What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another? In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight. This is not a debate episode. It’s a listening episode. Together, they explore: - Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn’t - How “liturgical pietism” and “it’s just contextual” can both miss the mark - Why drawing lines too tightly or too loosely can damage unity - The pastoral tension between hospitality and faithfulness, especially around the Lord’s Supper - What faithful disagreement actually looks like when everyone shares the same confession - Rather than trying to “win,” this conversation models something increasingly rare: theological conviction held with humility, charity, and love for the Church. If you’ve ever felt skeptical of church conversations that seem polarized, dismissive, or reactionary—this episode is for you. If you care about unity without compromise—this episode is for you. If you believe the Church is strengthened by honest dialogue rooted in Christ—this episode is for you! Our hope is not that you leave with every question answered, but that you leave encouraged to wrestle together, grounded in the gospel, for the sake of Christ’s Church. Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support">Support the show</a>Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter</a> Visit <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'>uniteleadership.org</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;This is not a debate episode.&lt;br/&gt;It’s a listening episode.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Together, they explore:&lt;br/&gt;- Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn’t&lt;br/&gt;- How “liturgical pietism” and “it’s just contextual” can both miss the mark&lt;br/&gt;- Why drawing lines too tightly or too loosely can damage unity&lt;br/&gt;- The pastoral tension between hospitality and faithfulness, especially around the Lord’s Supper&lt;br/&gt;- What faithful disagreement actually looks like when everyone shares the same confession&lt;br/&gt;- Rather than trying to “win,” this conversation models something increasingly rare: theological conviction held with humility, charity, and love for the Church.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you’ve ever felt skeptical of church conversations that seem polarized, dismissive, or reactionary—this episode is for you.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you care about unity without compromise—this episode is for you.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;If you believe the Church is strengthened by honest dialogue rooted in Christ—this episode is for you!&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Our hope is not that you leave with every question answered, but that you leave encouraged to wrestle together, grounded in the gospel, for the sake of Christ’s Church.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Join the LCMS Current!&lt;br/&gt;(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'&gt;uniteleadership.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

What happens when faithful Christians disagree—and refuse to caricature one another?  In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Pastor David Bukes for an honest, brotherly conversation about some of the most sensitive and debated issues in the Lutheran Church—without turning it into a fight.  This is not a debate episode. It’s a listening episode.  Together, they explore: - Where disagreement is genuinely adiaphora—and where it isn’t - How “liturgical pietism” ...

Can Faithful Lutherans Disagree? | Adiaphora, Doctrine; Where Should the Lines Be Drawn?

Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative: <a href='https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter'>https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter</a> Music from the Songwriter Initiative <a href='https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&amp;si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg'>https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&amp;si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg</a> In today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s research into Luther’s theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn’t afraid of emotion, innovation, or new styles—in fact, he believed the Church should be at the forefront of creativity. In this conversation, we explore: - Why Luther rejected the idea that music is “dangerous” - How contemporary worship has matured in Lutheran settings - Why some popular worship songs create real theological problems - Why the LCMS may be entering a musical renaissance - How 188+ Lutheran songwriters are creating thousands of new songs - Why all TSI resources are free and made for local congregations Whether you’re a traditional hymnal purist, a modern worship leader, or someone who loves both—this episode will challenge and encourage you. Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent</a><a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support">Support the show</a>Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter</a> Visit <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'>uniteleadership.org</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter'&gt;https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Music from the Songwriter Initiative&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&amp;amp;si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg'&gt;https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&amp;amp;si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s research into Luther’s theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn’t afraid of emotion, innovation, or new styles—in fact, he believed the Church should be at the forefront of creativity.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this conversation, we explore:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;- Why Luther rejected the idea that music is “dangerous”&lt;br/&gt;- How contemporary worship has matured in Lutheran settings&lt;br/&gt;- Why some popular worship songs create real theological problems&lt;br/&gt;- Why the LCMS may be entering a musical renaissance&lt;br/&gt;- How 188+ Lutheran songwriters are creating thousands of new songs&lt;br/&gt;- Why all TSI resources are free and made for local congregations&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Whether you’re a traditional hymnal purist, a modern worship leader, or someone who loves both—this episode will challenge and encourage you.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Join the LCMS Current!&lt;br/&gt;(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'&gt;uniteleadership.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Learn More about the Songwriter Initiative: https://www.cui.edu/academicprograms/christcollege/center-for-worship-leadership/songwriter  Music from the Songwriter Initiative https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd3R1O9BFY1fGEI6aoZfNFfB8eEYxp2-F&amp;si=0a8D71hlAmDZCFFg  In today’s episode, Tim and Jack sit down with Kip Fox, director of the Songwriter Initiative at Concordia University Irvine. Kip’s research into Luther’s theology of music may surprise you. Luther wasn’t afraid of emotion, innov...

