The Grace Place Podcast

Rev. Dr. Chad Lakies, Vice President for Ministry Engagement with Lutheran Hour Ministries, joins the podcast to share his unique journey to faith and ministry with hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton. Chad came to faith a little later in life—from playing drums for a local LCMS congregation to answering God's call to pastoral ministry.  In this conversation, Chad discusses his...

On this episode of the Grace Place Podcast, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton welcome Jennie and Brian Williamson, a couple with decades of experience serving churches and schools through music. They share how God led them from full-time touring and recording into adding a new retreat ministry in Perry County, Missouri, called Fields of Zephaniah. At this quiet space on the grounds of S...

How does God prepare a person for a lifetime of ministry?   In this episode of the Grace Place Wellness Podcast, hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton sit down with Rev. Dr. James Baneck, Executive Director of LCMS Pastoral Education. Dr. Baneck shares his journey from a music major in Green Bay to leading synod-wide initiatives for pastoral formation. We dive deep into the "Set...

Longtime director of Christian education, consultant and Dale E. Griffin Statesman Award honoree Kurt Bickel joins the podcast to talk about wellness that lasts in real-life ministry. Join cohosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton as Kurt shares how God led him into DCE ministry, the story behind his work with the LCMS Youth Gathering and what he learned about leadership, mission and co...

Rev. Dr. Bruce Hartung, a longtime LCMS pastor, counselor, seminary professor and author of “Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand” and “Building Up the Body of Christ,” joins the podcast for a rich conversation on church worker wellness. Drawing on decades of ministry, Dr. Hartung reflects on the Spirit’s leading through unexpected calls, the power of retrospection and why learning from the people we ser...

Dr. Kurt Senske, founder of CEO Board Services, joins the podcast to talk about leadership wellness and mission clarity in the church. Dr. Senske is a consultant, author and longtime Lutheran leader. Drawing from decades of experience leading mission-driven organizations, including serving as CEO of Upbring (formerly Lutheran Social Services of the South) and currently as the Board Chair of Luther...

Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon, president of the Southeastern District, shares his personal journey into ministry, the district’s innovative approach to worker wellness and the importance of balancing care for church workers and their families in Episode 30. Join co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to learn how the Southeastern District is equipping congregations with practical tools, buil...

Rev. Jeff Dorth, lead pastor of Island Lutheran Church in Hilton Head, South Carolina, joins the Grace Place Podcast to share the inspiring story behind Island Oasis, a ministry dedicated to providing rest and renewal for church workers.  Join co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to learn how this unique respite ministry came to life, the importance of rest for church workers and...

Hear from Linda and Jeff Mueller, founders of Eden Above the Sea, in Episode 27 of the Grace Place Podcast. Eden Above the Sea is a ministry offering free, restorative weeks in Hawaii for LCMS church worker couples. The Muellers share their inspiring journey of creating this sanctuary, the importance of sabbaticals and how intentional care can rejuvenate ministry marriages. Learn how Eden Above th...

In this special episode of the Grace Place Wellness Podcast, we’re talking about the importance of rest for church workers. Stephanie Genske, an LCEF Grace Place Sabbatical Scholarship recipient in 2024, shares her story of stepping away from her busy ministry life to recharge and reconnect. From visiting other churches to spending time with her family, Stephanie’s eight-week sabbatical gave her t...

In Episode 26, Rev. Marty Hasz, Director of Church Worker Support for the Missouri District of the LCMS, joins the podcast to discuss supporting church workers through emotional stewardship, ongoing education and care rooted in the Gospel. He shares practical strategies for building resilience, including intentional training and lay support, while highlighting how joy found in Christ is key to lon...

In Episode 25 of the Grace Place Wellness Podcast , Pastor Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton welcome Rev. Kirk Triplet—pastor, author, and advocate for church worker wellness. Kirk shares his journey through the highs and lows of ministry, insights from his book Affirmed: Building the Positive Mental Health of Your Pastor and practical ways church members and leaders can care for their pasto...

