Humor and Humanity in Pastoral Interactions

Tim is a third-generation LCMS pastor at Christ’s Greenfield Lutheran Church in Gilbert, AZ that cares about the future of our denomination. Today, we talk about how to disagree in a healthy way and a path forward. Tim hosts the Lead Time Podcast and is passionate about helping the church become filled with great leaders and disciples through Unite Leadership Collective. To learn more about the podcast or access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com. 

Today’s episode is brought to you by Children’s HopeChest. This ministry is close to my heart and my family’s heart. We have had the privilege of traveling with them and witnessing their incredible work firsthand overseas and now each of our family members has the honor of helping sponsor a Guatemala child through this organization on a monthly basis. 

HopeChest and Red Letter Living are teaming up with them for an epic Pastor’s Vision trip March 24-29, 2025. Only a few spots remain. Pastors, we want to invite you and a plus-one to join us on this trip. You’ll have the opportunity to engage in different activities including evangelism, home visits, and connecting with children at HopeChest’s CarePoints. Each day, I’ll also be leading inspiring devotions, guiding you some Red Letter Challenge principles, and empowering you to embody the teachings of Jesus in your everyday life. All the details are at www.redletterchallenge.com/hopechest. So, get in now to connect more with not only Red Letter Living, but hopefully to find a great mission partner overseas in Children’s HopeChest. To find more info and to register for this trip go to www.redletterchallenge.com/hopechest. I truly hope that I’ll see you there.

Resources mentioned in the episode: 

Lead Time Podcast

Harrison Assessment Behavioral Tool

Leader and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box

Difficult Conversations

Christ Greenfield Church, Gilbert, AZ

Episode President Brian Mueller Grand Canyon University

Unite Leadership Collective

Key insights from the episode: 

I want to talk to people I disagree with. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

We need to confess our sins more to each other. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

The quicker I get to my contribution in our disagreements the better. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

The Holy Spirit wants to bring unity. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

I don’t want to give up on our denomination because you don’t leave your family. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman 

The quickest way to kill any organization is to go high control, low trust. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

Jesus gave us the model: it was about apprenticeship, mentorship, and discipleship all for the sake of the local church. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

When I see the Lord I wanna say I did everything I could to reach people with the gospel. – Rev. Dr. Tim Ahlman

Tim’s Challenge: Have at least one encouraging “ICNU”, or “I see in you” conversation with someone this week.

Are you following Jesus? 

Many want to be greater followers of Jesus but don’t know how. We extensively studied everything Jesus commanded of us and located five key targets to which Jesus invited His followers. The five targets are Being, Forgiving, Serving, Giving, and Going.

In partnership with LifeWay Research, we created a Red Letter Challenge Assessment that will measure you according to these five targets. And the best news of all: it’s free! You will receive your results immediately and be presented with the next steps to help you become an even greater follower of Jesus.

You can take the FREE Red Letter Challenge Assessment here. 

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