For the first time in LCMS history, the synodical presidential election has advanced to a third ballot. With only 14 votes separating incumbent President Matthew Harrison and challenger Dr. Joel Biermann, Zach Zehnder and Matt Popovits discuss what this unprecedented election reveals about the state of the LCMS, the future of pastoral formation, and why every vote matters. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

For the first time in years, the LCMS presidential election is headed to a second ballot. Tim Ahlman and Zach Zehnder break down the results, discuss the growing support for Dr. Joel Biermann, and explore what these numbers reveal about the future of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Most churches want to make disciples. Few have a clear strategy for multiplying them. In this episode, Zach sits down with LCMS pastor, church planter, and Kairos Network founder Matt Peeples to discuss micro-groups, disciple-making, and why simplicity may be the key to reaching the next generation. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

With 88 overtures related to pastoral formation headed to the 2026 LCMS Convention, one of the most important conversations in the Missouri Synod is heating up.

Former Concordia Seminary professor Dr. Andy Bartelt joins Zach Zehnder to explore the history, tensions, opportunities, and future of pastoral formation in the LCMS. To access the show notes visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

In this special breaking episode of Red Letter Disciple, journalist Sam Jane joins Zach Zehnder to unpack the closure of Concordia Ann Arbor and the newly announced sale of the campus to the University of Michigan. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

What is the Go Network, and why are so many mission-minded Lutherans talking about it? Greg Finke and Deaconess Noemí Guerra join Zach Zehnder to discuss trust, discipleship, collaboration, and the future of mission in the LCMS. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

What if the real issue in pastoral formation isn’t pathways—but outcomes? Pastor Brad Urlaub joins Zach to discuss why pastors are leaving ministry, the importance of long-term formation, and the five outcomes every pastoral pathway should produce. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

The LCMS is facing a pastoral shortage—so why limit one of its fastest-growing pathways? Chris Holder shares what it’s really like to go through the SMP program. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com.

What happens when a declining LCMS church chooses courage over comfort? This episode shares the real story of a church merger that brought new life, new people, and renewed faith. As more and more LCMS churches are in decline, helping churches merge like this is a path forward. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

What actually forms a faithful pastor? District Presidents Nathan Meador and Wally Vinovskis unpack residential vs. online seminary and what our LCMS churches really need today. To access the snow notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.