Join Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel from the Ministry Solutions team at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) as they delve into topics to encourage you to move your ministry forward according to God’s will.
The Ministry Moments Podcast from LCEF features pastoral insights from ordained LCEF employees, covering a wide range of topics to help your ministry thrive and align with God’s purpose. Listen in for practical advice and encouragement for LCMS church workers and ministries.
What Actually Relieves Pastoral Burnout? A Look at the Data
What strategies actually work—and don't just sound good on paper?
In episode 16 of the Ministry Moments Podcast, Rev. John Glover welcomes special guest Rev. Dr. Greg Walton of Grace Place Wellness, along with regulars Rev. Eric Kennaugh, Rev. Kris Kunkel and Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, to dig into a recent Barna Group study on pastoral burnout.
The team unpacks the survey's surprising top finding—mental and physical health outranking financial security and spiritual connection—and explores whether burnout really is a generational issue or simply the nature of a "24/7" calling. They also dive into Barna's helpfulness-versus-difficulty matrix, where the most effective solutions, like sabbaticals, role realignment and delegation, are often the hardest for pastors to access.
Whether you're a pastor, a church leader or someone who loves and supports one, this episode offers faith-centered ways to move from just surviving to truly thriving in ministry.
26 Aug 2026
Stewarding God's Gifts: Why It's a Partnership, Not a Campaign
What if stewardship was a lifelong family journey instead of a once-a-year money conversation?
In episode 15 of the Ministry Moments Podcast, Rev. John Glover sits down with Rev. Kris Kunkel, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Tom Eggebrecht to unpack LCEF’s Ministry Partnership Journey, a new approach to stewardship that shifts the focus from budget shortfalls and volunteer fatigue to kingdom investment and family partnership.
The team breaks down what makes this journey different from a traditional stewardship campaign: no more "volunteers," no more line-item budget gauntlets and no direct asks for money. Instead, congregations learn to communicate their ministries clearly, invite real participation and let financial support follow naturally.
Ready to explore this for your congregation? Reach out to your District Vice President (DVP) for a free consultation. Visit lcef.org/dvp (http://lcef.org/dvp) to find your DVP.
28 Jul 2026
Navigating the Language of Church Meetings and Committees
In this episode, hosts Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel explore the challenges of interpreting phrases commonly heard in church board and committee meetings.
Drawing from their own experiences, they unpack the subtext behind familiar church and corporate leadership language. Gain valuable perspective on leading discussions, making decisions and approaching important conversations with the right mindset in your ministry.
Click here (https://churchanswers.com/blog/a-translation-guide-for-what-church-committees-and-boards-really-mean/?utm_source=convertkit&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=) to read the article, “A Translation Guide for What Church Committees and Boards Really Mean” by Thom S. Rainer, that the team references during the episode.
23 Jun 2026
Three Critical Steps to Prepare Your Finances for Ministry Expansion
Explore the financial and campus foundation your congregation needs before launching a successful ministry expansion campaign.
In this episode, hosts Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel discuss evaluating current financial health, developing a comprehensive campaign financial plan and creating a capital maintenance plan that builds congregational trust. Learn why specificity and clarity—from cost estimates to project timelines to maintenance protocols—inspire donor confidence and prevent costly mistakes.
Whether you're considering expansion or renovation, this conversation covers the practical steps and expert guidance that ensure your capital campaign succeeds.
26 May 2026
Swing for the Fences: How One Leadership Decision Changes Everything About Your Campaign
Before launching a ministry expansion campaign (sometimes called a capital campaign), your congregation needs clarity on three critical areas: current ministry operations, a thoughtful planning process and well-defined campaign ministry goals.
Join hosts Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel as they explore why many congregations underestimate the power of mapping existing ministries, the dangers of rushing the planning phase and how to create commitment cards that engage people beyond financial giving.
Discover why "dreaming big" actually inspires congregational confidence, how to lead with conviction once the plan is set and how to invite your entire congregation into the story of ministry expansion.
9 Apr 2026
Batman, Truckers, and Secret Agents: Calling Leaders into Campaigns
What did you want to be when you grew up—a Batman-style superhero, a truck driver on the mission field, a Secret Service agent or a professional actor?
