What does faithful leadership look like when you’re not the one in charge?

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Emily Phoenix, Program & Communications Director at KINDLE and host of Cultivating Second Chair Leaders, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about leadership, identity, and faithfulness in today’s church.

This episode isn’t about winning arguments — it’s about cultivating gentleness, courage, and Christ-centered leadership in a polarized age.

Whether you’re a pastor, commissioned worker, lay leader, or simply someone longing for healthier conversations in the church, this episode invites you to slow down, listen well, and refocus on the mission of Jesus.

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What voices are shaping your leadership—encouraging courage, or quietly reinforcing shame?

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with pastor, coach, and author Jeff Meyer to explore the concept of your Internal Board of Directors—the inner voices that guide (or derail) your decisions, identity, and spiritual resilience.

Jeff shares vulnerably about a dark season that exposed the power of negative self-talk, the theology of shame, and how leaders—especially pastors—often become their own harshest critics. Together, Tim and Jeff unpack how law and gospel shape our inner dialogue, why isolation is so dangerous for leaders, and how grace reshapes both our brains and our leadership.

This conversation weaves together neuroscience, pastoral theology, Luther, Scripture, and practical habits for cultivating healthier internal leadership—anchored in baptismal identity and the Spirit of Truth.

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In this episode of TAP, Tim Ahlman is joined by pastor, author, and theologian Carl Lehenbauer for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about ministry longevity, marriage, discipleship, and the fire of God’s love that holds it all together.

Carl shares his journey from associate pastor to senior pastor—and now into a discipleship-focused role—reflecting honestly on burnout, self-awareness, delegation, and the quiet faithfulness that sustains long-term ministry. From there, the conversation moves into the heart of Carl’s new book, Fire and Song, a rich exploration of the Song of Songs as God’s love song to His people.

Together, Tim and Carl explore:

- Why love—not programs—is the foundation of a healthy church
- How God’s love fuels marriage rather than asking couples to manufacture it
- The connection between the Song of Songs, Pentecost, and the Holy Spirit
- Why admiration and commitment still matter in a distracted culture
- How marriage forms us into people who look more like Christ

This episode is honest, theological, pastoral, and hopeful—a reminder that God’s love is not only proclaimed, but sung over His people.

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Pastor Raygen Mitchell from Scottsdale Bible Church shares his extraordinary journey—from a traumatic childhood, seven felonies, multiple incarcerations, and meth addiction… to a supernatural encounter with Christ that completely transformed his life.

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In this episode, Tim and Raygen dive deep into:

- How God uses suffering and brokenness to shape leaders
- What Raygen means when he says “God said…”—and how Scripture formed his discernment
- The explosive revival happening among Gen Z
- Discipleship models that are actually working in large churches
- What healthy multi-site leadership looks like
- Why unity across denominations matters now more than ever

This is one of the most powerful personal testimonies we’ve ever featured.
If you’re longing for hope, revival, or clarity on how to disciple well in 2025 and beyond, this conversation will move you.

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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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