Data analyst and LCMS lay leader Tim Wood joins Zach to break down why the Synod is declining so rapidly, what the numbers actually reveal, and why the real crisis is spiritual—not structural. He calls pastors and laity to urgent honesty, repentance, and reform. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for show notes.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pastor and author Joe Beran breaks down what the data reveals about the LCMS: pastoral shortages, declining attendance, and the alarming loss of youth. He shares why innovation, experimentation, and deeper discipleship are essential for the next generation. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nebraska District President Richard Snow shares the joys and challenges of serving as a DP, from walking with pastors and congregations to raising up the next generation of leaders. He reflects on conflict, communication, and why the future of the LCMS depends on deeper discipleship and greater trust in God’s Word. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Sponsor Section

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Richard’s Challenge

Do what you’ve been given. Instead of worrying about what others should be doing, identify one practice you need to put into action this week and start doing it.

Are You Following Jesus?

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. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Nebraska District LCMS: ndlcms.org
• Mission Ignition (Nebraska District initiative)
• Everyone His Witness (LCMS resource)
• Joining Jesus on His Mission by Greg Finke
• Lutheran Hour Ministries evangelism tools
• Red Letter Living’s Spiritual Gifts Test
• “Voices of the LCMS” Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Joel Biermann of Concordia Seminary unpacks the good and bad of Lutheran identity, debates the effectiveness of online seminary, and explains why theology matters not just for pastors but for every disciple of Jesus. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Sponsor Section

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Joel’s Challenge

Slow down this week and delight in God’s creation. Notice a tree, a person, a cloud—something ordinary—and thank God for the beauty He’s placed around you.

Are You Following Jesus?

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. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Day 7 by Joel Biermann (CPH / Amazon)
• Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
• The Book of Concord
• Norman Nagel (systematic theology influence)
• Robert Benne (Reasonable Ethics)
• On the Line Podcast – Debate on Christian Nationalism
• YouTube: @JoelBiermann
• “Voices of the LCMS” Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Rich Rudowske, Executive Director of Lutheran Bible Translators, unpacks why Bible engagement is declining in America, what research says about its impact, and why Scripture is vital for the flourishing of the church. Together we explore the global 2033 Bible translation goal and the unique opportunity the LCMS has to play a key role. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Sponsor Section

Today’s episode is brought to you by Red Letter Living. We create resources to help the church produce greater disciples. This season we are launching a series of videos on our YouTube channel called “The Voices of the LCMS,” where we are unpacking data from our survey of 1054 Lutheran leaders. These videos are opening up questions, conversations, and opportunities to help us walk together in the future.

Rich’s Challenge

Read your Bible every day, and take it a step further by reading with a group. Use an app like YouVersion, invite friends, and share comments to sharpen and encourage one another.

Are You Following Jesus?

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. In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Lutheran Bible Translators (LBT)
• God Speaks Challenge Book
• YouVersion Bible App (1 billion downloads milestone)
• Collective Impact Alliance (global Bible translation collaboration)
• American Bible Society research on Scripture engagement
• Augsburg Confession and the Lutheran Confessions
• “Voices of the LCMS” Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Newman reflects on lessons from his ministry and leadership, the future of the LCMS, why trust and humility matter, and why discipleship is about doing the Word, not just hearing it. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Mike’s Challenge

Live out James 1:22. Don’t just listen to the Word—do it. Take action this week that aligns your faith with your works.

Are You Following Jesus?

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.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Texas District LCMS
• Gospel DNA by Michael Newman
• James 1:22
• Concordia University Texas
• Evangelist Training in Texas District

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tim Ahlman shares lessons from his sabbatical, why leadership rhythms matter, and how local churches and institutions can build trust together for the future of the LCMS. He also talks deeply and personally about what it was like to be silenced on his own podcast, how it feels to be misunderstood, and what he said to LCMS President Matthew Harrison. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Tim’s Challenge

Disciple one and be discipled by one. Find a Timothy you can pour into, and a Paul who can pour into you.

Are You Following Jesus?

