What if Martin Luther's 95 Theses still hold the key to understanding our modern world? Reverend Dr. Joel Okamoto joins us to uncover the timeless significance of Luther's challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, initially meant to ignite scholarly debate yet resulting in a revolutionary shift. We engage with the importance of open dialogue within church bodies and the role of academic thought leaders in fostering meaningful conversations that can lead to transformative change.

Explore how Nietzsche's provocative claim that "God is Dead" parallels Luther's first thesis, reflecting a societal shift toward secularism and disorientation. We confront the unsettling concepts of divine sovereignty, election, and justification by grace alone, encouraging both believers and non-believers to reexamine their assumptions about faith, sin, and trust in God's word. Our conversation also dives into the complex relationship between Christianity and secularism, drawing insights from Nietzsche and Charles Taylor to navigate the post-Christendom world with courage and confidence.

Finally, we tackle the relevance of Lutheran theology in today's spiritual landscape, emphasizing the paradigm shift from a theology of glory to a theology of the cross. Reverend Dr. Okamoto shares insights on how engaging with diverse spiritual narratives can bridge gaps and enrich our understanding of faith. Through examining the transformative power of baptism and justification, we strive to foster unity and mutual respect within the Lutheran community, highlighting our shared identity as children of God. Join us in this compelling exploration of Luther's legacy and its profound impact on living out faith today.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
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What if the centralized control within the church is holding back its mission?

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Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt and Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler as we dissect the Mission Partners Platform—a groundbreaking initiative aiming to build a stronger, more interconnected network within the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS). Reverend Dr. Ben Haupt shares his profound experiences from his new role at PLI and the awe-inspiring mission work unfolding in Mexico. Meanwhile, Reverend Dr. Scott Seidler brings an urgent call for accountability, stressing the need for congregations to set tangible goals for growth and outreach against the backdrop of current challenges facing the LCMS.

We'll also scrutinize the limitations of the current centralized system for placing theological teachers and workers within the Synod, advocating for a revolutionary shift towards a more decentralized model. This bold move could empower local entities and district presidents, restoring both trust and efficiency. Additionally, discover how contemporary tools like podcasts are reshaping the church's engagement with culture, and get a sneak peek into the upcoming Unfettered Word Conference in Ann Arbor. This conference is set to stimulate meaningful dialogue and action, urging local pastors and congregations to take ownership of their ministry missions, creating a 'Coalition of the Willing' committed to active and immediate mission work. Don't miss this riveting discussion on mobilizing for the Great Commission.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
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Paul Schult, a pastor from Redwood City, California, joins us for a captivating discussion on transforming faith and leadership within the church. Explore the journey of his congregation's rebranding to Bridge City Church and delve into the relational depth of Christianity explored in his book, "Getting to Know Jesus." Learn how Paul uses relationship-driven perspectives on theological concepts, such as the Ten Commandments and the Apostles' Creed, to make faith more personal and impactful, reflecting on the importance of Martin Luther's small catechism in teaching faith relationally.

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Leadership and discipleship are at the heart of this episode as we discuss Jesus' model of nurturing small group relationships to encourage spiritual growth. Discover the essence of Christ-like leadership, where fostering humility, equipping individuals for ministry, and overcoming challenges like institutional busyness are paramount. Paul shares insights into the importance of life-on-life discipleship that goes beyond traditional preaching, advocating for gifted teachers to enrich church communities and inspire a multiplying effect.

Finally, we navigate the dynamic landscape of ministry in the secular Bay Area, highlighting the innovative strategies needed to engage diverse communities. From embracing contextual hospitality to adopting a missionary mindset, we cover emerging trends and the importance of adaptive leadership. Hear about Corey Garrity's visionary replanting of Bridge City Church and the innovative young adult ministry, Collective, as inspiring models for engaging the unchurched. This episode is a call to empower congregants and build well-rounded teams that prioritize God's mission amidst the challenges of modern ministry.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
For a 25% off discount - join our Lead

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Rev. Dr. Joel Biermann as we tackle some of the most challenging ethical dilemmas facing church leaders today. As our political landscape heats up, Dr. Biermann provides profound insights into how issues of sexuality, race, and immigration intertwine with rapid societal changes. Discover how Christians can maintain their allegiance to Christ above all else, even when the world around them seems politically charged and divisive.

Step into the world of Christian ethics with us as we unpack Bonhoeffer's four mandates: family, labor, government, and church. We're diving into the tough questions about political alignment and the crucial role of voting in a democratic society. As we navigate the complex landscape of modern values, we reflect on the biblical intentions for marriage and family, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling God's great commission of stewardship through the nuclear family.

Imagine a future where creation is restored, transcending physical limitations and embracing right relationships. Inspired by Martin Luther's imaginative insights, we discuss the significance of our material existence and the potential of our resurrected bodies in the new creation. By reimagining work as a fulfilling aspect of our purpose and balancing grace with works, we explore the practical ethics of faith in action, all while honoring God's design for our redeemed humanity.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
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What if you were called to action by a viral video and found yourself on a mission halfway across the world? Meet Mike Warneke, the passionate founder of Fields of Dreams Uganda, whose journey began with a deep-rooted faith and a life-altering visit to Uganda. Inspired by the resilience of the Ugandan people and a calling from his faith, Mike's mission evolved into a lifelong commitment to bringing hope and change to marginalized communities. Join us as we explore the story of how one individual's dedication and spirituality inspired a movement, offering both immediate and eternal hope to those in need.

