Meet the Ministry Solutions Team

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” — Ephesians 2:10

Tom finds great joy in working with congregations who desire to expand ministry and follow the leading of the Lord as He guides and directs them into the future. Tom has served congregations in North Carolina, Virginia, Wisconsin and most recently, as senior pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, Casselberry, Fla. The Lord has given Tom other opportunities for ministry as an adjunct professor of theology at Concordia University Wisconsin, planner for the LCMS Youth Gathering and as a speaker and presenter at various conferences and events.

Tom is a prolific writer and blogger on the topics of creativity, ministry, culture and the church. He is married to Tammy, and they have two adult children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys walking, reading, Disney, the Milwaukee Brewers, the Green Bay Packers, the sunshine and being a granddad.

Vice President, Ministry Solutions
Tim serves in all LCMS districts.

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”— John 15:11

Tim started his career at Immanuel Lutheran School in Des Plaines, Ill., as a sixth-grade teacher and subsequently served Chicago area congregations as a DCE. Tim also played a role in starting a Lutheran high school and worked in development for a couple of international nonprofit ministries. He enjoys serving through short-term missions and has led teams to six different countries over the years. Tim is blessed with two children and three grandchildren. He lives in the Indianapolis, Ind., area. Tim is privileged to help agencies of the LCMS thrive in accomplishing their mission.

Vice President, Ministry Solutions, Mission Driven Development
Billy serves in all LCMS districts.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”— John 3:17

Rev. Billy Brath finds joy in working with churches, organizations and leaders to develop ministries that effectively reach the world. He received an undergraduate degree in secular religious studies; worked as an entertainer and dancer in Orlando; received his M.Div. from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis; served as pastor, urban Missionary and church planter in Orlando and worked with district and national church organizations on ministry and event design and production. He has extensive training and experience in customer service and communication strategy and is a certified Creative Problem-Solving facilitator. Billy lives in New York City with his mean cat and enjoys meeting new people and exploring new cities.

Vice President, Ministry Solutions
Eric serves in the following LCMS districts: Central Illinois, Iowa East, Iowa West, Michigan, Minnesota North, Minnesota South, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, North Wisconsin, Northern Illinois, South Dakota, South Wisconsin, Southern Illinois and Texas.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” — John 15:5

Eric has committed himself to helping local congregations discover and fully live into their God-given purpose. To this end, he has served the Ohio District in the Transforming Congregations initiative of the LCMS; coached congregations and pastors through CoachAdvance and led various congregational vision processes.

In his 22 years of pastoral ministry, he has served congregations in Baton Rouge, La., Springfield, Ohio and Batavia, Ill. Eric holds degrees from Western Michigan University, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and Ashland Theological Seminary. Eric and his wife, Amy, reside in Batavia, Ill. They are blessed to be the parents of three daughters.

Vice President, Ministry Solutions
John serves in the following LCMS districts: Atlantic, Florida-Georgia, Eastern, English, Indiana, Kansas, Mid-South, New England, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, SELC, Southeastern and Southern.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things”— Philippians 4:8

John has a love for teaching and helping people and congregations discern their calling for ministry. He has a passion for finding ways to communicate the Gospel in the current cultural milieu. John has served congregations in Ohio, California, Illinois and Florida. He is also a member of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL).

Vice President, Ministry Solutions
Kris serves in the following LCMS districts: California/Nevada/Hawaii, Montana, Northwest, Pacific Southwest, Rocky Mountain and Wyoming.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”— Proverbs 3:5-6

Kris enjoys helping leaders and congregations define opportunities, design solutions and align resources for greater Gospel impact within the neighborhood God has placed them. He has a passion for communicating the Good News of Jesus simply and clearly with all people and cultures through active listening and caring. Kris has served two congregations in Washington: first as vicar and then pastor. Most recently, he worked in corporate business development, client success and sales for eight years. Born and raised on the foreign mission field until he was 17, Kris continues to pursue cross-cultural and development projects that expand God’s kingdom locally and around the world.

Kris is married to Sara; they have a daughter who lives at home while attending college and a son in high school. As a family, they like to travel, cook, watch movies and work in their yard. Living in Seattle, Wash., they enjoy all things about the Northwest–Seahawks, Mariners, hiking, camping and the food!

Vice President, Ministry Solutions, Grace Place Wellness

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”— Hebrews 12:2

Helping church workers find joy in ministry is Rev. Gregory Walton’s passion and a key to ministry health. Helping laity recognize the benefits of intentional care for church workers ensures a stronger ministry while providing a greater awareness for the ongoing care of church workers in the ministry.

Prior to his work at LCEF, Greg served over 22 years in parish ministry at a mission congregation and a larger congregation, both in Georgia. During those years, he served in a variety of roles in his district, including on the circuit level, as a member of the District Board of Directors and on the District LCEF Finance Committee. He later served as the district president for the Florida-Georgia District for 13 years. Greg and his wife of 40 years, Edith, reside in the Atlanta area, close to their two married sons and six grandchildren.

Ministry Solutions Supervisor

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”— Romans 8:28

Allison joined the Lutheran Church Extension Fund (LCEF) in 2017, bringing with her experience in client support, hospitality, and team leadership as we as knowledge of LCMS congregations and RSO’s from her previous role as a Gift Processing Specialist at the LCMS Foundation, where she worked for three years. At LCEF, she provides essential support to the Ministry Solutions Vice Presidents and consultants in project management for both congregations and RSO’s. Through her work, Allison helps streamline project coordination and supports LCEF’s mission to serve ministry efforts with excellence.

Allison, a St. Louis native, is passionate about spending time with her three daughters and three dogs.

Ministry Solutions Specialist

“In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”— Proverbs 3:6

Lauren joined LCEF in 2018. She brings years of experience in editorial and communications work as well client support, hospitality, and team leadership. She supports Ministry Solutions Vice Presidents and campaign consultants and works closely with congregational teams in a project management capacity throughout their ministry expansion campaigns.

Lauren is a St. Louis native and currently lives in Ballwin, Mo. She enjoys traveling the world, reading and volunteering at her local church.