The Grace Place Podcast

Lutheran Church Extension Fund
  • 5.0 (16)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Taking care of yourself is crucial to serving with passion and purpose. Join two experienced voices in ministry, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton, as they delve into the world of preventative and restorative wellness tailored to LCMS church workers and those who love them. From maintaining healthy relationships to nurturing spiritual, mental and physical wellness, you’ll hear valuable insights, practical tips and inspiring stories that resonate with your journey in ministry. Grace Place Wellness is part of Lutheran Church Extension Fund.

  1. FEB 24

    Rethinking Church Worker Wellness with Rev. Dr. Bruce Hartung

    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 serve is central to lifelong formation. Join co-hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton as Rev. Dr. Hartung addresses spiritual warfare in the seminary, the dangers of a purely “remedial” approach to health and the growing pressures church workers face in an increasingly polarized culture. Listen for practical ideas for shifting congregations toward preventive wellness, nurturing spiritual life in community and creating a genuine culture of appreciation that supports joyful ministers and joyful ministry. Whether you’re a pastor, church worker or lay leader, this episode will encourage you to be well and stay well in the grace, love, peace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus.

    37 min

  2. JAN 23

    Serving with Strength: Leadership Lessons for a Changing Church with Dr. Kurt Senske

    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 Lutheran Hour Ministries, Dr. Senske explores how the challenges of ministry—complex operations, leadership burnout and shifting governance models—require renewed focus on pastoral care and organizational clarity.   Join podcast hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton as Dr. Senske shares practical ways congregations can support their pastors, strengthen ministry boards and prevent burnout through sabbaticals, coaching and spiritual grounding.

    29 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Fostering Wellness and Witness: Rev. Dr. Bill Harmon's Approach in the Southeastern District

    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, building a culture of care and reigniting hope—even amid challenges like worker shortages and burnout.

    32 min

  4. 11/06/2025

    Island Oasis: A Respite for Church Workers with Rev. Jeff Dorth

    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 how Island Oasis is making a difference for pastors, teachers and their families. Pastor Dorth also reflects on his own ministry journey, the challenges facing church workers today and practical tips for wellness.  Learn more about Island Oasis: https://www.islandlutheran.org/islandoasis/

    31 min

  5. 10/08/2025

    The Power of Rest: A Week in Paradise for Ministry Couples, with guests Linda and Jeff Mueller

    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 the Sea provides a no-cost, grace-filled experience designed to renew body, mind, and spirit. From romantic dinners to daily surprises, the Mueller’s passion for serving the Lord’s servants shines through. Learn more about Eden Above the Sea at edenabovethesea.org

    40 min

  6. 09/25/2025 · BONUS

    Taking a Break to Serve Better: Stephanie Genske’s Sabbatical Experience

    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 the space to breathe and come back ready to serve.  If you’ve ever wondered what a sabbatical could look like or why it’s so important, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear Stephanie’s honest and heartfelt experience and learn how Grace Place Sabbatical Scholarships can make this possible for others.

    28 min

  7. 09/11/2025

    Cultivating Joy and Wellness for Church Workers with Rev. Marty Hasz

    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 long-term wellness in ministry.

    38 min

  8. 08/05/2025

    Building Up Pastors: Wellness, Expectations & Healthy Congregations

    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 pastors. Explore how healthy expectations, collaboration and genuine relationships can strengthen your congregation’s cultureand help church workers thrive.

    37 min
See All (33)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Taking care of yourself is crucial to serving with passion and purpose. Join two experienced voices in ministry, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton, as they delve into the world of preventative and restorative wellness tailored to LCMS church workers and those who love them. From maintaining healthy relationships to nurturing spiritual, mental and physical wellness, you’ll hear valuable insights, practical tips and inspiring stories that resonate with your journey in ministry. Grace Place Wellness is part of Lutheran Church Extension Fund.

Information

  • Creator
    Lutheran Church Extension Fund
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lutheran Church Extension Fund
  • Show Website
    The Grace Place Podcast

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