The Grace Place Podcast

Forming the Next Generation: Wellness and Recruitment in the LCMS with James Baneck

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 Apart to Serve" campaign, discussing how the LCMS is aggressively tackling church work enrollment and breaking down barriers to recruitment. From the importance of emotional intelligence in the pre-seminary years to the vital role of "PALS" (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support), this episode explores how intentional wellness and congregational care are the keys to sustaining the next generation of church workers.

Emergent Leaders, Deep Listening and Church Worker Wellness with Kurt Bickel

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 conflict along the way. He unpacks why “listening is the language of love,” how emergent leader training helped church workers and laity unlearn unhelpful patterns and why a clear mission can defuse conflict on a team.

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.

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.

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.