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.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

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.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

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.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Jeff Scheich, who is celebrating 40 years of ministry. Together, they dive into the power of the resurrection, the importance of sabbath rhythms, and how the church can reach those who feel distant from faith.

Pastor Jeff shares stories from launching the innovative 2:11 worship experience at Christ Lincoln, his lessons on saying “no” in ministry, and the balance of joy, reverence, and discipleship in Lutheran worship.

They also discuss:
- The historical evidence for the resurrection
- Why Sabbath is critical for pastors and leaders today
- How churches can welcome the de-churched and spiritually curious
- The tension between tradition and innovation in Lutheran worship
- Healthy habits for life, ministry, and family

This conversation is a refreshing reminder that Jesus is alive, the church is for everyone, and ministry can be filled with joy.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

Tim sits down with Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Together, they dive into Ryan’s upcoming book, The Quiet Ambition, exploring how everyday faithfulness and small acts of love make an eternal difference in God’s kingdom.

Ryan shares his story of parish ministry, his approach to preaching “by heart,” and the hope he wants to inspire in pastors and laypeople alike. From facing storms—both literal and spiritual—to reflecting on confessional Lutheran theology, this conversation offers encouragement, challenge, and a renewed vision for ministry in the church today.

👉 Learn more about Ryan Tinetti’s book The Quiet Ambition 

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Dr. Rachel Ferguson—Director of the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and economics:

- Why business leaders are vital to the mission of the church
- How fasting, Sabbath practices, and community can shape our spiritual lives
- The history of redlining, fatherlessness, and systemic barriers in America
- Why the Black church has been both a haven and a challenge for integration
- How marketplace innovation and Christian vocation can alleviate poverty and build God’s kingdom

This is a rich conversation for pastors, business leaders, and anyone passionate about how faith impacts both the church and the world.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

Tim sits down with his longtime friend and classmate, Rev. Gene Johnson, to unpack an incredible journey from assistant golf pro, to tour manager for country artist Clay Walker, to now serving as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Trinity Klein in Houston, TX.

Gene shares lessons learned about leadership, humility, and handling conflict — whether on the golf course, backstage at a concert, or in the local church. He also opens up about parenting a son with significant health challenges, the theology of the cross, and why the Houston Lutheran community has become a hub for church planting and collaboration.

This episode will encourage pastors, leaders, and anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

Why does the Western church struggle to talk about grief, loss, and suffering? Pastor Karl Fay joins Tim Ahlman for a raw and inspiring conversation about faith, art, and the power of walking through brokenness instead of avoiding it.

Karl—an artist, husband, dad, and senior pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church—opens up about:
- Why Western Christians often ignore death and suffering
- How grief and melancholy shape authentic faith
- The surprising ways art can give us language for pain and hope
- Why Jesus Himself should be seen as an artist who transforms suffering into beauty

This episode will challenge your view of grief, faith, and creativity—and may just change how you see the role of art in the church.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

What happens when your life shatters at 30 mph into a telephone pole—and God uses it to reshape your ministry?

In this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Nathan Huse of Peace Lutheran in Tustin, CA. Just five years ago, his church had fewer than 30 people in worship. Today, it’s a vibrant, multi-generational community filled with new believers, baptisms, and revival stories. This is a story of brokenness, resilience, and God’s power to breathe new life into His people and His Church.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!

Most LCMS congregations offer some kind of adult education—but is it actually forming mature disciples? 

Dr. Mark Blanke joins Tim to unpack decades of research showing why quality matters far more than quantity, the eight best practices of effective adult education, and why small, intentional shifts could radically change faith formation across our Synod. They explore how Jesus’ question-based teaching style outperforms lecture-heavy models, why evaluation is essential, and how congregations can create a clear vision for what a “maturing disciple” looks like. This is a practical, Spirit-led conversation every church leader should hear.

Support the show

Watch Us On Youtube!