Could Music Help Heal Our Synod? (A Vision for Unity)

Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent</a> In this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee’s newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage. Together, they process the document line by line—affirming what is good, questioning what is unclear, and challenging the church to think creatively and relationally about raising up new pastors. With nearly 600 LCMS congregations currently unable to call a pastor, this conversation matters deeply. How do we balance rigor with accessibility? Tradition with innovation? Residential formation with local mentorship? And are these new policies moving the LCMS closer to health—or further away? Whether you’re a pastor, district leader, seminarian, SMP graduate, or simply care about the future of the church, this episode provides clarity, context, and courage for the conversation ahead.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support">Support the show</a>Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter</a> Visit <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'>uniteleadership.org</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Join the LCMS Current!&lt;br/&gt;(weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee’s newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Together, they process the document line by line—affirming what is good, questioning what is unclear, and challenging the church to think creatively and relationally about raising up new pastors.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;With nearly 600 LCMS congregations currently unable to call a pastor, this conversation matters deeply. How do we balance rigor with accessibility? Tradition with innovation? Residential formation with local mentorship? And are these new policies moving the LCMS closer to health—or further away?&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Whether you’re a pastor, district leader, seminarian, SMP graduate, or simply care about the future of the church, this episode provides clarity, context, and courage for the conversation ahead.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'&gt;uniteleadership.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Join the LCMS Current! (weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!):  https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent  In this special episode of Lead Time, Pastor Tim Ahlman sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin to walk through the LCMS Pastoral Formation Committee’s newly released SMP policy requirements—including the widely debated 40-year-old minimum age, the restrictions on SMP placements, and the implications for the LCMS pastoral shortage.  Together, they process the document line ...

