The Red Letter Disciple
Red Letter Living, LLC
Welcome to Red Letter Disciple, a podcast to challenge you and your church to be greater disciples of Jesus so that together we can unleash the greatest and fullest expression of Jesus possible. When we do, when we truly live as disciples of Jesus, the world will never be the same! Your host, Pastor and author Zach Zehnder, will guide you through some incredible conversations with world-class disciples. Let’s do this.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 4min
121: Why the SMP Program Works—and Naming the False Binaries Failing the LCMS | Tim Ahlman
Tim Ahlman returns on the podcast to discuss pastoral formation, trust, division, and his new book Confessing Jesus’ Mission. A candid, hopeful conversation about the future of the LCMS and the work still ahead. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Jan 26, 2026 • 58min
120: How Michael Zeigler Prepares Sermons, Memorizes Scripture, and Preaches to Millions
Michael Zeigler of Lutheran Hour Ministries joins Zach to talk sermon prep, Scripture memory, pastoral formation, preaching in a studio vs. a sanctuary, and how digital media, even AI, can faithfully serve the Church. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 21min
119: Pastoral Formation, Opportunity Cost, and the Future of LCMS Pastors — with Jack Kalleberg
Jack Kalleberg joins Zach to discuss pastoral formation, leadership development, and the hidden costs shaping the future of the LCMS—exploring opportunity cost, SMP, online formation, and what the church needs next. To access the show notes, please visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 5min
118: Why Luther’s Doctrine of Vocation Still Matters — Gene Veith
Dr. Gene Veith joins Zach for a rich and hope-filled conversation about vocation, ordinary life, and where God is really at work. Gene Veith is an author, longtime professor, and one of the most influential Lutheran thinkers of the last several decades. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 16min
117: The Tension Between Synod and Congregations in the LCMS | with Dr. Todd Jones
Dr. Todd Jones joins Zach to explore pastoral formation, ecclesiology, and the growing tension between Synod and the local church in the LCMS—drawing from C.F.W. Walther and decades of ministry experience. To access the show notes, visit www.redletterpodcast.com.
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 25min
116: SMP Pastors, Pathways, and the Future of the LCMS — with Matt Popovits
Matt Popovits joins Zach for an honest conversation on pastoral formation, SMP, LCMS leadership, preaching, AI, and mission. Matt shares his journey, why pathways must expand, and the wild story of how he won Wheel of Fortune. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
115: What Joe Rogan Gets About Men (That the Church Often Misses) - with Bryan Stecker
Pastor Bryan Stecker joins Zach to discuss why men are returning to faith, what Joe Rogan reveals about today’s masculine search for meaning, the power of habits, and how the church can form stronger men in a digital age. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
114: Online Formation and the Future of LCMS Education — with Brian Friedrich
CSP President Dr. Brian Friedrich joins Zach to discuss the fragility of higher ed, the future of LCMS universities, innovation in formation, Gen Z’s surprising openness to faith, and why Lutheran education still matters. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 6min
113: Jeff Kloha on Pastoral Formation, the CMPL Debate, and the Need to Reopen LCMS Conversation
Dr. Jeff Kloha returns to discuss pastoral formation, the launch of the Center for Missional and Pastoral Leadership, the SMP age decision, and why he believes the LCMS must expand—not restrict—pathways for leaders. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for more.
Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 35min
112: Tim Wood on Why the LCMS Is in Crisis, What the Data Really Says, and How We Recover Spiritually
Data analyst and LCMS lay leader Tim Wood joins Zach to break down why the Synod is declining so rapidly, what the numbers actually reveal, and why the real crisis is spiritual—not structural. He calls pastors and laity to urgent honesty, repentance, and reform. Visit www.redletterpodcast.com for show notes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
