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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


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


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


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...

Tim Ahlman
Dec 9, 20242 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...

Tim Ahlman
Dec 2, 20244 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...

Tim Ahlman
Nov 25, 20242 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...

Tim Ahlman
Nov 18, 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...

Tim Ahlman
Nov 11, 20241 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...
rgrack
Nov 11, 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...

Tim Ahlman
Nov 4, 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...

Tim Ahlman
Oct 28, 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...

Tim Ahlman
Oct 21, 20243 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...

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
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