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Hardwired for Hope
Humans are hardwired for hope. A preferred destination. A place of plenty. Not want. We yearn for it. Vision unrealized. For there ...

Tim Ahlman
4 days ago1 min read
28 views


Five Reasons Churches Should Embrace Local Leadership Development—Part 2
This is Part 2 of our two-part blog series on embracing local leadership development. Please see Part 1 of the series if you missed it...

Jack Kalleberg
Apr 146 min read
25 views


Five Reasons Churches Should Embrace Local Leadership Development—Part 1
This is Part 1 of a two-part blog series on embracing local leadership development. ( Starting Projects Through the Local Church: The Key...

Jack Kalleberg
Apr 75 min read
58 views


The Genius of Jesus: Leading with Decentralized Authority and Responsible Freedom
Jesus is a genius. Duh . He is God in the flesh, incarnate, with us. Now. By and in the Spirit. In the Word—His Word. Through His body...

Tim Ahlman
Mar 315 min read
38 views


Seminaries and the Early Church: A Response
THE FOLLOWING IS A RESPONSE TO A GOTTESDIENST BLOG FOUND HERE: https://www.gottesdienst.org/gottesblog/2025/3/7/seminaries-and-the-early...

Joe Beran
Mar 245 min read
245 views


Building Intercultural Ministry Churches and Teams
At the end of Matthew, in what is referred to as the Great Commission, Jesus charges his disciples—or 11 key followers—to “go make...
Chris Holder
Mar 173 min read
152 views


Grafted by Grace: Finding Family in the Body of Christ
Growing up, I was not exposed to religion. My childhood family didn’t attend church, and Jesus was not a name spoken in our home. It...

Tania Hilton
Mar 104 min read
38 views


A Call to Prayer: Uniting the LCMS in Bold, Persistent, and Kingdom-Focused Intercession
Friend, I notice a growing angst and indifference in the LCMS. Angst over rapid decline and loss. Indifference that wonders if the LCMS...

Jeff Cloeter
Mar 51 min read
94 views


Grace at the DMV: When Plans Fail and Mercy Prevails
I don’t like going to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Who does? There are long lines and mostly grumpy workers. I’m grumpy when I’m...

Tim Ahlman
Mar 33 min read
25 views


Hunting Meaning, Escaping Pain: A Dashboard for LCMS Leadership and Ministry Challenges
This sounds kind of geeky. Who talks like this? I guess I do when I want to sound smart after reading a book or article written by people...

Tim Ahlman
Feb 244 min read
76 views


Where Are the Deborahs? Raising Up Women Leaders in the Church
I recently had the privilege of attending a three-day Lutheran conference here in Phoenix, Arizona, where I had deep and meaningful...

Tania Hilton
Feb 177 min read
763 views


Crisis and Calling: Rethinking Pastoral Formation in the LCMS
As I’m writing this blog post, a fire is currently spreading just 15 miles away. It has already destroyed thousands of acres of wildlife...

Joe Beran
Feb 105 min read
195 views


Start with Why: Anchoring Your Church’s Mission in Christ
Simon Sinek’s book Start with Why  has revolutionized how leaders think about purpose and influence. The core idea is simple:...

Tania Hilton
Feb 34 min read
47 views


Misplaced Certainty in the LCMS
It can be helpful, at times, to step back from in-depth exegesis and examine the broader narratives contained in God’s Word. This...

Nick Graff
Jan 273 min read
212 views


A Different Approach to Filling Pastoral Vacancies
The pastoral shortage in the LCMS poses a significant challenge, with over 700 current vacancies and many congregations unable to support...
Rev. Dr. Chris Holder
Jan 203 min read
644 views


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...

Tim Ahlman
Jan 134 min read
127 views


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,...

Tim Ahlman
Jan 63 min read
76 views


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...

Tim Ahlman
Dec 30, 20242 min read
24 views


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...

Tim Ahlman
Dec 23, 20242 min read
31 views


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...

Tania Hilton
Dec 16, 20243 min read
82 views
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