In this episode of The Church Planting Podcast, Greg Nettle sits down with church planter, coach, and author Marc Lucenius, lead pastor of 938 Church in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Marc recently released his new book, Rest for the Restless, a practical and deeply personal exploration of how leaders can sustain healthy ministry without sacrificing their souls.

Marc shares the story of planting 938 Church with Stadia Church Planting, navigating the challenges of launching a church just before the pandemic, and leading through the uncertainty that followed. Along the way, he learned firsthand the dangers of burnout, resentment, self-pity, and the relentless pressure many church leaders place on themselves.

Drawing from his own experiences and years of ministry leadership, Marc unpacks the biblical principle of Sabbath—not simply as a day off, but as a way of life rooted in trust, enjoyment, and freedom. He challenges the common assumption that productivity and spiritual maturity are the same thing and offers a healthier vision of leadership that flows from rest rather than striving.

Greg and Marc also discuss how our personal stories shape our relationship with work, achievement, and ministry. They explore practical ways leaders can embrace rhythms of rest, cultivate meaningful friendships, process emotional wounds, and avoid the subtle traps of burnout.

The conversation concludes with a powerful reminder that sustainable ministry isn't about slowing down ambition—it's about learning to live and lead from a place of wholeness, trust, and joy in what God has already accomplished.

Table of Contents:

00:00 – 03:20
Introduction to Marc Lucenius, 938 Church, and church planting in Philadelphia.

03:20 – 05:30
Planting through the pandemic and helping launch another church.

05:30 – 08:00
The inspiration behind Rest for the Restless.

08:00 – 11:30
Burnout, exhaustion, and the difference between performing ministry and living it.

11:30 – 15:00
The biblical vision of Sabbath and learning a different story.

15:00 – 18:30
Ceasing vs. switching: why leaders struggle to truly rest.

18:30 – 21:30
Feasting, enjoyment, and building a satisfying life in Christ.

21:30 – 24:30
Emotional health, healing ministry wounds, and sustainable leadership.

24:30 – 27:45
Practical advice for church planters: friendship, accountability, and longevity.