Lead Time

Faith and music intersect in the most fascinating ways! Let us take you on a captivating journey with our guest, Grammy-nominated and Stellar award-winning hip-hop artist, Flame. He shares with us how rap has not only shaped his career but also helped him memorize scripture and excel academically. We explore the fascinating science behind this and how music can be used as a powerful tool for spiritual growth.Along the way, Flame opens up about his transition from a charismatic and Calvinist upbringing to embracing the Lutheran perspective. We delve into his experience at Concordia Seminary and how it challenged his understanding of the Reformation, leading him to see Lutheranism as the true center of the solas. We also navigate the tricky waters of theological differences, discussing how Arminianism, Calvinism, and Lutheranism can be communicated effectively and with grace. We stress the importance of addressing humanity's fragility and imperfection, and how the gospel offers hope and purpose amidst this brokenness.Finally, we share reflections from the recent LCMS convention and our aspirations for our local church in Tampa, Florida. We discuss the need for unity, accountability, and contextual hospitality within our denomination. We also touch on the influential role music and outreach events can play in community engagement. So, don't miss out on this insightful discussion as we explore the richness of faith, music, and community together.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Get ready for a compelling discussion with Pastor Joe Beran as we journey into the heart of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS). We're cracking open the pages of Pastor Joe's new book, The Ends of the LCMS, as we delve into the modern challenges and transformational power of faith. This podcast is an exploration into the changing role of pastors and the profound impact of societal attitudes towards belief in God and organized religion on the LCMS.Get Joe's new book here!! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CKX14C9H/ref=x_gr_bb_kindle?caller=Goodreads&tag=x_gr_bb_kindle-20Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

