What does it mean to be "free" in a Lutheran context? Join us as we explore that question with President Micah Hjermstad of the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. President Micah Hjermstad shares the history, structure, and vision of this distinctively autonomous Lutheran body. The conversation explores how congregational freedom and collaborative ministry can flourish together when centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ.

• History of the AFLC traces back to Norway in the 1800s as a reaction against state church control
• AFLC formed in 1962 when 40 congregations chose not to merge with the American Lutheran Church
• Now encompasses over 250 congregations across 26 states with international ministries
• Unique polity based on 12 fundamental principles that establish congregational autonomy
• National offices support rather than govern congregations through five separate corporations
• Congregations answer only to "the Word and the Spirit" without hierarchical authority
• Vision focusing on maintaining biblical authority while leaning into "the freedom of the gospel"
• Leadership development primarily occurs at the congregational level with new national initiatives
• Majority lay representation required on all national boards
• Creating environments for gracious disagreement while maintaining unity
• Lutheran theology "embraces tension" rather than forcing artificial resolution of biblical paradoxes
• Different Lutheran denominations reach different people with the same gospel

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Dr. Jon Braunersreuther joins Tim Ahlman to challenge one of the most persistent false dichotomies in Lutheran circles: the notion that being "confessional" and "missional" represent opposing priorities. Drawing from his role as Director of District-Wide Strategy for the Texas District LCMS, Jon presents a compelling alternative—a reciprocal and reinforcing relationship where strong theological convictions naturally fuel passionate mission work, and authentic mission efforts necessarily depend on doctrinal clarity.

• Conviction implies connection between cognitive understanding and affective heart response that moves us to action
• True Lutheran confessional convictions naturally lead to missional cause—sharing these beliefs with those who don't yet know Jesus
• The false dichotomy of "confessional vs. missional" can be replaced with a reciprocal, reinforcing relationship model
• Article 4 of the Augsburg Confession (justification by grace through faith) has powerful missional implications
• 1 Timothy 4:16 demonstrates the biblical foundation for watching both "life and doctrine closely"
• The Book of Concord preface states doctrines are preserved "to be kept and spread"
• Luther himself emphasized that faith "will not do for each one hearing the gospel to go his own way" but must be extended
• The Texas District aims for 500 new leaders in 500 new places by 2031, inspired by Ethiopia's Mekani Yesus Lutheran Church
• First Article gifts (reason and senses) should be used for mission planning without fear of "programming the Holy Spirit"
• The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) demonstrates how the early church discussed mission problems and reached consensus

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Tim Ahlman shares important commitments being made to increase unity in the LCMS regarding pastoral formation discussions, explaining his decision to step back from public commentary on this topic while pursuing appropriate denominational channels for dialogue.

• Tim commits to no longer discussing LCMS pastoral formation on his podcasts or promoting non-Synod-approved leadership training programs
• Christ Greenfield Lutheran has historically served as a mentoring congregation for pastoral students in various LCMS programs
• The congregation had been exploring alternative leadership development approaches while maintaining transparency about their methods
• Recent confusion arose over a commissioning ceremony that was misinterpreted as an ordination
• Tim will pursue the formal LCMS dissent process, organizing a private "fellowship of peers" for constructive dialogue
• Both Tim and Chris affirm their commitment to the LCMS while seeking to address the shortage of pastors (over 700 vacant pulpits)
• They emphasize creating "dialogue not discord" while honoring established ecclesiastical structures
• The goal remains supporting the work of LCMS seminaries while exploring how to meet the church's growing leadership needs

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