The Tim Ahlman Podcast

What does it truly mean to follow Christ? According to Dr. Michael Gorman, it goes far beyond simply believing the right doctrines. In this profound conversation, the renowned biblical scholar challenges us to consider whether we've been misreading the Apostle Paul all along.

Dr. Michael Gorman shares his groundbreaking work on Pauline theology, exploring how Christians are called to not just believe the gospel but embody it. T...

Paul Dickerson, Associate Pastor at Christ Memorial Church, shares his journey from attorney to ministry and explores how business principles can transform church leadership and growth. 

While Paul values liturgical practices and their powerful connection to historical faith, he challenges listeners to consider when rituals become roadblocks rather than pathways to Jesus. Through compelling stories – from a young man shamed for wear...

What if one of the most "outdated" evangelism methods actually works better than we think? In this fascinating conversation, Pastor Timothy Koch dismantles the misconception that door-to-door evangelism belongs in the past and demonstrates how this approach is bringing people to Jesus in communities across America.

• 33% of people in rural towns are unchurched, contrary to the misconception that everyone in small...

Have you ever wondered how different cultures approach spiritual truth? 

Noks Shabalala shares her journey from ancestral worship in South Africa to Christian faith, offering fresh cultural perspectives on boldly communicating gospel truth with love rather than diplomatic politeness. Her multicultural background and direct communication style challenge listeners to prioritize mission over tradition and make the gospel accessible to ...

What if the entire Bible tells one cohesive story—and you're invited to play a part in it? Dr. Michael Goheen, author of "The Drama of Scripture," unpacks how understanding Scripture as a unified narrative transforms our spiritual lives and missional purpose. This narrative understanding transforms our approach to Scripture, vocation, and our role in God's kingdom.

• The Missio Dei describes God's ...

Have you ever considered that God's questions might reveal more about you than your answers reveal about Him? When the Creator of the universe asks "Where are you?" or "Why do you doubt?" He's inviting us into something far deeper than a theological exercise.

Charessa Koontz joins the podcast to discuss her new book "The 17 Questions of God and the Impact on Your Life Today," exploring how div...

What if our cultural moment isn't "post-Christian" but rather "pre-Christian"? This shift in perspective could transform how we approach ministry and evangelism in today's secular world.

Dr. Dean Nadasdy, President Emeritus of the Minnesota South District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, draws from decades of ministry experience to share insights on effective leadership and evangelism. His pastora...

The catalyst for mission isn't found in strategy, resources, or technical knowledge—it's rooted in prayer. But not just any prayer. In this refreshingly honest conversation, Pastor Chris Paavola shares how his journey from worship director to church planter to established church pastor led him to a profound revelation: most Christians don't know how to pray conversationally with God.

• Prayer is the catalyst...

What grounds us when everything seems to be in constant flux? Dr. John Nordling, Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, brings refreshing clarity to this question through his unique lens as both a classicist and Lutheran theologian.

*Disclaimer* - this episode was recorded prior to the Apology Video by Pastor Tim which you can find here

• Understanding the Word of God and Lutheran...

What if developing youth leaders wasn't about having the coolest, most relatable youth pastor? What if the most effective behaviors for nurturing young servant leaders were actually accessible to anyone willing to show up consistently?

Jonathan Kopecky and Jackie Druckhammer share findings from their Youth Leadership Initiative research project, revealing vital behaviors that help develop young leaders in the church. Their data...

The Shroud of Turin contains mysteries that have baffled scientists for decades, offering compelling evidence for the resurrection of Jesus through radiation signatures that cannot be explained by conventional science.

• A detailed exploration of the Shroud of Turin's physical characteristics, including the negative image containing 3D information
• Scientific evidence showing the image is not a painting, scorch, ...

Through honest conversation about modern parenting challenges, Adam Griffin shares how Christian families can create a discipleship-centered home culture that nurtures genuine faith in children while freeing parents from perfectionistic anxiety.

• Anxiety in middle-class American parenting stems from making everything important and measurable
• The gospel offers freedom from perfectionism without lowering standards

Pastor Gabe Kasper explores how our networked, globalized world has fractured into competing narratives about meaning and purpose—and why the gospel offers the transcendent perspective we desperately need.

• Aiming for happiness directly will never work; we must aim for something greater
• Modern culture offers four primary narratives: moralism, hedonism, therapeutic mindset, and nihilism
• Leaders grow through the...

Pastor Jason Schleicher shares insights from his new book "Good Lord: A Not So Shocking Look at the Goodness of God," exploring how we can recognize divine goodness even amid life's struggles and pain.

• God's goodness is visible throughout creation—from breathtaking landscapes to the intricacy of our bodies
• Starting with listening is crucial when people question God's goodness during difficu...

Kim Marxhausen shares invaluable insights on caring for caregivers, drawing from her personal experience with in-laws who had dementia and her professional background in educational psychology. She explores how brain science, emotional intelligence, and faith-based practices create sustainable patterns for those supporting others through illness or aging.

• Understanding primary vs secondary emotions helps caregivers respo...

Sarah Crowder shares her approach to teaching high school theology, creating inclusive spaces where students feel valued, and uncovering hidden stories of the Reformation while addressing Gen Z's unique challenges.

If you're a parent trying to help your teenager through their faith journey, finding someone who's gone through it before can help you know you're not alone. The gospel gift of forgiveness and restorat...

Transforming leadership through faith and vulnerability. Join us in discovering Julie Eesley’s inspiring journey from teacher to Executive Director at King of Kings Lutheran Church. 

• Journey from education to church leadership 
• Importance of embracing one's unique experiences 
• Roles of executive directors in advancing church missions 
• Creating welcoming environments for newcomers 
• Establishin...

The episode explores the core characteristics of effective pastoral leadership, emphasizing the need for confidence in faith and strong emotional intelligence. Bill discusses the importance of knowing congregants by name and engaging them in ministry, highlighting the dangers of clericalism and advocating for a culture where all believers actively participate in nurturing their faith. 

• Characteristics of pastoral leaders...

Josh Dotzler shares a compelling narrative of how purpose transforms lives through community revitalization and leadership development. His experience highlights the importance of addressing systemic issues while fostering local talent for lasting impact.

• Discusses the transition from sports to community service
• Explores the challenges of urban revitalization and systemic inequities
• Highlights the importance ...