In this episode of the Ministry Moments
Podcast, Reverends John Glover, Tom Eggebrecht, Eric Kennaugh and Kris Kunkel share childhood dreams and how God redirected each of them into pastoral ministry and ministry support roles. They unpack why leadership engagement is essential for a healthy ministry expansion campaign, from pastors and professional church workers to lay leaders and emerging volunteers.
Hear practical ways to balance pastoral involvement, protect your pastor during a building project, educate lay leaders in “family conversations” about facilities and finances and recruit new leaders for a short-term campaign team.
12 Mar 2026
Campaign Readiness, Step 1: Is Your Congregation Ready?
Rev. John Glover is joined by Reverends Kris Kunkel, Eric Kennaugh and Tom Eggebrecht in launching a new series on campaign readiness for ministry expansion.
Today’s focus: the congregation’s readiness, with practical guidance on why the planning process matters as much as the campaign itself. The team discusses starting (and normalizing) stewardship conversations, inviting input early through tools like surveys and forums and aligning the congregation around a shared, God-given vision.
10 Feb 2026
From Emerging Leaders to Expanded Ministry: How LCEF Does Campaigns Differently
Join the Ministry Solutions team as they pull back the curtain on what LCEF calls a Ministry Expansion Campaign and why that language matters. Instead of chasing dollars or drywall, they describe a deeply spiritual, family-style process that keeps ministry first, engages the whole congregation and focuses on how facilities ultimately facilitate ministry in a community.
Join Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel in this episode of the Ministry Moments Podcast as they share how campaign directors are raised up from within, how emerging leaders are intentionally invited into a focused five-month commitment and how this becomes a natural pipeline for new congregational leadership.
They also explain LCEF’s grace-based giving approach, which replaces high-pressure asks with guided, prayerful conversations that help disciples trust Jesus more deeply as they fund the work God has placed before them.
If you or your congregation are wondering how to expand ministry, protect your pastor and strengthen your church family through a campaign, this conversation will give you ideas and encouragement for what’s possible.
16 Jan 2026
From Favorite Foods to Ministry Clarity: Planning Your Congregation’s Future
What does it take to move from “we should do more” to a shared, actionable plan for ministry?
In this episode of the Ministry Moments Podcast, Rev. John Glover is joined by Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Kris Kunkel and Rev. Eric Kennaugh to walk through LCEF’s Ministry Clarity process for congregations of every size. They unpack guiding statements, mission pillars, SOAR analysis and goal setting that invite the whole congregation into ownership, so it is no longer just “pastor’s plan.”
You will also hear how campus and financial planning, along with Grace Place Wellness, help align facilities, funding and church worker health with the ministry God is calling you to pursue.
5 Dec 2025
From Presents to Presence: Welcoming Guests on Christmas Eve
Step into the heart of Christmas ministry with a mix of treasured traditions and practical tips for church leaders and worship teams.
Episode 7 of the Ministry Moments Podcast brings together uplifting childhood memories and real-world advice for making Advent and Christmas Eve services more welcoming, accessible and meaningful to guests.
Join Revs. John Glover, Tom Eggebrecht, Kris Kunkel and Eric Kennaugh as they explore strategies for invitations, hospitality, blending family customs and turning Christmas crowds into lasting connections for your congregation.
19 Nov 2025
Leading by Example: The Power of Leadership in Campaigns
Leadership commitment events are an important way to inspire ministry expansion and build momentum within the church.
In this episode, hosts Revs. John Glover, Eric Kennaugh, Tom Eggebrecht and Kris Kunkel explore the biblical foundation of leaders going first, inspired by David in 1 Chronicles 29, and share practical insights on how these events celebrate leaders, inspire congregations and drive ministry growth. From choosing the right venue to crafting impactful stewardship stories, this conversation offers guidance to help churches navigate this critical phase of their campaigns.
Whether you're a pastor, church leader or layperson, you’llfind valuable tools for leading with faith and inspiring others to join in God’s work.
