Why are there certain topics Christians avoid talking about—especially in church?

In this powerful conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Mike Novotny to unpack the taboo topics that are quietly affecting thousands of believers every Sunday. From pornography and sexual sin to abuse, politics, and shame—this episode dives into the real struggles Christians face and why bringing them into the light is the only path to healing.

Mike shares his personal story of addiction, the turning point that changed everything, and why honest confession within Christian community is so powerful. Together, they explore how Jesus addressed difficult topics head-on—and why the modern church must do the same.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, ashamed, or unsure how to talk about hard things… this episode is for you.

👉 See Mike's Book here: https://www.taboobook.org/

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Why do so many pastors, leaders, and Christians take themselves so seriously? In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Greg Griffith for a fun but meaningful conversation about humor, joy, leadership, and the role laughter should play in the life of the church. 

Together they talk about why humor helps disarm tension, how joy can strengthen relationships, and why Christians should be some of the least offendable people in the world.

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Jordan Boessling to unpack the power—and potential danger—of leadership assessments like StrengthsFinder, Enneagram, Myers-Briggs, and Working Genius.

They explore how tools designed to help leaders grow can sometimes lead to overthinking, comparison, and misplaced identity. But when used properly, these assessments can unlock deeper self-awareness, stronger teams, and more effective ministry.

This conversation dives into emotional intelligence, adaptive leadership, and the tension between knowing yourself and finding your identity in Christ. If you’ve ever taken a personality test—or questioned whether you should—this episode will challenge and sharpen your perspective.

Ultimately, it’s not just about knowing yourself… it’s about knowing who you are in Jesus.

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Many churches today are focused on growth, strategy, and multiplication—but what if we’ve missed the most important part of Jesus’ method?

In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with church planter and author Peyton Jones to talk about his new book Discipology and why the church must rediscover the simple rhythms of disciple making.

Get Peyton's new book: Discipology: The Art and Science of Making Disciples
https://www.amazon.com/Discipology-Science-Making-Disciples-Exponential/dp/0310180333

They explore the difference between mobilization and multiplication, why most Christians have never been discipled, and how Jesus actually trained the first disciples to change the world.

The conversation also dives into the future of the church, why smaller relational communities are rising, and how everyday believers can be equipped to live out the Great Commission in normal life.

If you care about the future of the church and want to see believers mobilized for mission, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

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Is Generation Z actually returning to faith?

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In this episode, Pastor Tim Ahlman talks with Lutheran educator Chad Janetzke about what today’s students are really searching for spiritually. After nearly 20 years teaching theology at a Lutheran high school, Chad shares what he’s seeing firsthand from Gen Z: a deep hunger for authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a faith that speaks to real life. 

They discuss the biggest cultural questions students are asking today—including mental health, identity, politics, and relationships—and how the Church can faithfully respond with both truth and compassion.

You’ll also learn a simple four-question framework Chad teaches his students to help them read the Bible and discover Christ throughout Scripture.

If you’re a parent, pastor, teacher, or church leader wondering how to reach the next generation, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

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A faithful businessman once told God, “If You help my company survive, I’ll dedicate everything to You.”

In this episode, Tim sits down with Charlotte John-Gomez, President & CEO of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, to explore how one man’s bold commitment turned into a $138 million Kingdom legacy impacting churches, schools, and nonprofits across Wisconsin.

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Charlotte shares how the foundation partners with Lutheran ministries to address poverty, food insecurity, housing, addiction recovery, education, and innovative church outreach. Together, they discuss engaging gifted givers, servant leadership, listening as a leadership discipline, and what it means to be “pan-Lutheran” in a divided culture.

If you care about stewardship, leadership, unity in the Church, and practical ways the body of Christ can meet real needs — this conversation will inspire you.

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What if the church isn’t meant to preserve a monument—but to embody a movement?

In this deeply thoughtful and pastoral conversation, Tim sits down with Pastor Nathan Hoff of Trinity Lutheran in San Pedro to explore what it means to lead a church that is alive, attentive, and anchored in Christ.

Nathan reflects on 20 years of ministry in one congregation—what had to “die” in him as a leader, how blind spots become sanctifying tools, and why the church must resist becoming a museum curator of past movements. Together, they wrestle with institutional preservation vs. missional risk, unity in divided times, and the formation of young leaders through intentional community.

Nathan shares about Trinity’s Benedict-inspired young adult internship community—how rhythms of prayer, stability, shared life, and clear confession are shaping the next generation of pastors and leaders across church bodies.

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Author, spoken word poet, and speaker Tanner Olson joins the Tim Ahlman Podcast to talk about poetry, grief, humor, AI, NBA basketball—and most importantly—hope.

Tanner’s newest book, Getting Through What You’re Going Through, releases February 17, 2026, and is a powerful collection of poems, essays, and reflections for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, identity questions, or spiritual wrestling.

This episode is vulnerable, joyful, honest—and filled with encouragement for anyone who feels like they’re just trying to get through what they’re going through.

Grab Tanner’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Through-What-Youre-Going/dp/0310465745

Connect with Tanner at https://www.writtentospeak.com/

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

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Tim’s new book is out now and tackles the real leadership and discipleship challenges facing the LCMS today. If you care about faithful, missional Lutheran leadership rooted in Scripture and love for the local church, this book is for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Confession-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer/dp/B0G1685QDV/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

Churches don’t drift toward mission—they drift toward maintenance.

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Dan Hauser to talk about what it really looks like to lead a church and school toward gospel-centered transformation. From reaching the unchurched through mission schools to creating a culture where people feel known and loved, Dan shares hard-won leadership insights shaped by decades of ministry, church revitalization, and church planting.

They dig into the tension between traditional and contemporary worship, why vision and values matter more than ever, and how churches can move people from consumer Christianity to empowered discipleship. This conversation is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and educators navigating growth, cultural change, and mission in today’s church.

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Want to take part in the private Zoom Call with Pastor Tim??
14 Spots remain! Your Purchase of Tim's Book is your ticket to the event!
https://pci.jotform.com/cglc/confessing-jesus-mission-order-form

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim is joined by Pastor Mark Schultz and Josh Salzberg for a careful, pastoral conversation about one of the most sensitive and emotionally charged topics facing the Church today. Rather than rushing to arguments or soundbites, this conversation slows down and asks a different question: What does it look like to lead with the gospel when real people and real pain are involved?

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