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Tim Ahlman
3 days ago4 min read
From Power to Invitation: Easing Frustration and Building Trust Within the LCMS
Telling people what to do does not work. Okay, it works in the short term. It does not work well in the long term—not for the person...
36 views
Tim Ahlman
Jan 63 min read
Podcasting for the Kingdom: A New Chapter for ULC Podcasts
I love podcasts. I love the role that podcasts play in shaping the way we walk together as the body of Christ. For the past eight years,...
64 views
Tim Ahlman
Dec 30, 20242 min read
Live in the Light: Merry Christmas from the ULC
Live in the light. . . . Roxy is our little French Bulldog. Roxy has a good life. Most of her days are waiting for me to get home so we...
23 views
Tim Ahlman
Dec 23, 20242 min read
Moments That Take Your Breath Away: Risk, Beauty, and God's Perfect Love
Do you ever have moments where you wish time could stand still? They are so beautiful. Stunning. Breathtaking. I recently had one of...
30 views
Tania Hilton
Dec 16, 20243 min read
Rest for the Weary: Jesus’ Invitation to Ministry Leaders This Advent Season
It’s no secret that December is one of the busiest times of the year, especially for leaders in ministry. While the world sings carols of...
81 views
Tim Ahlman
Dec 9, 20242 min read
Overwhelmed by Grace: Finding Rest and Joy in Jesus
I’m overwhelmed…in a good way…mostly. When the word “overwhelmed” gets used, I believe it is most often used in a negative context. “I...
72 views
Tim Ahlman
Dec 2, 20244 min read
The Art of Balanced Leadership: Embracing Diplomatic and Frank Speech in the LCMS
Leaders learn the art of diplomatic and frank speech. Leaders who consciously or subconsciously refuse to learn this art will inevitably...
89 views
Tim Ahlman
Nov 25, 20242 min read
Why I’m Hopeful for the LCMS: Jesus, Hard Conversations, and a Bright Future
I’m feeling more hopeful about the LCMS recently. It is for a variety of reasons I’ll list below. The primary reason is Jesus. Jesus is...
133 views
Tim Ahlman
Nov 18, 20241 min read
Small: Finding Rest and Purpose
Small. I like the word. Part of me, that is. Another part of me Not so much. Large. Fast. Go. More. I also like this, too. A...
51 views
Tim Ahlman
Nov 11, 20241 min read
Reflecting on Freedom: In Christ, In America, and In Gratitude for Veterans
Happy Veteran’s Day. Enjoy the day off. Enjoy reflecting on how amazing it is to be a citizen of the kingdom of heaven by faith in the...
39 views
rgrack
Nov 11, 20243 min read
Reaching the Heart of Midland: Messiah Lutheran’s Journey of Meeting Felt Needs
On Lead Time , we recently interviewed Pastor Ed Doerner who has led at Messiah Lutheran Church in Midland, Michigan, for the past 16...
188 views
Tim Ahlman
Nov 4, 20243 min read
Rethinking Empathy: The Cross of Leadership in an Anxious Culture
Empathy is a word that gets used a lot in our culture. It is a character trait most people greatly value. It symbolizes the ability to...
104 views
Tim Ahlman
Oct 28, 20243 min read
Navigating Unity and Courage: A Candid Conversation with Dr. Harold Ristau on Faith, Freedom, and Facing Disagreement
I recently recorded a Lead Time podcast with Rev. Dr. Harold Ristau, the president of the new Luther Classical College in Wyoming. His...
99 views
Tim Ahlman
Oct 21, 20243 min read
Overcoming Division: The Hard Work of Dialogue within the Church
I assume the best of my motivations. I assume the worst of others’ motivations. I imagine others are worse than I am. I imagine I...
115 views
Tim Ahlman
Oct 14, 20244 min read
Interruptions, Stories, and Slowing Down: Lessons from Small-Town America
My family and I spent fall break 2024 in small-town America, specifically Alpine, Arizona, and Crookston, Minnesota. I needed it. I...
137 views
Tim Ahlman
Oct 7, 20244 min read
Collaboration in the Mission of God: A Call to Mobilize Your Church
I’m currently working on a ULC book based on my doctoral thesis on the mission of God and pastoral and church collaboration. I’m hopeful...
99 views
Tim Ahlman
Sep 30, 20243 min read
Restoring Trust: A Call for Transparency in the Synod's Prior Approval Process
I’ve spoken about the Prior Approval Process at length on our ULC Lead Time podcast. I believe the lack of clarity on the process for...
395 views
Tim Ahlman
Sep 23, 20245 min read
The Smalcald Articles and the Call for Open Debate: Reflections on Pastoral Ordination and Leadership in the LCMS
When was the last time you read the Smalcald Articles as found in the Book of Concord ? They were written by Doctor Martin Luther and...
348 views
Tim Ahlman
Sep 16, 20243 min read
Why Should Christians Try Softer Instead of Trying Harder?
I was recently made aware of a new book by Christian psychologist, Aundi Kolbert, Try Softer: A Fresh Approach to Move Us out of Anxiety,...
86 views
Tania Hilton
Sep 9, 20245 min read
Healing Past Hurts: Embracing Suffering with Faith and Hope
The Book of Job offers deep insights into the nature of suffering we Christians will experience and how to hold on to unwavering faith....
58 views
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