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.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode

• Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church: christgreenfield.church
• Unite Leadership Collective: uniteleadership.org
• Confessing Jesus Mission (forthcoming book, 2026)
• Lead Time Podcast
• The Tim Ahlman Podcast
• Gospel DNA by Mike Newman
• Unstuck Group (Paul Alexander)
• Serving Challenge by Zach Zehnder
• Voices mentioned: President Matthew Harrison, President Tom Egger, Brian Wolfmueller, Mike Gibson, Ryan Barlow

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben Haupt unpacks the challenges of pastoral formation, why decentralization matters for the future of the LCMS, and how Lutheran theology is deeply relevant for today’s culture. We dive deep on some of the pastoral challenges in the LCMS today and what can be done in the future. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International. 

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Ben Haupt’s Challenge:

Engage in conversation. Start something—a podcast, a video, or a local group—that invites real dialogue. Don’t retreat. Lean into Scripture and confessions, and talk with those who see things differently.

Are You Following Jesus?

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.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube

We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• PLI: plileadership.org
• 
  
• Acton Institute
• 
  
• Not Being There study (ATS) on online theological education
• 
  
• The Lutheran Confessions (Book of Concord)
• 
  
• Voices mentioned: C.F.W. Walther, Wilhelm Löhe, Friedrich Brunn, Jordan Peterson
• 
  
• Ben’s Podcast: Bitcoin Reformation Podcast
• 
  
• Red Letter Living resources
• 
  
• Voices of the LCMS Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bryan Stecker shares his journey from business to ministry, why the Lutheran voice matters online, and how the sacraments and entrepreneurial spirit can shape the future of the church. Plus, how do we stay both confessional and missional as a church body. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

Bryan Stecker’s Challenge

Add one spiritual discipline into your weekly rhythm. It could be prayer, fasting, or something else. Start small, be consistent, and see how God uses it to shape your discipleship.

Are You Following Jesus?

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.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Red Letter Living resources · On The Line Podcast: https://ontheline.net · Lutheran Institute of Theology: https://lutheraninstitute.org · The Lutheran Confessions (Small Catechism, Large Catechism, Formula of Concord) · Jordan Peterson · Bishop Robert Barron · Pints with Aquinas · Byran Wolfmueller · Voices of the LCMS Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three LCMS pastors,Tim Niekerk, Scott Giger, and Brad Hubbard, share how their congregations are growing amid Synod decline, why confessional and missional belong together, and how to raise more leaders without losing our Lutheran soul. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Today’s episode is brought to you by our partner Child Beyond International.

Thanks to this week’s sponsor: Child Beyond International (CBI), a ministry dear to my heart. Based in Guatemala, CBI transforms the lives of orphaned, abandoned, and abused children by offering a Christ-centered new beginning. A dedicated team of caregivers, doctors, and social workers provides round-the-clock care, faith lessons, and prayer. Children are later reunited with safe relatives or adopted into loving Guatemalan families, with ongoing support beyond their time at CBI.

For only $40 a month, you can help change a child’s life. Because of the intensive care, it takes 20 people to fully sponsor one child. This season, we’re using our podcast platform for good—we want Season 9 to sponsor a child through Red Letter Living. Could you be one of the 20? Visit www.childbeyond.org/rll. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive—this is a chance to experience that joy.

The LCN Pastors’ Challenge (this week)

· Encourage a church worker who needs it (text/call someone today).

· Keep the main thing the main thing: lead with love, preach Christ, meet people where they are.

· Know your community: identify one tangible need outside your walls and serve it in Jesus’ name.

Are You Following Jesus?

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.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here.

Watch the Entire Season on YouTube We upload every episode of The Red Letter Disciple on our YouTube channel. Subscribe here.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode · Salem Lutheran Church (Tomball, TX) — Tim Niekerk · Cornerstone Lutheran Church (Central Indiana) — Scott Giger · St. Lorenz Lutheran Church (Frankenmuth, MI) — Brad Hubbard · LCMS Youth Gathering (New Orleans) · Best Practices Heartland Conference · Best Practices for Ministry in Phoenix · King of Kings (Omaha, NE) · “Voices of the LCMS” Videos

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.