22 Oct 2025
Preaching in the Culture: Balancing Law and Gospel
Join Revs. John Glover, Tom Eggebrecht, Eric Kennaugh and Kris Kunkel as they tackle a question every pastor faces: "Can you preach on the issues of our time?" Together, they explore the challenges of addressing cultural topics in ministry while keeping the pulpit focused on Christ crucified and risen.
From the importance of Bible studies and conversations to the relevance of the lectionary in today’s world, the team shares practical insights and theological principles for navigating these complex waters.
Whether you're a pastor, church leader or layperson, this episode offers wisdom on balancing cultural engagement with Gospel proclamation. Listen for a thoughtful discussion on living and ministering in the tension between culture and faith.
25 Sept 2025
From the Pews to Leadership: Mentoring for Ministry Growth
Are you struggling to identify new leaders, increase participation in ministry or align people, facilities and finances toward your mission?
In this episode, the Ministry Solutions team tackles the challenge of leadership development in the church. From practical strategies like direct invitations and short-term task forces to mentoring emerging leaders, our panel shares actionable insights to help your congregation grow stronger and more sustainable.
Listen for real-life success stories, proven processes and tips for creating a leadership pipeline that empowers your church to thrive.
20 Aug 2025
Facilities facilitate ministry
Facilities facilitate ministry. What does that really mean? In this episode of Ministry Moments, the LCEF Ministry Solutions team shares why the shift from “capital campaigns” to “ministry expansion campaigns” is more than semantics—it’s a call to center vision and mission first. Don’t just maintain your building, multiply your mission.
Listen in and be inspired to dream big for your congregation.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF Investments are not FDIC insured, are not a federally insured savings or deposit account or insured by any state or federal agency. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized.
The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
(800) 843-5233
lcef.org
20 Aug 2025
The surprising hope in new church data
In Episode 2 of the Ministry Moments Podcast, LCEF Ministry Solutions team members unpack a surprising shift: the decline in church attendance has slowed, and young adults may be leading the way back. The team discusses data, cultural trends and how churches can welcome new and returning members with clarity and hope.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF Investments are not FDIC insured, are not a federally insured savings or deposit account or insured by any state or federal agency. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized.
The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
(800) 843-5233
lcef.org
20 Aug 2025
How God shapes ministry leaders across the LCMS
Meet members of the LCEF Ministry Solutions team as they share their journeys into ministry and what it means to lead with faith, grace and purpose.
In the first episode of the Ministry Moments Podcast, we explore why there's no single right way to do ministry and how your congregation can thrive in its context.
Join Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel as they discuss topics to encourage you to move your ministry forward according to God’s will.
Discover more ministry wisdom and behind-the-scenes insights in the premier of the Ministry Moments Podcast.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF Investments are not FDIC insured, are not a federally insured savings or deposit account or insured by any state or federal agency. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized. The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
(800) 843-5233
lcef.org
19 Aug 2025
Ministry Moments Podcast
New podcast from LCEF dropping August 20th, 2025!
Join Rev. John Glover, Rev. Tom Eggebrecht, Rev. Eric Kennaugh and Rev. Kris Kunkel
from the Ministry Solutions team at Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) as they
delve into topics to encourage you to move your ministry forward according to God’s
will.
The Ministry Moments Podcast from LCEF features pastoral insights from ordained
LCEF employees, covering a wide range of topics to help your ministry thrive and align
with God’s purpose. Listen in for practical advice and encouragement for LCMS church
workers and ministries.
Building on the Ministry Moments video series, this monthly podcast brings you deeper
conversations. Each episode features insights, real-world stories and practical tools to
help you and your congregation move forward according to God’s will.
LCEF is a nonprofit religious organization; therefore, LCEF Investments are not
FDIC insured, are not a federally insured savings or deposit account or insured
by any state or federal agency. This is not an offer to sell investments, nor a
solicitation to buy. LCEF will offer and sell its securities only in states where authorized.
The offer is made solely by LCEF’s Offering Circular. Investors should carefully read the
Offering Circular, which more fully describes associated risks.
(800) 843-5233
lcef.org
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