Our conversation with Mike dives into the complexities of development work in Uganda, a country with a young and vibrant population. We discuss the importance of empowering local leaders and developing community-driven solutions that are sustainable and impactful. Mike shares personal stories, including efforts to improve hygiene for young girls, which highlight the thoughtful and nuanced approach required in effective aid work. Grounded in wisdom from influential books like "When Helping Hurts" and "Toxic Charity," our dialogue challenges the notion of outsourcing compassion and stresses the importance of direct engagement and listening.

In this episode, we also tackle the intricate relationship between wealth, faith, and discipleship. Mike opens up about the challenges of ministering in affluent contexts, discussing how excess can sometimes obscure spiritual growth. Together, we reflect on how living simply can lead to a more authentic connection with God and consider the structural challenges within church institutions that can affect leadership and faith journeys. As we explore the joy and purpose found in committing to a meaningful life driven by hope, Mike's experiences in Uganda offer powerful insights into using one's gifts for the collective good and living a life aligned with purpose and passion.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
For a 25% off discount - join our Lead

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Reverend Dr. Harold Ristau joins us to share his remarkable journey from being a military chaplain in Canada and academic dean in Africa to leading Luther Classical College in Wyoming. In this episode, listeners will gain insight into Dr. Ristau's vision for a Christ-centered educational environment that marries practical trades with rigorous theological and philosophical studies. Discover how the college's commitment to a 100% Lutheran faculty and its partnership with Concordia Nebraska sets it apart in the landscape of Christian education.

We dive into the ethical complexities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, from vaccine ethics to media misinformation. Dr. Ristau reflects on the differing responses between Canada and the United States, highlighting cultural influences and the role of skepticism in media narratives. As we explore the ethical dilemmas faced by religious communities, our conversation underscores the importance of informed decision-making and standing firm on moral issues, especially for church leaders guiding their congregations through these turbulent times.

The discussion doesn't shy away from the controversial topic of Christian nationalism, as Dr. Ristau candidly shares his experiences and challenges the misconceptions surrounding political engagement from a faith-based perspective. Through examining historical precedents and the importance of speaking truth to power, we reflect on the moral responsibilities of religious leaders to advocate for justice. This episode invites listeners to ponder the interconnectedness of faith, ethics, and education and the vital role of Christian institutions in shaping a just and spiritually grounded society.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
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Discover the transformative power of storytelling in film with our special guest, Temeko Richardson, a distinguished executive producer, director, and writer renowned for her inspirational works. Journey with us as we uncover how films can transcend socio-economic divides, offering audiences a mirror to universal human experiences like suffering, joy, and sacrifice. By highlighting the church's mission for unity in a divided world, we explore the creative arts' role in fostering a shared understanding of the gospel beyond political narratives.

Gain a fresh perspective on managing stress and anxiety as we introduce insights from Andi Kolber's latest book, focusing on the concept of expanding one's "window of tolerance." This episode explores how anchoring our identity in Jesus and practicing spiritual disciplines can lead to a life brimming with joy and peace. We'll also discuss the film "At the Cross," a project by Temeko that addresses specific societal needs and is available on platforms like Amazon Prime and Apple TV, offering psychological insights enriched with faith-based reflections.

Our discussion takes a deep dive into pressing issues within church communities, such as succession planning, intergenerational inclusivity, and gender-balanced leadership. We tackle the complex interplay between maintaining spiritual integrity and adapting to cultural shifts, ensuring churches remain resilient and inclusive. Finally, we reflect on the theological tensions surrounding love and acceptance, particularly for LGBTQ+ identities, while advocating for respect and compassion. This episode promises an enriching conversation on the evolving landscape of faith communities, underpinned by love and understanding.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
For a 25% off discount - join our Lead

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
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What if the future of theological education wasn't bound by the walls of traditional campuses? Reverend Jeff from the North American Lutheran Seminary joins us to unravel this intriguing possibility by explaining the seminary's innovative hub-and-spoke model. As the Director of Vocational Discernment, he shares how partnerships with institutions like Trinity Anglican Seminary and Concordia Texas are shaping new pathways for students in the Lutheran tradition. With his journey from parish ministry to seminary leadership, Reverend Jeff emphasizes the power of connection and the necessity of nurturing future leaders in a post-Christian world.

Explore the intricate process of discerning one’s calling within the church, guided by God's word and enriched by community feedback. We discuss how the roles of deacons within the LCMS and NALC denominations are evolving to address pastoral shortages and support church communities. Reverend Jeff sheds light on the new pathways available for aspiring deacons, like the Master of Arts in Religion program, that prepare them for diverse roles in ministry. We also reflect on the biblical journey of Abram and Sarai, drawing parallels to the faith and obedience required in modern spiritual challenges.

Discover how life-to-life discipleship and authentic leadership formation can transform church leadership. Drawing inspiration from the early church and the teachings of Jesus, we highlight the significance of relational and contextual learning over traditional programs. By aligning seminary education with the real needs of congregations, Reverend Jeff advocates for a grassroots approach that reignites missional zeal. This episode is packed with insights into empowering pastors to lead with humility and character while nurturing future leaders who are ready to embrace diverse congregational contexts.

Do you have a dream to reach people with the gospel, but feel stuck? There is hope for you.
Join us on an incredible learning journey to discover, develop, and deploy your calling to bless the world around you with the love of Jesus!
All NEW ULC Missions Class
For a 10% off discount - use code LEADTIME10
For a 25% off discount - join our Lead

Join the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)
https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletter

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