
1032 - Shawn Herkstroeter
05/13/25 • 77 min
Summary
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Shawn Herkstroeter, who shares his journey from teaching to his current role at Grace in Action. They discuss the importance of teaching, coaching, and leadership in youth development, as well as the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in ministry. Shawn emphasizes the need for spiritual, emotional, and physical health, and the significance of having margin in life to prevent burnout. The conversation provides valuable insights into the roles of educators and leaders in shaping the lives of young people. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Shawn Herkstroeter explore various aspects of spiritual, physical, and emotional health. They discuss the importance of intentional prayer, the dynamics of family devotions, and the significance of maintaining physical wellness through proper nutrition and exercise. The conversation also delves into emotional health, emphasizing the need for a growth mindset and the impact of relationships on overall well-being. Throughout, they share personal experiences and practical tips for integrating these practices into daily life. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Shawn Herkstroeter explore the importance of understanding relationships, particularly through literature, and the challenges faced in the teaching profession. They discuss the impact of Christian education on shaping the next generation and the role of coaching in supporting teachers and staff. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in teaching and navigating the challenges of ministry, while also highlighting the need for emotional and spiritual health in educators.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Support for Girt Up Podcast
01:02 Shawn Herkstroeter's Background and Transition to Grace in Action
02:55 Teaching Experience and Philosophy
05:47 The Role of Coaching in Youth Development
08:46 Leadership and the Principalship
11:57 Work-Life Balance in Ministry
14:55 The Importance of Margin in Life
17:58 Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Health
20:59 Practical Applications of Spiritual Health
26:45 Navigating Spiritual Practices
32:55 Intentional Prayer and Reflection
39:04 Couples and Family Devotions
41:44 Physical Health and Wellness
49:15 Emotional Health and Growth Mindset
52:27 Understanding Relationships Through Literature
54:52 The Challenges of Teaching and Teacher Retention
56:43 The Impact of Christian Education
01:00:00 The Role of Coaching in Education
01:07:10 Finding Purpose in Teaching and Coaching
01:14:00 Navigating Challenges in Ministry and Life
Grace in Action Coaching Options: https://grace-in-action.com/building-healthy-individuals/
Shawn's Favorite Links: https://www.girdupministries.com/herk-favorites
Gird Up Links:
https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx
https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/
https://www.girdupministries.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Summary
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, host Charlie Ungemach speaks with Shawn Herkstroeter, who shares his journey from teaching to his current role at Grace in Action. They discuss the importance of teaching, coaching, and leadership in youth development, as well as the challenges of maintaining work-life balance in ministry. Shawn emphasizes the need for spiritual, emotional, and physical health, and the significance of having margin in life to prevent burnout. The conversation provides valuable insights into the roles of educators and leaders in shaping the lives of young people. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Shawn Herkstroeter explore various aspects of spiritual, physical, and emotional health. They discuss the importance of intentional prayer, the dynamics of family devotions, and the significance of maintaining physical wellness through proper nutrition and exercise. The conversation also delves into emotional health, emphasizing the need for a growth mindset and the impact of relationships on overall well-being. Throughout, they share personal experiences and practical tips for integrating these practices into daily life. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Shawn Herkstroeter explore the importance of understanding relationships, particularly through literature, and the challenges faced in the teaching profession. They discuss the impact of Christian education on shaping the next generation and the role of coaching in supporting teachers and staff. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of finding purpose in teaching and navigating the challenges of ministry, while also highlighting the need for emotional and spiritual health in educators.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Support for Girt Up Podcast
01:02 Shawn Herkstroeter's Background and Transition to Grace in Action
02:55 Teaching Experience and Philosophy
05:47 The Role of Coaching in Youth Development
08:46 Leadership and the Principalship
11:57 Work-Life Balance in Ministry
14:55 The Importance of Margin in Life
17:58 Spiritual, Emotional, and Physical Health
20:59 Practical Applications of Spiritual Health
26:45 Navigating Spiritual Practices
32:55 Intentional Prayer and Reflection
39:04 Couples and Family Devotions
41:44 Physical Health and Wellness
49:15 Emotional Health and Growth Mindset
52:27 Understanding Relationships Through Literature
54:52 The Challenges of Teaching and Teacher Retention
56:43 The Impact of Christian Education
01:00:00 The Role of Coaching in Education
01:07:10 Finding Purpose in Teaching and Coaching
01:14:00 Navigating Challenges in Ministry and Life
Grace in Action Coaching Options: https://grace-in-action.com/building-healthy-individuals/
Shawn's Favorite Links: https://www.girdupministries.com/herk-favorites
Gird Up Links:
https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx
https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/
https://www.girdupministries.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode

1031 - Zach Flunker
Summary
In this episode of the Gird Up Podcast, Charlie Ungemach and guest Zach Flunker tackle the importance of Christian sex education, both in parenting and marriage. They discuss the cultural taboos surrounding sex, the need for age-appropriate conversations with children, and the vital role parents play in teaching boundaries, preventing abuse, and modeling healthy relationships. The episode also explores marital intimacy, communication, and the call to glorify God in all aspects of sexuality and family life.
