The Tim Ahlman Podcast
The Tim Ahlman Podcast is your go-to resource for inspiring conversations that equip leaders to thrive in every vocation, inside and outside the church. With three primary focuses, this podcast dives deep into:
Leadership: Learn from experts across diverse fields as we explore how their insights can shape and sustain a healthy culture in the local church and beyond. Over 60% of listeners expressed a desire for practical discussions on cultivating thriving environments—and that's exactly what these conversations will deliver.
Learn: Engage in deep theological discussions with scholars who illuminate how Christ is revealed on every page of Scripture. Together, we’ll bridge theology to the realities of a post-Christian America, ensuring practical application for today’s world. This segment aligns closely with the themes of the American Reformation Podcast and resonates with the 60% of you who crave more exploration in this area.
Live: Discover healthy habits that empower leaders in all vocations to become holistically healthy. As followers of Jesus, we’re called to lead not only with faith but also with physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
Join Tim Ahlman as we navigate leadership, learning, and living with purpose, so you can lead with strength, wisdom, and a Christ-centered vision.
Episodes
175 episodes
The Bible in Every Language by 2033?
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentIn this powerful episode, Tim Ahlman si...
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Episode 44
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45:55
The Middle Way: Discipleship, Sabbaticals, and the Future of the LCMS
Want to stay up to date on LCMS Happenings from Pastor Tim?Join the LCMS Current: https://www.uniteleadership.org/thelcmscurrentPastor Aaron Gehrke has served 15 years...
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Episode 43
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40:55
The Shroud of Turin, Women in the Church, and Walking Where Paul Walked
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 Tri...
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Episode 42
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35:07
The Problem with “Playing It Safe” in LCMS Ministry
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 lo...
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Episode 41
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47:36
Why Worship Is More Than Music: A Conversation with Johnny Venegas
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’...
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Episode 40
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49:01
40 Years of Ministry: Lessons on Joy, Sabbath, and Reaching the Lost
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 ...
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Episode 39
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54:55
The Hidden Ambition God Actually Wants
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 lov...
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Episode 38
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44:50
Is the Church Undervaluing Its Business Leaders?
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 ...
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Episode 37
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1:01:41
From Country Music Tour Manager to Lutheran Pastor: Gene Johnson’s Story
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 i...
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Episode 36
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1:01:08
Why the Western Church Fears Suffering (and How Art Can Heal)
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.Ka...
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Episode 35
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45:17
Why Programs Fail and People Thrive: Rethinking Ministry in the LCMS
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, h...
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Episode 34
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35:57
LCMS Methods Producing Mature Disciples?
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 prac...
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Episode 33
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44:57
Why the Church Struggles to Help the Unemployed
Unemployment is one of the most disorienting, painful seasons a person can face—yet the church often overlooks it. In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Dale Kreienkamp, author of "How Long, Lord, How Long?", to talk about the emotional an...
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Episode 32
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46:51
Stop Preserving—Start Planting: The Real Reason the LCMS Is Stuck
Let’s start having the hard conversations that move the Church forward.Is church planting just a trendy distraction from revitalization? Or is it exactly what the LCMS needs right now?In this powerful conversation, Tim Ahlman si...
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Episode 31
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52:26
“At Least They’re in a Better Place”—Why That Hurts More Than Helps
What happens when the rituals that once helped us grieve—viewings, funerals, community gatherings—fade into the background? In this deeply moving episode, Tim sits down with grief expert Julie Lynn Ashley to discuss the Western church’s growing...
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Episode 30
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51:15
The LCMS Isn’t Dying—It’s Sleeping on Its Greatest Asset
What if the greatest untapped mission field in the LCMS isn’t overseas—but in your preschool?Dr. Douglas Krengel joins Pastor Tim to reveal jaw-dropping findings from his LCMS-wide research on early childhood ministries—and the shocking...
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Episode 29
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51:03
From Sunday to Monday: The Liturgy That Fails If It Stays in Church
Ever felt like your Sunday worship experience has nothing to do with your Monday morning reality? You're not alone. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Jim Marriott, we dive deep into the profound yet often misunderstood connection betwe...
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Episode 27
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46:38
Did Lutherans Misread Paul? Dr. Gorman Might Think So
What does it truly mean to follow Christ? According to Dr. Michael Gorman, it goes far beyond simply believing the right doctrines. In this profound conversation, the renowned biblical scholar challenges us to consider whether we've been misrea...
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Episode 26
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48:25
Liturgy or Idol? The Hidden Danger in LCMS Worship
Paul Dickerson, Associate Pastor at Christ Memorial Church, shares his journey from attorney to ministry and explores how business principles can transform church leadership and growth. While Paul values liturgical practices and the...
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Episode 25
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54:50
Real Reason Churches Don’t Grow?
What if one of the most "outdated" evangelism methods actually works better than we think? In this fascinating conversation, Pastor Timothy Koch dismantles the misconception that door-to-door evangelism belongs in the past and demonstrates how ...
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Episode 24
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47:34
When Culture Collides with Christ: Finding Freedom in Direct Faith
Have you ever wondered how different cultures approach spiritual truth? Noks Shabalala shares her journey from ancestral worship in South Africa to Christian faith, offering fresh cultural perspectives on boldly communicating gospel...
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Episode 23
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52:44
Joining God's Story: A Conversation with Michael Goheen
What if the entire Bible tells one cohesive story—and you're invited to play a part in it? Dr. Michael Goheen, author of "The Drama of Scripture," unpacks how understanding Scripture as a unified narrative transforms our spiritual lives and mis...
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Episode 22
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50:34
Exploring the 17 Questions of God
Have you ever considered that God's questions might reveal more about you than your answers reveal about Him? When the Creator of the universe asks "Where are you?" or "Why do you doubt?" He's inviting us into something far deeper than a theolo...
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Episode 21
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50:34
Bound, Burdened, Broken: A Framework for Gospel Listening
What if our cultural moment isn't "post-Christian" but rather "pre-Christian"? This shift in perspective could transform how we approach ministry and evangelism in today's secular world.Dr. Dean Nadasdy, President Emeritus of the Minneso...
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Episode 20
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43:05