed strategic planning for the institution. He earned the PhD from the University of Leeds.

His areas of teaching and research include the textual and canonical history of the early Christian writings, hermeneutics, and the Pauline Epistles. Jeff is co-editor of Texts and Traditions: Essays in Honour of J. K. Elliott (Brill, 2014) and The Press of the Text: Biblical Studies in Honor of James W. Voelz (Pickwick, 2017). He has published peer-reviewed essays in the areas of New Testament textual criticism and the use of New Testament texts in early Christianity. He is a frequent conference presenter, radio guest, and television documentary commentator.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Ever wondered how the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod maintains unity while navigating the challenges of a changing cultural landscape? Strap in as we explore this and more with Pastor John Karolus, a pastoral delegate for the upcoming convention, where he'll share his thoughts on speaking to cultural issues with humility and truth, building bridges with other religious and political movements, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

Join us as we delve into the challenges young pastors face today, particularly when stepping into full-time ministry. Listen in as Pastor Karolus and I examine the increasing learning curve for recent seminary graduates and the critical role of second career pastors. We'll also discuss the SMP program and its potential as a cost-effective avenue for ministry, plus we'll unpack the importance of the Pastor Information Committee report and the need for recognizing the gravity of the situation. Don't miss out on this insightful discussion, especially if you have an interest in the future of the Lutheran Church and its ongoing mission.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Pastor Preus has served as pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church since 2016. He is the son of Pastor Rolf and Dorothy Preus and comes from a large family with ten brothers and one sister. Seven of his brothers are also Lutheran pastors, which has to be some kind of a record. In any case, pastor is thankful for his Christian upbringing. Pastor Preus received a BA in Classics from the University of North Dakota and an MA and PhD in Classics from the University of Iowa. He studied to become a pastor at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN. He and his wife, Lisa, have eight children. We are very thankful to belong to such a wonderfully Lutheran congregation and to send our children to the best school we could have imagined. Pastor Preus enjoys skiing and running on the mountain, playing hymns on the piano, playing football with his boys at the park, and talking theology, politics, and history with his wife and children.

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org

Join Tim and Jack as they interview Noah Hahn, who graciously allowed us to have a fruitful discussion providing clarity on some comments he has made on previous Lead Time Episodes!   

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Care about the future of the LCMS?
Join the LCMS Current! (LCMS Current Events Newsletter)
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To learn more, visit uniteleadership.org