Is Generation Z actually returning to faith?

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In this episode, Pastor Tim Ahlman talks with Lutheran educator Chad Janetzke about what today’s students are really searching for spiritually. After nearly 20 years teaching theology at a Lutheran high school, Chad shares what he’s seeing firsthand from Gen Z: a deep hunger for authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a faith that speaks to real life.

They discuss the biggest cultural questions students are asking today—including mental health, identity, politics, and relationships—and how the Church can faithfully respond with both truth and compassion.

You’ll also learn a simple four-question framework Chad teaches his students to help them read the Bible and discover Christ throughout Scripture.

If you’re a parent, pastor, teacher, or church leader wondering how to reach the next generation, this conversation is packed with insight and encouragement.

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A faithful businessman once told God, “If You help my company survive, I’ll dedicate everything to You.”

In this episode, Tim sits down with Charlotte John-Gomez, President & CEO of the Siebert Lutheran Foundation, to explore how one man’s bold commitment turned into a $138 million Kingdom legacy impacting churches, schools, and nonprofits across Wisconsin.

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Charlotte shares how the foundation partners with Lutheran ministries to address poverty, food insecurity, housing, addiction recovery, education, and innovative church outreach. Together, they discuss engaging gifted givers, servant leadership, listening as a leadership discipline, and what it means to be “pan-Lutheran” in a divided culture.

If you care about stewardship, leadership, unity in the Church, and practical ways the body of Christ can meet real needs — this conversation will inspire you.

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What if the church isn’t meant to preserve a monument—but to embody a movement?

In this deeply thoughtful and pastoral conversation, Tim sits down with Pastor Nathan Hoff of Trinity Lutheran in San Pedro to explore what it means to lead a church that is alive, attentive, and anchored in Christ.

Nathan reflects on 20 years of ministry in one congregation—what had to “die” in him as a leader, how blind spots become sanctifying tools, and why the church must resist becoming a museum curator of past movements. Together, they wrestle with institutional preservation vs. missional risk, unity in divided times, and the formation of young leaders through intentional community.

Nathan shares about Trinity’s Benedict-inspired young adult internship community—how rhythms of prayer, stability, shared life, and clear confession are shaping the next generation of pastors and leaders across church bodies.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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Author, spoken word poet, and speaker Tanner Olson joins the Tim Ahlman Podcast to talk about poetry, grief, humor, AI, NBA basketball—and most importantly—hope.

Tanner’s newest book, Getting Through What You’re Going Through, releases February 17, 2026, and is a powerful collection of poems, essays, and reflections for anyone navigating anxiety, loss, identity questions, or spiritual wrestling.

This episode is vulnerable, joyful, honest—and filled with encouragement for anyone who feels like they’re just trying to get through what they’re going through.

Grab Tanner’s new book: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Through-What-Youre-Going/dp/0310465745

Connect with Tanner at https://www.writtentospeak.com/

If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who needs hope today.

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Tim’s new book is out now and tackles the real leadership and discipleship challenges facing the LCMS today. If you care about faithful, missional Lutheran leadership rooted in Scripture and love for the local church, this book is for you.

https://www.amazon.com/Confession-Jesus-Mission-Pastors-Prayer/dp/B0G1685QDV/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0

Churches don’t drift toward mission—they drift toward maintenance.

In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Pastor Dan Hauser to talk about what it really looks like to lead a church and school toward gospel-centered transformation. From reaching the unchurched through mission schools to creating a culture where people feel known and loved, Dan shares hard-won leadership insights shaped by decades of ministry, church revitalization, and church planting.

They dig into the tension between traditional and contemporary worship, why vision and values matter more than ever, and how churches can move people from consumer Christianity to empowered discipleship. This conversation is especially relevant for pastors, church leaders, and educators navigating growth, cultural change, and mission in today’s church.

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

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In an age where many describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious,” what is actually being lost?

In this wide-ranging conversation, Tim Ahlman sits down with Lutheran pastor and theologian Gabe Kasper to explore why intuition-driven spirituality ultimately leaves people unrooted—and why historic Christian confession, ritual, and community still matter deeply today.

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What if the church’s leadership problem isn’t theology—but formation?

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with John Rector, ministry leader, executive coach, and Area Director for Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Austin, Texas.

John shares his journey from church planting and nonprofit leadership to coaching leaders in ministry and the marketplace. Together, they explore why coaching—not just preaching—may be the missing ingredient in leadership development, and how Jesus Himself modeled a coaching approach to discipleship.

Whether you’re a pastor, church staff member, coach, or leader in the marketplace, this episode will challenge how you think about discipleship, authority, and legacy.

📌 Learn more about John’s work at https://rectorleadership.com/
📌 Explore FCA Austin at https://fcaaustin.org/

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What does faithful leadership look like when you’re not the one in charge?

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In this episode of the Tim Ahlman Podcast, Tim sits down with Emily Phoenix, Program & Communications Director at KINDLE and host of Cultivating Second Chair Leaders, for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about leadership, identity, and faithfulness in today’s church.

This episode isn’t about winning arguments — it’s about cultivating gentleness, courage, and Christ-centered leadership in a polarized age.

Whether you’re a pastor, commissioned worker, lay leader, or simply someone longing for healthier conversations in the church, this episode invites you to slow down, listen well, and refocus on the mission of Jesus.

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