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Pastor Aaron Gehrke has served 15 years in one congregation — something almost unheard of today. In this episode, Tim Ahlman sits down with Aaron to unpack what he’s learned about discipleship, leadership development, and staying healthy in ministry over the long haul.

From raising up leaders who multiply, to embracing sabbaticals as essential rhythms of health, Aaron offers grounded wisdom for pastors and church leaders alike. They also discuss the growing conversation within the LCMS between “Barrier Breakers” and “Distinction Keepers” — and how faithfulness might actually live in the tension between both.

Whether you’re a pastor, leader, or layperson passionate about the mission of Jesus, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how the church grows — not by doing more, but by developing more disciples who make disciples.

📧 Contact Pastor Gehrke for sabbatical resources: pastorgerhke@copperluth.org

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What if the Bible came alive right before your eyes?

Interested in the upcoming 2026 Pauline Epistle Pilgrimage through Rome and Greece? It's a life-changing trip that brings the scriptures to life.

Want to Join the 2026 Trip? Contact:
✉️ Jeff Sutherlin: jeffsutherlin@gmail.com
✉️ Mark Renner: stjamespastorcares@gmail.com

In this episode of The Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Jeff Sutherlin and Pastor Mark Renner to discuss faith, archaeology, and the early church’s unstoppable mission. From visiting Israel and Greece to uncovering new evidence around the Shroud of Turin, the conversation bridges the worlds of Scripture, science, and personal faith.

They also tackle one of the LCMS’s most debated topics — the role of women in the church — exploring how the early church viewed leadership and how that compares to today’s discussions.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

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What if the greatest threat to your ministry isn’t burnout—it’s playing it safe?

In this episode, Dr. Cole Braun, CEO of the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee, joins Pastor Tim Ahlman to unpack what bold leadership looks like in the Church today.

From turning around struggling schools to writing his upcoming book Why Wouldn’t You?, Dr. Braun shares how curiosity, collaboration, and risk-taking can transform ministry culture.

Together, they discuss:
- Why most Christian leaders dream too small
- How fear keeps churches from growing
- The power of unity between schools and churches
- Why curiosity is one of the most underrated spiritual gifts

💡 “If we serve a massive God, why are we dreaming so small?”
— Dr. Cole Braun

Let’s lead boldly, together.

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What does it mean to truly live out your calling? In this episode, Tim sits down with Johnny Venegas, worship leader at King of Kings Church in Omaha, Nebraska, to hear his story of faith, music, and mission.

From growing up as a pastor’s kid in Chile to finding his place in the LCMS, Johnny shares how God reshaped his heart for ministry, the struggles and beauty of church leadership, and why worship is about so much more than just music.

Together, Tim and Johnny dive into:

- How God turns struggles in ministry into growth.
- The balance between emotions and theology in worship.
- The role of excellence and authenticity in leading teams.
- Finding peace and alignment in your true calling.

This episode is a powerful reminder that every vocation is holy work—and that worship has the power to transform hearts.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Jeff Scheich, who is celebrating 40 years of ministry. Together, they dive into the power of the resurrection, the importance of sabbath rhythms, and how the church can reach those who feel distant from faith.

Pastor Jeff shares stories from launching the innovative 2:11 worship experience at Christ Lincoln, his lessons on saying “no” in ministry, and the balance of joy, reverence, and discipleship in Lutheran worship.

They also discuss:
- The historical evidence for the resurrection
- Why Sabbath is critical for pastors and leaders today
- How churches can welcome the de-churched and spiritually curious
- The tension between tradition and innovation in Lutheran worship
- Healthy habits for life, ministry, and family

This conversation is a refreshing reminder that Jesus is alive, the church is for everyone, and ministry can be filled with joy.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

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Tim sits down with Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. Together, they dive into Ryan’s upcoming book, The Quiet Ambition, exploring how everyday faithfulness and small acts of love make an eternal difference in God’s kingdom.

Ryan shares his story of parish ministry, his approach to preaching “by heart,” and the hope he wants to inspire in pastors and laypeople alike. From facing storms—both literal and spiritual—to reflecting on confessional Lutheran theology, this conversation offers encouragement, challenge, and a renewed vision for ministry in the church today.

👉 Learn more about Ryan Tinetti’s book The Quiet Ambition

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Dr. Rachel Ferguson—Director of the Free Enterprise Center at Concordia University Chicago. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, leadership, and economics:

- Why business leaders are vital to the mission of the church
- How fasting, Sabbath practices, and community can shape our spiritual lives
- The history of redlining, fatherlessness, and systemic barriers in America
- Why the Black church has been both a haven and a challenge for integration
- How marketplace innovation and Christian vocation can alleviate poverty and build God’s kingdom

This is a rich conversation for pastors, business leaders, and anyone passionate about how faith impacts both the church and the world.

This channel does a deep dive into the scriptures so as to teach what it means to be...

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Tim sits down with his longtime friend and classmate, Rev. Gene Johnson, to unpack an incredible journey from assistant golf pro, to tour manager for country artist Clay Walker, to now serving as Pastor of Spiritual Formation at Trinity Klein in Houston, TX.

Gene shares lessons learned about leadership, humility, and handling conflict — whether on the golf course, backstage at a concert, or in the local church. He also opens up about parenting a son with significant health challenges, the theology of the cross, and why the Houston Lutheran community has become a hub for church planting and collaboration.

This episode will encourage pastors, leaders, and anyone navigating life’s unexpected turns.

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