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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...

Tim Ahlman
Oct 14, 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...

Tim Ahlman
Oct 7, 20244 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...

Tim Ahlman
Sep 30, 20243 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...

Tim Ahlman
Sep 23, 20245 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,...

Tim Ahlman
Sep 16, 20243 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....

Tania Hilton
Sep 9, 20245 min read


This Little Light of Mine: Developing "Wretch Like Me" by Todd Freeman
For as long as I can remember, horror movies and faith have been two threads running through the fabric of my life. This juxtaposition...

Todd Freeman
Sep 2, 20243 min read


Rediscovering Spiritual Care: Bonhoeffer's Call to Community and the Priesthood of All Believers
I recently uncovered a classic work by Dietrich Bonhoeffer titled Spiritual Care . One of my favorite quotes in the introduction spoke to...

Tim Ahlman
Aug 26, 20243 min read


Discovering Lutheran Identity through the Past
I’m reading a lot on the history of Lutheranism in America, thanks especially to Dr. Charles Arand’s Testing the Boundaries: Windows to...

Tim Ahlman
Aug 19, 20242 min read


Justification Unites: How the Doctrine of Grace Through Faith Can Bridge Divides and Revitalize the LCMS
Justification unites! Preserving the “outside of ourselves” objective view of justification is a point of doctrine that must continue to...

Tim Ahlman
Aug 12, 20243 min read


An Ordained LCMS Pastor for Every Synod Congregation
The ULC feels strongly that the LCMS needs better strategy and execution on getting pastors in more and more of our empty pulpits, not to...

Tim Ahlman
Aug 5, 20242 min read


Spiritual Warfare: Recognizing Satan's Strategies and Standing Firm in Faith
I’ve been more and more aware of spiritual warfare lately. The evil of sin seems so prevalent within and around me. The juxtaposition...

Tim Ahlman
Jul 29, 20244 min read


Embracing Love for the Church
I love my church home. I’ll admit, growing up I sometimes internally rolled my eyes when people would talk about how much they love their...

Tim Ahlman
Jul 22, 20243 min read


Finding Joy in Jesus
Joy— I love the word, it rolls off the tongue taking flight like a bird. Joy— What Jesus brings changing eternities reminding me He’s...

Tim Ahlman
Jul 15, 20241 min read


Unveiling the Dark Emotional Triad: Finding Redemption in Confession and Absolution
I’ve recently been processing why I am the way I am when I am not living in my baptismal identity in Christ. I think it largely has to do...

Tim Ahlman
Jul 8, 20243 min read


Seasons of Leadership: Living the Church Year with Purpose and Reflection
“That is just the season I am in…” “It’s been a tough season…” “It’s been a joyful season…” “The season of Lent is so busy…” I don’t...

Tim Ahlman
Jul 1, 20244 min read


God, Man, and Machine: Exploring AI through a Christian Lens of Theology, Ethics, and Leadership
In a world increasingly dominated by artificial intelligence, pastors and ministry leaders must engage with this transformative...

Matt Engel
Jun 24, 20241 min read


Crafting Faith: Woodworking Principles for Navigating Ministry Challenges - Matthew J. Engel
I spent some time last weekend working on woodworking projects in the shop. It's a craft that demands accuracy, creativity, and a good...

Tania Hilton
Jun 17, 20243 min read


A Growth Journey of Surrender and Transformation
Growth— a challenging word. I’m stuck downward. The flesh sets me back. Flailing, falling, stumbling, crawling, daily growth seems...

Tim Ahlman
Jun 10, 20242 min read


Leadership on the Line: Navigating the Diversity of Ministry
Healthy leaders function on the line. Unwise leaders step over the line. Cowardly leaders never approach the line. If the image of a...

Tim Ahlman
Jun 3, 20244 min read
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