Discussing the Ramifications of the New SMP Changes

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent</a> Is pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”? Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles. In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially the claim that conversations around alternative or adaptive pastoral formation models could “threaten the fabric of the Synod.” We explore what’s actually happening, what people fear losing, and how the church can navigate these conversations with clarity, charity, and courage. Topics we cover: Why pastoral formation is so controversial right now The real fears behind “threat to the Synod” language How SMP changes impact large and small congregations differently Residential seminary vs. contextual seminary: what are we actually debating? Why younger pastors feel misunderstood and unheard Joe’s experience speaking at the ACELC The need for honest, public debate in the LCMS Why the future may require more—not fewer—formation pathways How we can preserve confessional integrity and raise up more workers Whether you&apos;re an LCMS pastor, delegate, seminarian, church leader, or simply someone trying to understand this conversation, you’ll find clarity, nuance, and hope here.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support">Support the show</a>Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter</a> Visit <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'>uniteleadership.org</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Join the LCMS Current!&lt;br/&gt;(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Is pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”?&lt;br/&gt;Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially the claim that conversations around alternative or adaptive pastoral formation models could “threaten the fabric of the Synod.”&lt;br/&gt;We explore what’s actually happening, what people fear losing, and how the church can navigate these conversations with clarity, charity, and courage.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Topics we cover:&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Why pastoral formation is so controversial right now&lt;br/&gt;The real fears behind “threat to the Synod” language&lt;br/&gt;How SMP changes impact large and small congregations differently&lt;br/&gt;Residential seminary vs. contextual seminary: what are we actually debating?&lt;br/&gt;Why younger pastors feel misunderstood and unheard&lt;br/&gt;Joe’s experience speaking at the ACELC&lt;br/&gt;The need for honest, public debate in the LCMS&lt;br/&gt;Why the future may require more—not fewer—formation pathways&lt;br/&gt;How we can preserve confessional integrity and raise up more workers&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re an LCMS pastor, delegate, seminarian, church leader, or simply someone trying to understand this conversation, you’ll find clarity, nuance, and hope here.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'&gt;uniteleadership.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!):  https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent  Is pastoral formation reform in the LCMS really a “threat to the Synod”? Pastor Joe Beran joins Tim Ahlman for an honest, thoughtful conversation about fear, change, seminary pathways, SMP restrictions, and why this topic has become so emotionally charged across Lutheran circles.  In this episode, Joe responds directly to concerns raised across the LCMS—especially th...

Does Pastoral Formation Really ‘Threaten the Synod’? Joe Responds.

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent</a> Dr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President &amp; CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conversations happening in our church today. We explore: • The difference between welcoming and belonging • How Lutheran schools can reflect the communities they serve • What it means to be missional (not covenantal) • Why demographic shifts are an opportunity, not a threat • The simplicity (not simplistic nature) of the Gospel • How Lutheran identity can remain faithful AND adaptable Whether you&apos;re a pastor, educator, parent, or leader in the LCMS, this episode will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to see the mission of Jesus in a fresh and practical way.<a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support">Support the show</a>Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes) <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'>https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter</a> Visit <a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'>uniteleadership.org</a>

<description>&lt;p&gt;Join the LCMS Current!&lt;br/&gt;(bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!): &lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Dr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President &amp;amp; CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conversations happening in our church today.&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;We explore:&lt;br/&gt;• The difference between welcoming and belonging&lt;br/&gt;• How Lutheran schools can reflect the communities they serve&lt;br/&gt;• What it means to be missional (not covenantal)&lt;br/&gt;• Why demographic shifts are an opportunity, not a threat&lt;br/&gt;• The simplicity (not simplistic nature) of the Gospel&lt;br/&gt;• How Lutheran identity can remain faithful AND adaptable&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Whether you&amp;apos;re a pastor, educator, parent, or leader in the LCMS, this episode will challenge, encourage, and inspire you to see the mission of Jesus in a fresh and practical way.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;a rel="payment" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/200797/support"&gt;Support the show&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)&lt;br/&gt;&lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter'&gt;https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter&lt;/a&gt;&lt;br/&gt;&lt;br/&gt;Visit &lt;a href='https://www.uniteleadership.org/'&gt;uniteleadership.org&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;</description>

Join the LCMS Current! (bi monthly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics!):  https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrent  Dr. Mychal Thom joins Tim and Jack for a powerful conversation about belonging, Lutheran identity, and the future of Lutheran schools. From his own story of adoption to his leadership at Concordia St. Paul—and now his upcoming role as President &amp; CEO of Faith Lutheran in Las Vegas—Dr. Thom brings wisdom, compassion, and clarity to one of the most important conver...

Is It Time to Redefine Lutheran Identity?

<div>Lead Time is a podcast of the Unite Leadership Collective, hosted by Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg. The ULC envisions a future in which all congregations fully equip the priesthood of all believers through world-class leadership development at the local level. Lead Time taps into biblical wisdom for practical solutions to today's burning issues. Each podcast confronts real-time struggles facing the local church in a post-Christian culture. Step into the action with the ULC. This is Lead Time</div>

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