The Grace Place Podcast

By Lutheran Church Extension FundReligion & Spirituality Christianity

The Grace Place Podcast episodes

March 13, 2025 Boundaries, Balance, and Ministry
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.
39 min
February 13, 2025 3 Simple Wellness Tips Every Church Worker Needs to Hear
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 is filled with wisdom for church workers at every stage of ministry.
40 min
January 16, 2025 Behind the Scenes of Best Practices
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 create an environment where workers feel valued and reminded they are never alone.
42 min
December 09, 2024 Finding Balance and Joy This Holiday Season
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.
28 min
November 06, 2024 Mental Health in Ministry: A Candid Conversation for Church Workers
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 Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton to discuss the power of embracing transitions, the unique stressors church workers face and
the vital role of self-care in staying healthy in ministry.
45 min
October 10, 2024 Spiritual Growth, Rest and Encouragement with Voice in the Vineyard
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 Vineyard.
Tune in for insights on the connections between
faith and the vineyard, soul care and practical wellness tips for church workers.
38 min
September 17, 2024 Caring for Church Workers: Strategies and Insights from Dr. Tiffany Manor
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 relational support and practical steps for improving wellness in ministry.
44 min
September 03, 2024 The Gift of Renewal: Exploring Sabbaticals with Rev. Tim Fangmeier
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 importance of sabbaticals and offers practical advice for church workers.
Whether you’re considering a sabbatical or looking to enhance your wellness journey, this episode offers valuable insights and encouragement.
46 min
August 20, 2024 Prioritizing Physical, Emotional and Financial Health in Ministry
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 practical insights and encouragement for church workers to care for themselves.
41 min
July 30, 2024 Navigating Cultural Shifts and Self-Care: Insights from Dr. Beverly Yahnke
Dr. Beverly Yahnke, a clinical psychologist and Executive Director of Christian Counsel for Doxology, shares her journey in church work in Episode 12 of the Grace Place Podcast.
Join podcast hosts Rev. Tom Eggebrecht and Rev. Dr. Greg Walton as Dr. Yahnke provides invaluable insights on the challenges and cultural changes affecting church workers today. Discover the importance of self-care, the impact of cultural shifts on ministry and the crucial role of maintaining spiritual and emotional wellness.
Tune in for practical advice and encouragement for church workers navigating today's complex landscape.
50 min