Lead Time

Pastor Robert Balduc shares his journey from corporate life at Ford to planting St. Peter Lutheran Church and becoming an intentionally co-vocational pastor maintaining his role at Volkswagen alongside ministry leadership.• Coming from a corporate background before entering seminary and founding St. Peter in 2006• Transitioning to a co-vocational model not from financial necessity but strategic choice• Reducing staff expenses to just 22% of church budget, freeing resources for church planting• Integrating workplace presence with pastoral ministry creates connections with unchurched people• Focusing pastoral energy on three key areas: casting vision, preaching/teaching, and connecting with new people• Creating an innovative men's ministry featuring "Beast Feast" events that draw non-church members• Using masculine language and military metaphors to engage men in church life• Developing a church multiplication model where growth leads to planting rather than expanding services• Approaching co-vocational ministry from abundance rather than scarcity mindset• Recognizing spiritual warfare intensifies during periods of significant ministry expansionWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Tim and Jack explore why developing church leaders locally is both biblical and essential for church health and growth.• The urgent need for leadership in the post-Christian, secular American context• Sustainable leadership training that is robust, affordable, and accessible• Cultural relevance – locally developed leaders understand their communities intuitively• Biblical foundations from Exodus 18 (Jethro and Moses), Acts 6 (appointment of deacons), and Paul's instructions to Timothy and Titus• The community impact of having leaders with deep relational connections• Creating leadership pipelines for long-term church stability• The challenge of current LCMS systems that limit succession planning• How technology can help deliver robust theological education without compromising qualityGo to theuniteleadership.org to create your free login for exclusive material and resources and explore ways to sponsor an episode.Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Jim Sanft, President and CEO of Concordia Plan Services, breaks down the differences between single-employer church plans and multiple-employer denominational benefit programs like CPS. He offers crucial insights on how CPS's governance structure provides strong protection for LCMS workers' retirement security.• Addressing a recent Wall Street Journal article about problems in church retirement plans• Why CPS's planned retirement contribution increases demonstrate proactive governance, not underlying problems• The economic and ministerial benefits of investing in church worker wellness initiatives• How CPS's multiple-employer approach provides protection and advantages individual congregations couldn't achieve alone• Upcoming district health strategies that will bring wellness initiatives to the local level• The importance of lay leaders creating a culture that supports worker wellness• Jim's announcement of his planned retirement at the end of 2026 and the succession planning underwayConnect with Jim at jimsanft@concordiaplans.org to learn more about CPS services or to discuss church worker wellness initiatives.Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Pastor Andrew Jones shares insights on unity within the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, exploring how harmony functions differently from uniformity and creates a more beautiful expression of Christ's body.• Concordia (harmony) creates beauty through diversity of notes working together rather than identical sounds• Musical metaphors illuminate church dynamics—dissonance and resolution both necessary for beautiful music• Vulnerability in leadership creates safety and authenticity rather than maintaining false facades• Curiosity about different expressions of faith builds understanding and appreciation across differences• The prior approval process needs greater transparency to build trust and protect church leaders• Churches facing decline must process grief before creating new visions for the future• Post-pandemic ministry requires adapting to new realities like online worshippers becoming in-person members• Community-facing spaces create opportunities for connection beyond traditional church activitiesFind Andy's books "10 Questions to Ask Every Time you Read the Bible" and "10 Lies Satan Loves to Tell" wherever books are sold, and subscribe to his newsletter at biblecurious.substack.comWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

We explore the theological and practical foundations for creating an invitation culture in your church and why it's essential for long-term growth and sustainability.• Churches often resist growth because people fear change and want to maintain personal relationships with everyone• The church uniquely transforms people from consumers to contributors, unlike any other organization• Three ways to bring people to church: announcements, invitations, and hospitality systems• "Easy evangelism" means anyone can participate by simply inviting friends without needing theological expertise• Identify 9 invitational opportunities throughout the year, with Christmas and Easter being natural starting points• Create attractional sermon series that balance solid theological content with themes that interest non-believers• Set realistic guest goals based on your church size (aim for annual guests equaling your average weekly attendance)• Equip 10% of your congregation annually through deeper evangelism training like Everyone His Witness or Alpha• Authenticity matters - people respond when formation is about equipping them for mission, not checking boxes• Remember growth is an "infinite game" - there's always more to do but each step forward mattersWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Discover actionable church marketing strategies to boost attendance and connect with your community. This episode emphasizes the importance of authentic outreach in today's changing landscape. • Discusses the significance of church marketing for growth • Shares three key outreach strategies: announcements, invitations, and hospitality • Details the role of your church website as a welcome hub • Explores the importance of analytics in measuring engagement • Advises on setting marketing goals and budgets for effective outreach Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

The episode delves into the significance of branding in church ministry, emphasizing how identity and storytelling play crucial roles in reaching new audiences. Church leaders are encouraged to rethink their approach to branding, ensuring alignment between mission statements and the experiences they provide.• Emphasis on the holistic nature of branding for churches • Importance of storytelling in conveying church identity • Disconnection between mission statements and lived experiences • Tips for creating accessible and inviting church websites • Recognition of branding as an ongoing, evolving processWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer shares his profound insights on faith, ministry, and the church's evolving role in a rapidly changing world. He emphasizes the significance of building genuine relationships within local congregations and encourages leaders to embrace adaptability while reflecting on their vocation and the importance of community outreach. • Highlighting the importance of relationships in ministry • Discussing changes in parish ministry over the decades • The impact of digital media and the need for local congregations • Addressing issues of confession and accountability in the church • Viewing retirement as a spiritual preparation for eternal life • The necessity of good works as expressions of faithWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

The episode focuses on the interconnected themes of identity and story, emphasizing that understanding one's identity as a gift can alleviate the burdens of self-creation. Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies leads the discussion on navigating authenticity in a complex society, the role of suffering, and the impact of essentialism in relationships.• Exploring the relationship between identity and personal narratives • Understanding societal pressures of authenticity in modern life • The role of suffering in shaping a deeper sense of identity • The dangers of reducing individuals to singular labels • Highlighting the importance of historical and religious wisdom • Embracing identities as gifts from a divine perspective • Community and faith as core components of resilient identity Wednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org

See Graphic:Believers are called to resist the discouraging narratives of darkness and hopelessness by embodying empathy, vulnerability, and resilience. Through creative community engagement, Dr. Chad Lakies inspires a refreshed understanding of church as a beacon of light, extending beyond its walls into the world.• Importance of resilience in the face of challenging culture shifts • Engaging with communities through hospitality and authenticity • Understanding and embracing a broader view of vocation • Practical tools for creating spiritual conversations • The need for love and empathy amid societal anger and fearWednesday in the WordWhat the Bible means and how we know, the longest running Bible study podcast in the worldListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the showJoin the Lead Time Newsletter! (Weekly Updates and Upcoming Episodes)https://www.uniteleadership.org/lead-time-podcast#newsletterVisit uniteleadership.org