The Red Letter Disciple

 Kenny Jahng joins Zach Zehnder to talk about why AI is more than a productivity tool. This conversation explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping work, identity, relationships, discipleship, and the future of the church. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com.

What happens when a pastor retires without a plan? In this episode, Zach talks with his dad, Mark Zehnder, about pastoral succession, leadership transitions, the LCMS pastor shortage, and why churches need intentional pipelines for the next generation of leaders. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com.

Should SMP pastors always remain under supervision and limited status in the LCMS? Pastor Frank Hart shares his story, challenges, and hopes for pastoral formation in the church. To access the show notes, go to www.redletterpodcast.com.

Why are so many churches struggling to find their next youth pastor, worship leader, or ministry staff member? In this episode, Zach sits down with Dave Miller to talk about the church’s leadership pipeline problem, why Gen Z gives real reason for hope, and how residency programs can help churches raise up leaders from within. If you care about mentoring young leaders, staffing the future Church, and building a healthier ministry pipeline, this conversation is for you. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

What exactly does a DCE do—and why is the LCMS facing a major shortage? Concordia St. Paul DCE Program Director Shelly Schwalm joins Zach to talk about discipleship, Gen Z’s fears and faith, women serving in the LCMS, and behind-the-scenes insights from the 2025 LCMS Youth Gathering. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Gen Z men are returning to church. Gen Z women are leaving. What’s going on—and what should church leaders do about it? In this episode, Zach sits down with Grant and Cheyanne Skeldon (Way Church, Nashville | THINQ) to unpack the gender gap emerging in Gen Z and how discipleship is the key to reaching the next generation. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Poet and author Tanner Olson joins Zach Zehnder for a powerful conversation about hope, pain, youth ministry, infertility, anxiety, and the power of words. Plus, Tanner shares two poems from his brand new book Getting Through What You’re Going Through. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Dr. W. Mart Thompson, Director of the SMP Program at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis joins Zach to explain how SMP works, who it’s for, why it exists, and what outcomes the LCMS should actually expect—cutting through confusion in a convention year. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Tim Ahlman returns on the podcast to discuss pastoral formation, trust, division, and his new book Confessing Jesus’ Mission. A candid, hopeful conversation about the future of the LCMS and the work still ahead. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.

Michael Zeigler of Lutheran Hour Ministries joins Zach to talk sermon prep, Scripture memory, pastoral formation, preaching in a studio vs. a sanctuary, and how digital media, even AI, can faithfully serve the Church. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.