Rev. Jonathan Manor, Director of the LCMS PALS program, joins hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to discuss how new pastors can thrive as they transition from seminary to parish life. Learn how the PALS program supports church workers and their families, why continuing education matters and how congregations can play a vital role in long-term wellness. 

In this special episode of  The Grace Place Wellness Podcast , hosts Tom and Greg welcome Rev. Bart Day, President and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF). With a rich background of LCMS leadership experience, Bart brings a wealth of insight and heart to the conversation. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, leadership, wellness and how Bart’s journey has informed his current...

What does it take to care well for church workers and ourselves? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Mark Hannemann, Executive Director of Good Friend Ministries and Director of Advancement for GracePoint Institute for Relational Health, joins Tom and Greg to share the path that led him from parish ministry into pastoral care, explain the heart behind a retreat ministry for pastors and their spouses and ref...

Chaplain Craig Muehler and Chaplain Steve Hokana, both of whom serve the LCMS Ministry to the Armed Forces, share their journeys into military chaplaincy, the unique challenges chaplains face and how they provide spiritual care for service members in high-stress environments. From PTSD awareness to the power of spiritual resilience, this episode highlights the critical role of chaplains in both ti...

Leadership in ministry comes with great responsibility—but also great challenges. How do church workers navigate the demands of their calling without sacrificing their own well-being?  In Episode 20 of the Grace Place Podcast , Rev. Dr. Ben Haupt, Global Executive Director of Pastoral Leadership Institute, shares how his own leadership journey shaped his understanding of wellness in ministry.

How can church workers find balance during ministry challenges? In this episode, Rev. Dr. Brian Friedrich, President of Concordia University, St. Paul, joins co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to discuss practical ways to sustain wellness, embrace joy and foster strong connections. From the impact of Lutheran higher education to the challenges of social media, this conversation...

Co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton sit down with Rev. Dr. Jeff Schrank, the dynamic leader behind the Best Practices Ministry Conference, to discuss church worker wellness and the power of encouragement. They explore how the conference supports church workers through connection, hospitality and meaningful ministry insights. Learn how teamwork, creativity and spiritual care creat...

As the Advent season unfolds and the rush toward Christmas begins,the demands on church workers can feel overwhelming. In Episode 17 of the Grace Place Podcast, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton share essential strategies for maintaining physical, emotional and spiritual wellness during this busy yet joyful season. Start this holiday season with wellness and grace at the forefront.

Father-daughter duo Rev. Dr. Rick Armstrong and Megan Miessler, Executive Director of Lutheran Counseling Services, join the podcast for episode 16. They share their experiences in providing mental health support to church workers and their families and addressing challenges like burnout, identity struggles and the importance of mental health in ministry. Listen in as they join hosts Rev. Tom Egge...

Voice in the Vineyard is a nonprofit that provides church workers a peaceful retreat in the vineyard, combining spiritual growth, rest and encouragement. Join hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton for Episode 15 as they welcome Cindy Steinbeck, owner of Steinbeck Vineyards, and Steve Schedler, a retired Director of Christian Education, to discuss their new ministry, Voice in the Viney...

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor shares her journey in ministry, highlighting the essential work of supporting church workers and their families in Episode 14 of the Grace Place Podcast. The Managing Director of Human Care and Ministerial Support for the LCMS, Manor joins co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to discuss the challenges facing church workers today, the importance of relat...

In this bonus episode of the Grace Place Podcast, hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton sit down with Rev. Tim Fangmeier to discuss sabbaticals. Tim has a rich history in ministry, serving congregations in Florida and North Carolina. He has extensive experience as a mission and ministry facilitator, conflict consultant and sabbatical coach. Tim shares his journey into ministry, the im...

Steve Gruenwald, Director of Worker Wellness for Concordia Plans, is an experienced advocate for church worker wellness. In Episode 13 of the Grace Place Podcast, he shares his journey from a Lutheran high school teacher to his current role. Join hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton as Gruenwald discusses the importance of physical, emotional and financial health, and offers practica...