The LCMS Pastor Pipeline Problem

The LCMS Pastor Pipeline Problem

From Lead Time by Unite Leadership Collective

June 5, 2026 · 47 min · Episode 131

About this episode

Tim Ahlman discusses the challenges and insights related to pastoral training in the LCMS with Jim Simpson.

In this episode of Lead Time, Tim Ahlman talks with Jim Simpson, a retired higher education leader with decades of experience in curriculum development, administration, accreditation, and student success. Together, they explore what higher education has learned about adult learners, hybrid models, mentorship, internships, and competency-based formation — and what those lessons might mean for Concordia seminaries and pastoral training in the LCMS. This conversation touches on residential semi...

People in this episode

Host: Tim Ahlman

Guest: Jim Simpson

Topics covered

  • pastoral training
  • higher education
  • adult learners
  • mentorship
  • competency-based formation

Keywords

  • LCMS
  • pastoral training
  • higher education
  • mentorship
  • adult learners
  • competency-based formation

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: LCMS, Concordia seminaries

More episodes of Lead Time

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Lead Time podcast page.