What do the ancient scriptures reveal about Israel's role in the modern world? Grasp the complexity of this enigma as we sit down with Pastor Jeff Sutherland from Christ Greenfield and seasoned professor Reverend Dr. Mike Middendorf from Concordia University. We navigate through the maze of history, tracing Israel's captivity across different eras, and unraveling how the Abrahamic covenant ties back to the Torah.We extend our discourse to the promises made to Abraham and his descendants, as outlined in Genesis 12 and 18. Drawing parallels to the Church's mission in today's world, we illuminate how Jesus is the fulfillment of what Israel could not accomplish. Navigating through the controversy surrounding Romans 9 and 11, we also delve into the intriguing concept of how Gentiles are grafted into the tree of Israel.Let's plunge into symbolism and apocalyptic literature, interpreting Ezekiel and Revelation through Lutheran hermeneutical lens. We then veer into the realm of politics, examining the current U.S. foreign policy towards Israel and the broader political landscape of the Middle East. As we culminate our discussion, let's ponder on the need for repentance, the return to a right relationship with God, and the importance of consuming the right information in our chaotic world.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Can the decline of churches and pastors in the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) be part of God's grand design? Join us in an engaging conversation with our longtime friend and listener, Andy Warner, who brings this intriguing concept to light. As a former Director of Christian Education who transitioned into a software engineer, Andy's personal journey within the LCMS provides a unique perspective on the changes within the ministry and the challenges it faces today.We then delve into the role of the church beyond its Sunday morning services. Taking inspiration from Jesus's teachings and the Book of Acts, we discuss how the church can serve as an incubator for new things, its responsibility towards the community, and the significance of gathering and being sent. Using examples from the Christ Greenfield Tim and the La Mesa ministry, we underscore the importance of service and community engagement, and how actively addressing the needs of the community can transform the church's impact.In the final part of our discussion, we open up about the ongoing struggles within the LCMS, particularly the issues concerning Concordia Texas. From communication problems to legal battles, we highlight how these challenges have impacted pastors, DCEs, and laypeople. As we wrap up, we draw guidance from the teachings of Jesus and the disciples, emphasizing the need for patience, hope, and prayer amidst the chaos. Join us for a rich discussion on the LCMS, the role of the church within the community, and how we can be His hands and feet in the world today.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Imagine a church culture rooted in trust and love, where fear and division are things of the past. It sounds beautiful, doesn't it? That's the vision Reverend Tom Eggebrecht, a senior vice president of Ministry Solutions at the Lutheran Church Extension Fund, shared with us in our latest conversation. Reverend Tom's insights on leadership and culture within the Lutheran Church are a breath of fresh air, shedding light on the importance of listening, understanding, and considering others' perspectives. His experience at LCEF and the concepts from his new book, "Fully and Creatively Alive", offer practical strategies for fostering unity and innovation.However, we're aware that achieving such a culture is no easy task. In our chat, we touched on the challenges faced within the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod, especially the prevalent fear and division. We can be so consumed by fear that it acts as a barrier to love and acceptance. Reverend Tom pointed out the importance of humility, confession, sacrifice, and service to overcome this barrier. It's only when we free ourselves from self-deception that we can foster a culture of trust and love. Our conversation wasn't all problems, though. We also discussed the cultural impact and hope within the LCMS, guided by Reverend Tom's journey towards a missional mindset and abundance mentality. We heard uplifting stories of congregations across the US, coming together with humility and mission at their core. As we look towards the future of LCMS, we are hopeful. The unity, innovation, and mission-driven focus of the church shine brightly, reminding us of the power of trust and community. Join us as we navigate these complex issues and strive toward a more united and loving church culture.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Embark with us on this enlightening journey as we explore the 20-year trends of the Lutheran Church of Missouri Synod. We'll be pulling insights, dissecting the characteristics of adaptive leaders, and understanding the fine balance between managing stress, taking calculated risks, and maintaining a sense of security. Leadership is more about caretaking than you think, and we're here to tell you why.Picture the future of churches and pastoral formation as we discuss the steady count of congregations that worship between 50 to 99 members, and the significant drop in the number of large churches. It's a wake-up call for the urgent need for innovative and flexible leadership. We're also shining a spotlight on the challenges of catering to micro churches and the lack of resources for larger churches. Listen in as we contemplate the importance of partnerships, especially with the Unite Leadership Collective who are making strides in leadership development and the need for adaptive change in today's local church scenario. Get ready to rethink, reimagine, and revamp the way we perceive the Church and its leadership.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Who better to unpack the role of meaningful dialogue in understanding the complexities of faith than Pastor Jason Braaten? As we sit down with Jason, he shares his passionate journey into ministry and his firm belief that engaging in deep, thoughtful conversations can not only bring clarity to our faith but also help to apply the Word of Truth effectively. We don't debate or argue in this conversation, but we make a conscious effort to understand each other's perspectives and connect on a deeper level.We then venture into the intricate world of Anti-Catechism, examining the role of the Holy Spirit and the significance of God's commandments in understanding good and evil. We discuss how Satan's primary attack is on the first article of the Creed, how it manifests in our world, and how to uncover the truth behind the Anti-Catechism. Jason enlightens us that unity, love, and meaningful conversations within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod are the keys to effective witnessing.Finally, we tackle the pressing topic of evangelism in a society that grows increasingly hostile towards Christianity. We dive into the need for bi-vocational and co-vocational leaders in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod and the tension between the congregational and episcopal models. As we wrap up, we consider the challenge of branding the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod in a post-Christian culture, and how a focus on Jesus, scripture, and Lutheran values might be the key to bridging the gap.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Imagine taking a deep dive into the theological roots of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, guided by the incredibly knowledgeable Reverend Dr. Rick Serena. Join us as we embark on an enlightening journey from the Evangelical Baptist churches to the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. We'll discuss the joy of discovering Reformation theology, the challenges of raising teenagers in a post-Christian culture, and the importance of Jesus and the joy of the Lord in our lives.Our conversation takes a turn down memory lane as we explore the historical foundations of the Missouri Senate and Lutheranism. We'll examine the immense responsibilities of pastors and bureaucrats and hear the inspiring story of Rick's transition from New Jersey to the Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR). Be prepared to hear about the stunning beauty of the mountains and how it's influenced his spiritual path.But it doesn't end there! We'll also delve into the complex challenges faced by the CTCR, the relationship between theology and science, and some hot-button cultural issues. Rick provides a clear roadmap on navigating difficult church issues and emphasizes the need for scripture-guided decisions to avoid cultural commentary. Ready for a journey of theological enlightenment? Step right into our conversation with Reverend Dr. Rick Serena.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Have you ever pondered the deep roots of the Lutheran Church or how technology has reshaped our worship communities? Join us as we traverse these fascinating topics with Dr. Gretchen Jameson, a seasoned member of the LCMS. Gretchen sheds light on her longing to resurrect certain values within the church, and offers thought-provoking reflections on the balance of maintaining a 'village mentality' amidst a rapidly modernizing church landscape.Our conversation with Gretchen goes beyond theology, delving into her experiences in leadership and her ability to connect with people who view the world differently. For Gretchen, stepping into unfamiliar spaces, often bathed in secularism, did not dampen her Lutheran values but rather fortified them. She shares her wisdom on why understanding learning theory and harnessing the power of curiosity are key to engaging an increasingly post-Christian world. As we wrap up, we touch upon the somewhat contentious issue of female leadership within the LCMS. Gretchen candidly shares her own experiences, a mix of support and spiritual abuse. We explore several biblical practices that have helped Gretchen cultivate her own well-being, including reflective practice and contemplative prayer. We also delve into the role of emotional intelligence in navigating challenging interactions and fostering understanding. An episode not to be missed, if you desire to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities entwined within our faith communities.Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org

Immerse yourself in the transformative journey of the Reformation with our esteemed guest, Reverend Dr. Robert Kolb. Dr. Robert A. Kolb is a professor emeritus of Systematic Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.Kolb retired in 2009 after 16 years of distinguished service as missions professor of Systematic Theology. He also previously served as the director of the Seminary’s Institute for Mission Studies.Discover how the profound work of Luther on the Babylonian captivity of the Church revolutionized religious rituals, redefined piety, and bridged the gap between the Roman Catholic Church and the common man. Dr. Kolb offers insights into the universal characteristics of all religions: doctrine, narrative, ritual, ethics, and community.Join us as we continue our exploration into Luther's influence, delving into his ideas about the Priesthood of all Believers and the Pastoral Office. We discuss his understanding of the power of God's Word, and how it can be used to deliver Lutheran worship. Dr. Kolb also enlightens us on how symbolism, such as the pastor's robe, can evoke a multitude of reactions from different audiences.  As we wrap up, we underscore the importance of hospitality and charity in our conversations, and reclaim the Lutheran identity and mission rooted in the confession of Christ crucified. This episode promises an intriguing exploration into the heart of Lutheranism!Support the showVisit uniteleadership.org