Chapters
00:00 – Intro & Podcast Purpose
01:06 – Why Christian Sex Ed Matters
02:54 – Challenges Parents Face
05:55 – Cultural Shifts & Sex Taboos
09:11 – Freedom vs. Silence on Sex
11:55 – God’s Design for Sex
15:14 – Risks of Avoiding the Topic
17:54 – Marriage & Honest Dialogue
25:53 – Knowing Each Other’s Needs
28:29 – Glorifying God in Intimacy
30:19 – Sex, Biology & Complexity
36:07 – Facing Sexual Temptation
39:19 – Talking to Kids About Sex
41:52 – Safe, Age-Appropriate Talk
51:29 – Abuse & Boundary Education
56:39 – Spotting Wrong Behavior
01:00:15 – Open, Ongoing Talks
01:07:57 – Relationship Expectations
01:12:56 – Modeling Healthy Love
01:17:34 – Parenting in Big Picture
Zach's Links:
Conquerers Through Christ: https://conquerorsthroughchrist.net/resources/
Paper by Paul Krueger: http://essays.wls.edu:8080/handle/123456789/27
Luke Gilkerson: https://www.intoxicatedonlife.com/store/product/the-sex-ed-series/
Dr. Mona Amin: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1cl4u0jJNKWbD6n3gDPVMg?si=leIdawVRSAGIeopol-USiA
Gird Up Links:
https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx
https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/
https://www.girdupministries.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode

1033 - Prof. Joel Russow
Summary
In this episode of the Gird Up podcast, host Charlie Ungemach welcomes Professor Joel Russow, a systematic theology and pastoral theology professor at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. They discuss the importance of pastoral and mental health counseling, the journey of lifelong learning in theology, and the unique challenges faced by seminarians. Professor Russow shares insights on building trust with pastors, the intersection of counseling and theology, and the need for support in ministry. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding mental health within the context of faith and the role of education in preparing future pastors. In this conversation, Professor Joel Russow and Charlie Ungemach delve into the complexities of infidelity, mental health, and the alarming rise of male suicide. They explore how understanding the psychological impact of infidelity can aid pastors in counseling, the intersection of secular research and biblical teachings, and the importance of community support in addressing mental health issues. The discussion emphasizes the need for open conversations about suicide, particularly among men, and highlights the role of faith and community in providing hope and healing. In this conversation, Charlie Ungemach and Professor Joel Russow explore the complexities of prayer, the implications of suicide, and the comforting aspects of Lutheran theology. They discuss personal prayer practices, the nature of prayer as a conversation with God, and the challenges surrounding the topic of suicide, including questions of salvation and forgiveness. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of mourning and hope in the face of grief, the longing for eternal life, and the purpose of life on earth as a calling to serve others. Ultimately, the conversation highlights the unwavering love of God and the assurance of His presence in our lives.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
01:18 Meet Professor Joel Russow
02:44 The Journey of Lifelong Learning
05:23 The Intersection of Pastoral and Mental Health Counseling
09:24 Navigating the Need for Counseling
11:50 Expectations from Pastoral Counseling
14:05 Building Trust with Your Pastor
16:05 The Role of a Counseling Professor
18:14 The Importance of Counseling in Seminary Training
23:00 Common Struggles of Seminarians
27:11 Specialization in Mental Health Counseling
29:19 Understanding Infidelity and Its Impact
34:15 The Intersection of Research and Biblical Perspectives
34:44 Addressing Male Suicide: A Growing Concern
42:05 The Complexity of Mental Health Issues
48:28 Finding Hope in Community and Faith
01:01:47 Creating Personal Prayer Spaces
01:02:47 The Nature of Prayer as Conversation
01:05:08 Understanding Suicide and Its Implications
01:07:30 Lutheran Perspectives on Sin and Salvation
01:11:32 Responding to Grief and Loss
01:15:29 Navigating Conversations Around Suicide
01:18:10 Longing for Home: A Christian Perspective
01:22:32 Finding Purpose in Our Time on Earth
Gird Up Links:
https://youtube.com/@girdupministries4911?si=tbCa0SOiluVl8UFx
https://www.instagram.com/girdup_be_a_man/
https://www.girdupministries.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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