Church Worker Wellness

---

Wholistic Wellness

“We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ.” (Eph. 4:15) 

Our whole self is transformed in Baptism, and we become a temple of the Holy Spirit. We are stewards of the gifts God has given in the complexity of our being, body and soul. Through the proclamation of God’s Word and with a Christian faith that is created and strengthened in Baptism, we find true, lasting and complete wellness.

• A Lutheran Perspective On Worker Wellness
• The LCMS Wellness Wheel
• Wellness Action Plan  — This resource was developed to help individuals assess their well-being according to the LCMS Wellness Wheel. Workers are encouraged to use this resource under the guidance of a facilitator such as a designated district or circuit leader. 
  Color | Black and White
• Baptism and Whole-Person Well-Being Video
• “Serving Justified” — By Rev. Sean Daenzer

Return to top

---

Relational Wellness

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Eph. 4:32)

Relational wellness begins with our relationship with Christ, which then directs our daily relationships with the people around us. Just as we confess our sins to God and receive His forgiveness, so we learn to confess and absolve one another — as neighbors, friends, siblings, spouses and parents.

• LCMS circuits are made up of several nearby churches and schools provide support to church workers. Bible studies are available for circuits.
• When One Suffers — Engage Article
• Ambassadors of Reconciliation
• Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand: Supporting Church Workers
• LCMS School Ministry Leadership Coaching
• Concordia Deaconess Conference
• National Association of Directors of Christian Education
• Lutheran Education Association
• Thank Your Church Worker
• PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support)
• Conferences and events hosted by LCMS Districts

Return to top

---

Emotional Wellness

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Rom. 12:2) 

Emotional wellness means experiencing, understanding and expressing our God-given emotions and recognizing the emotions of our neighbors. Emotional wellness includes praising and thanking God for all of the gifts by which He sustains us in this life.

• “Caring for Those With Depression” — By Rev. Todd Peperkorn: 
  Introductory video | Bible Study
• Pastoral Support Network — A dedicated line of emotional health experts is available to support for pastors and their families. Call 888-712-1805 (Employer ID: PASTOR).
• Employee Assistance Program 24/7 counseling services are available through Evernorth Confide Behavioral Health Navigator. Call 888-726-5267 (Employer ID: CONCORDIA).

Return to top

---

Physical Wellness

“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Cor. 6:19–20) 

Physical wellness means first acknowledging the harm and damage that sin has on our bodies. We know that while God has created us, disease, sickness and death are realities of our earthly existence. We do well to take care of our bodies through consuming healthy food and drink, exercising and getting the rest that our bodies need. Taking good care of ourselves enables us better to serve and love our neighbors.

• The Concordia Health Plan offers many wellness solutions. Visit the Wellness Resource Finder for more information.
• “Making Critical Decisions as a Congregation” — By Rev. David Fleming: 
  Introductory Video | Bible Study
• LCMS Health Ministry

Return to top

---

Vocational Wellness

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (1 Cor. 7:17) 

Vocational wellness refers to our personal callings in life — whether we are a son or daughter; sister or brother; single person, husband or wife — as well as to the work given us by God to do, inside the home and out. He works in us and in our world through the roles in which He has placed us. Daily we joyfully love and serve the people that God brings to us with the gifts that He has given.

• Video — President Harrison Encourages Support for Church Workers
• LCMS Church Worker Wellness Devotions: Download ePub Version
• “Finding Balance and Perspective in the Ministry” — By Rev. Dr. Tyler Arnold:
  Introductory Video | Bible Study
• “Compassion Fatigue: Serving Our Lord Faithfully Without Burning Out” — By Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs: 
  Introductory Video | Bible Study
• LCMS Districts Offer Referrals to Local Providers
• Worker Wellness Retreat Grants
• Doxology
• Grace Place
• Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat
• Recognized Service Organizations — Many LCMS Recognized Service Organizations support church worker wellness. Search an online database or PDF directory.
• Church Revitalization

Return to top

---

Financial Wellness

“And He said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” (Luke 12:15) 

Financial wellness describes how God has given us all that we have and calls on us to use His gifts for the advancement of His kingdom. Financial wellness includes properly managing the financial gifts He has given for the good of our family, our neighbors and the church. It also includes helping our neighbor to “improve and protect his possessions and income” (Luther’s Small Catechism, Sixth Commandment meaning).

• Soldiers of the Cross
• Veterans of the Cross
• “The Worker is Worthy of His Hire” — By Rev. Heath Curtis: 
  Introductory Video | Bible Study
• Concordia Plans financial resources
• LCEF
• Lutheran Federal Credit Union
• Ministry Focus provides help for ministry leaders who are distracted by educational debt so they can focus on ministry.
• Compensation Decision Support Tool for Pastors and Parish Professionals
• Compensation Decision Support Tool for School Ministries
• LCMS Taxes and Ministers Guide includes important information about taxes including: the IRS definition of minister, W-2s vs 1099s, housing/parsonage allowance, paying federal and state taxes, and more.
• Congregational Treasurers Complete Manual

---

Need Tax Help?

Contact Pam Palmer, Director Tax & Compliance, at Pam.Palmer@lcms.org or 314-996-1441.

Return to top

---

Intellectual Wellness

“And He said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matt. 22:37) 

Intellectual wellness means developing the mind that God has given through the pursuit of lifelong learning and growth in knowledge and reasoning skills. These gifts develop in us over time as we grow in wisdom and experience.

Return to top

---

Spiritual Wellness

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Rom. 10:17) 

Spiritual wellness is a gift from God. We receive faith by receiving the Gospel. As baptized believers, our spiritual well-being is continually supported by regularly hearing His Word and receiving His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.

• Pastor’s Life of Prayer
• “Church Workers and Father Confessors” — By Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders: 
  Introductory Video | Bible Study

Return to top

---

Connect With Us

Deaconess Dr. Tiffany Manor — Managing Director, LCMS Worker Wellness

• workerwellness@lcms.org
• 888-843-5267 (THE LCMS)
• Facebook page