The Grace Place Podcast

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.

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/ 

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 

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.

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.

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. 

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 role at the helm of the church’s financial institution.

Whether you’re a church worker, a supporter of ministry or someone passionate about holistic wellness, this discussion offers inspiration and practical wisdom.

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 reflect on how congregations can better care for those who serve.

From sabbatical wisdom to wellness rhythms, this conversation is full of insight and encouragement.  

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 times of war and peace.

Whether you’re a church worker, military family or simply curious about the intersection of faith and service, this conversation is full of insights and encouragement.