How Governance Shapes the Health of the LCMS (More Than You Think)

Описание: Stay up to date on what is happening in the LCMS!
(bi-weekly newsletter covering relevant LCMS topics from Pastor Tim)
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Many churches feel tired, conflicted, or stuck—but can’t quite explain why.

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman and Jack Kalleberg sit down with Kurt Senske, longtime LCMS leader and governance expert, to talk about something most churches never examine: how decisions actually get made.

From endless meetings and pastor burnout to stalled mission and internal conflict, this conversation explores how church structure can either support the Gospel—or quietly undermine it.

You’ll hear:
Why many churches feel harder to lead today than ever before
The hidden cost of outdated church decision-making models
How healthy governance frees pastors to be pastors
Why conflict avoidance is hurting congregations
What faith-filled, mission-driven leadership can look like in the LCMS

This isn’t about importing corporate models into the church. It’s about stewarding leadership wisely so the mission of Jesus can flourish.

Whether you’re a pastor, elder, board member, or longtime church member, this episode will help you see your congregation with fresh eyes.

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Chapters

00:32 – Welcome & Why This Conversation Matters
01:50 – Introducing Dr. Kurt Senske & His Leadership Background
04:52 – Why Governance Shapes Everything in a Church
07:15 – How Church Structure Impacts Mission & Momentum
09:18 – The Three Governance Models in the LCMS
12:20 – Why the “Managing Board” Model Is Breaking Down
15:23 – How Governance Affects Pastor Burnout
17:55 – When Committees Compete Instead of Collaborate
20:39 – What Healthy, Policy-Based Governance Looks Like
24:39 – Signs Your Church Needs a Governance Tune-Up
27:54 – Why Boards Spend Too Much Time Looking Backward
30:58 – The Danger of Avoiding Hard Conversations
34:09 – Why Conflict Avoidance Hurts the Church
37:05 – How the Pastor’s Role Changes with Structure
40:03 – CEO vs Shepherd: The Tension Pastors Feel
42:52 – A Governance Scorecard for Church Health
47:07 – Why Trust and Relationships Come First
49:57 – How LCMS Governance Is Designed (Strengths & Weaknesses)
54:07 – Law vs Gospel in Synodical Structures
56:12 – Why Pastor Shortage Is a Systemic Issue
59:30 – The Future of Leadership in the LCMS
01:03:38 – Recommended Resources on Governance & Leadership
01:05:49 – Final Encouragement for Churches & Leaders