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In this rich and wide-ranging conversation, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Dr. Joel Biermann, Professor of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary—one of the most influential voices in the LCMS today. They tackle some of the most misunderstood and debated topics in Lutheran life: Adiaphora, Christian freedom, pastoral formation, worship, and Lutheran identity.

Dr. Biermann offers historical clarity, theological precision, and pastoral wisdom on issues shaping the future of the church. What counts as Adiaphora? Are we making rules where Scripture hasn’t? What actually forms a pastor? How do congregations and seminaries work together? And how should pastors speak into cultural chaos without losing their footing in the gospel?

Whether you're a pastor, lay leader, seminarian, or someone passionate about the future of the LCMS, this episode delivers clarity, challenge, and encouragement.

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In this episode, Tim sits down with Dr. Andrew Bauman — author, researcher, and founder of the Christian Counseling Center — for one of the most eye-opening conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast.

Dr. Bauman recently gathered data from 2,800 women serving in Protestant churches, uncovering patterns of sexism, power misuse, and cultural blind spots that many church leaders never see.

We talk about:
• What actually makes a church unsafe
• The shocking data leaders need to hear
• How porn culture has quietly shaped Christian leadership
• Why Paul’s “women be silent” passages may not mean what you think
• The shadow side of ministry leadership
• True intimacy vs. AI-driven fantasy culture
• How pastors can heal their own inner world to lead healthier churches

This episode is not about politics — it’s about becoming a safer, more Christlike church.

Dr. Bauman’s Book: Safe Church
https://www.amazon.com/Safe-Church-against-Christian-Communities/dp/1540903974

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Today Tim sits down with Mulu Lemma, education program director for Hope for the Second Generation, an organization equipping and discipling second-generation Ethiopian immigrants and young adults across the U.S. and around the world.

Find out more about Hope for Second Gen:
https://www.hope4secondgen.org/

This episode dives into:

- The spiritual challenges and opportunities facing second-gen immigrant youth
- Why many young adults feel “caught between cultures”… and how the Church can meet them
- The explosive growth of the gospel in Ethiopia
- How the Holy Spirit is stirring up a global movement among Gen Z
- How the digital age has opened a new mission field
- Ministry models that empower young leaders across cultures
- The importance of multi-generational discipleship

Whether you're a pastor, ministry leader, parent, or someone passionate about reaching the next generation, this conversation will expand your vision for what God is doing right now among young people and immigrant communities.

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Pastor Tim sits down with Erick Sorensen, church partnerships director for 1517, to unpack the story behind one of the most influential Lutheran movements today.

They discuss how 1517 began, its open-handed approach to theology, and why Lutherans shouldn’t be afraid to collaborate with others in the wider body of Christ.

From law and gospel to vocation, the conversation explores how Lutherans can stay rooted in confession while still learning from the broader Christian world.

You’ll also hear about Erick’s personal journey from Calvary Chapel to Lutheranism, his mentorship under Tim Keller, and the exciting new 1517 documentary “Christ for You.”

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Leadership coach and consultant Naomi Stohlmann joins Tim to unpack her Five Giants and Five Stones model — a Christ-centered framework for leaders to navigate internal and external challenges with courage, conviction, and clarity.

From athletics to executive coaching, Naomi shares her journey of discovering how God transforms setbacks into strength and equips leaders to thrive in complex, uncertain times.

Together, Tim and Naomi explore:
- How to overcome fear, imposter syndrome, and burnout
- The difference between courage and pride
- What makes “growth conversations” possible in teams and churches
- Why communication and trust are the heartbeat of healthy leadership

👉 Learn more about Naomi: https://www.innovative-leadership-solutions.com/

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In this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Kyla Rodriguez, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator for Lutheran Bible Translators, to explore one of the most ambitious missions in history: giving every person on Earth access to Scripture by 2033.

Kyla shares her journey in ministry, the heart behind LBT’s global translation movement, and why she believes we’re living in a generation ripe for revival. From navigating cultural darkness to raising up women leaders in the church, this conversation is packed with honesty, faith, and vision.

Topics include:
- Responding to cultural darkness with light and grace
- The coming wave of Bible access for all
- Gen Z’s surprising hunger for God
- Raising up female leaders in the church
- Practical ways to reignite Scripture engagement in America

Learn more about Lutheran Bible Translators: https://lbt.org
Get the new 30-day devotional “God Speaks” by Allison & Zach Zehnder: lbt.org/godspeaks

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Pastor Aaron Gehrke has served 15 years in one congregation — something almost unheard of today. In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Aaron to unpack what he’s learned about discipleship, leadership development, and staying healthy in ministry over the long haul.

From raising up leaders who multiply, to embracing sabbaticals as essential rhythms of health, Aaron offers grounded wisdom for pastors and church leaders alike. They also discuss the growing conversation within the LCMS between “Barrier Breakers” and “Distinction Keepers” — and how faithfulness might actually live in the tension between both.

Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or layperson passionate about the mission of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how the church grows — not by doing more, but by developing more disciples who make disciples.

📧 Contact Pastor Gehrke for sabbatical resources: [email protected]

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What if the Bible came alive right before your eyes?

Interested in the upcoming 2026 Pauline Epistle Pilgrimage through Rome and Greece? It's a life-changing trip that brings the scriptures to life. 

Want to Join the 2026 Trip? Contact:
✉️ Jeff Sutherlin: [email protected]
✉️ Mark Renner: [email protected]

In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin and Pastor Mark Renner to discuss faith, archaeology, and the early church’s unstoppable mission. From visiting Israel and Greece to uncovering new evidence around the Shroud of Turin, the conversation bridges the worlds of Scripture, science, and personal faith. 

They also tackle one of the LCMS’s most debated topics — the role of women in the church — exploring how the early church viewed leadership and how that compares to today’s discussions.

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What if the greatest threat to your ministry isn’t burnout—it’s playing it safe?

In this episode, Dr. Cole Braun, CEO of the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee, joins Pastor Tim Ahlman to unpack what bold leadership looks like in the Church today.

From turning around struggling schools to writing his upcoming book Why Wouldn’t You?, Dr. Braun shares how curiosity, collaboration, and risk-taking can transform ministry culture.

Together, they discuss:
- Why most Christian leaders dream too small
- How fear keeps churches from growing
- The power of unity between schools and churches
- Why curiosity is one of the most underrated spiritual gifts

💡 “If we serve a massive God, why are we dreaming so small?”
— Dr. Cole Braun

Let’s lead boldly, together.

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What does it mean to truly live out your calling? In this episode, Tim sits down with Johnny Venegas, worship leader at King of Kings Church in Omaha, Nebraska, to hear his story of faith, music, and mission.

From growing up as a pastor’s kid in Chile to finding his place in the LCMS, Johnny shares how God reshaped his heart for ministry, the struggles and beauty of church leadership, and why worship is about so much more than just music.

Together, Tim and Johnny dive into:

- How God turns struggles in ministry into growth.
- The balance between emotions and theology in worship.
- The role of excellence and authenticity in leading teams.
- Finding peace and alignment in your true calling.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every vocation is holy work—and that worship has the power to transform hearts.

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