You’ve received the call—now comes the discernment.

During this episode, Tyler and Luke walk through what to do after a call is extended. They share practical guidance and wisdom from their years in ministry to help you evaluate the position, understand the congregation, and faithfully discern your next step.

The conversation focuses on the key areas to consider—role expectations, staff dynamics, compensation, and personal and family impact—so you can move forward with clarity, honesty, and trust in where God may be leading.

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How do you know when it’s time to move on from your current call?

In this episode, Tyler and Luke talk through the process of discerning whether God may be leading you somewhere new. From burnout and conflict to family needs and new opportunities, they explore the many reasons church workers begin seeking a call—and how to navigate that faithfully.

They also share practical advice on connecting with your district, updating your CMIF, and continuing to serve well where you are, even in a season of transition.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s time for a change, this episode is for you.

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Whether you’re heading into your first call, considering a second, or haven’t navigated the process in decades, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and healthy “best practices” for what happens before a call is officially extended.

This episode focuses specifically on the early stages — the “nibble,” the interview process, and how to navigate it with integrity and clarity.

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In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss the challenges and lessons learned during the first year of ministry. They emphasize the importance of establishing healthy boundaries, building a social network outside the church, and being transparent about one’s capabilities and expectations. The discussion also highlights the need for self-care and the significance of modeling healthy practices for others in the ministry.

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In this conversation, Tyler and Luke discuss healthy practices for church workers entering new cultures, particularly during their first few calls in ministry. They share personal experiences and insights on the importance of patience, communication, and understanding the unique dynamics of each congregation. The discussion also touches on the challenges of measuring success through numbers and the significance of building relationships within the community.

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In this episode of The Professional Church Worker, Tyler and Luke discuss the importance of mentorship in church work. They explore what defines a mentor, the various forms mentorship can take, and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for accountability, guidance, and support from mentors, as well as the responsibility of experienced church workers to mentor others. The hosts share personal experiences and insights on navigating mentorship relationships, concluding with a call to action for listeners to seek out mentors and be mentors themselves.

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In this conversation, Luke Esselman and Tyler Seehafer discuss the concept of clusters, now known as Ministry Specialist Groups, specifically for Lutheran workers in the Michigan district. They explore the structure, purpose, and benefits of these groups, emphasizing the importance of trust, vulnerability, and community support in ministry. The discussion highlights how clusters can help prevent burnout and encourage professional development among church workers. They also encourage listeners to join or form clusters to enhance their ministry experience.

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This is a re-broadcast.

In the inaugural episode of The Professional Church Worker podcast, hosts Tyler Seehafer and Luke Esselman introduce themselves and their mission to support church workers, particularly within the LCMS community. They discuss their backgrounds, the importance of addressing the challenges faced by church workers, and the need for community and resources to prevent burnout and isolation. The episode emphasizes the significance of connection, encouragement, and the sharing of ideas to foster a supportive environment for all church workers.

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Is Buddy the Elf a Christ figure? What are the best Christmas Carol adaptations? Is Die Hard a Christmas movie? And what do our favorite holiday films actually teach us about hope, belonging, and the meaning of Christmas?

In this episode, we dive into beloved Christmas movies, including Elf, Home Alone, It’s a Wonderful Life, and more. Along with some surprising picks for the Christmas season. We explore how these stories shape our understanding of the holidays. Through our theological lens, we ask where these films echo the true Christmas story, where they drift, and how they reveal our deep longing for identity, redemption, and joy.

Rather than rejecting Christmas movies or baptizing them as gospel, we talk about how Christians can watch them with discernment—receiving what is good, naming what is broken, and using them as opportunities to point back to Christ with our neighbors and loved ones.

Watch with joy. Discern with wisdom. And let every story point you to the true gift of Christmas—Christ for you.

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In part two of our series on Mormon theology and culture, continue the conversation with Rev. Jeremy Lamont, Pastor Mark Parsons, and Molly Parsons as they explore how Latter-day Saints navigate doubt, guilt, and the pressure to be “worthy.” Together, they unpack the cultural dynamics of Mormonism today—from community expectations to internet-driven shifts—and why the LDS worthiness system leaves many either exhausted or self-assured.

We contrast this with the Lutheran understanding of law and gospel, the beauty of the sacraments, and the comfort of objective grace. The group discusses what the LDS Church does well, why so many are leaving, what draws people into Mormonism, and how Christians can engage LDS friends with patience, love, and a deep grounding in Christ.

Whether you’re in an LDS-dense community or simply curious about this growing religious movement, this episode reminds us of the most important evangelistic tool. A Christian who knows Jesus deeply and loves their neighbor well. 

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