Church Worker Wellness

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Identity in Christ

Church workers and their spouses desire encouragement, spiritual care and pastoral reminders that their identity is in Christ alone.

• Video devotions by President Harrison
• “Serving Justified” — By Rev. Sean Daenzer
• LCMS Church Worker Wellness Devotions:
  View online | Download ePub version
• Pastor’s Life of Prayer

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Supportive and encouraging culture

Create a culture within the Synod of mutual support and encouragement to care for one another so that workers are comfortable seeking care.

• Walther’ Breakdown – by Matthew Harrison
• The Church and Mental Health presentations
• “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
• “Caring for Those With Depression” — By Rev. Todd Peperkorn:
  Introductory video | Bible study
• Mental health and pastoral ministry – Beverly Yahnke

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Healthy churches, schools and ministries

The health of the church worker and the church, school or ministry he or she works for are directly related; the health of the ministry impacts the care of the workers.

• A Lutheran Perspective On Well-Being
• The LCMS Wellness Wheel
• Church Revitalization
• The Church and Mental Health presentations
• “Making Critical Decisions as a Congregation” — By Rev. David Fleming:
  Introductory video | Bible study
• Concordia Plan Services Health Solution Connector — A physical and emotional health program questionnaire to guide members to the best resource for them based on their current need
• LCMS Health Ministry

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Finances

Effective church worker care invests in people. At times, some church workers need assistance.

• 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 to assist members’ financial wellness
• LCEF
• Lutheran Federal Credit Union
• Ministry Focus — 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 — This 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. You can also access this guide by visiting the LCMS Church and School Administration Page, and go to the Financial Matters section, and then under the “Manual for Congregational Treasurers” heading, select “Taxes and Ministers.”
• Congregational Treasurers Complete Manual —Chapters one and two contain important details about taxes and housing allowance.

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Relationships

Receive relational care from fellow church workers and trusted professionals in networks supporting one another.

• LCMS School Ministry Leadership Coaching
• Preach the Word encouragement from brother pastors
  Preach the Word video playlist
• Concordia Deaconess Conference
• National Association of Directors of Christian Education
• Lutheran Education Association

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Caregivers

Provide personal and attentive care, including counseling, emotional and spiritual care for church workers and their spouses.

• “Church Workers and Father Confessors” — By Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders:
  Introductory video | Bible study
• Employee Assistance Program 24/7 counseling services through Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program – Call 866-726-5267
• Pastoral Support Network — A dedicated line of emotional health experts to support for pastors and their families – Call 888-712-1805
• Parish Nurses

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Recognition and connection

Create quality social interactions to help workers feel needed and connected to others throughout the Synod.

• Supporting and celebrating church workers
• Thank your church worker
• PALS (Post-Seminary Applied Learning and Support)
• LCMS Districts provide conferences and events for church workers to connect with one another

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Awareness, resources, advocacy

Organize help for congregations and ministry organizations to raise awareness, receive training and speak up to help the workers locate effective and trusted resources in their areas.

• Worker Wellness Retreat Grants
• When One Suffers
• Doxology
• Grace Place
• Ambassadors of Reconciliation
• Holding Up the Prophet’s Hand: Supporting Church Workers
• Shepherd's Canyon Retreat
• Lutherans Engage: September/October 2015

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Care provided locally

Prioritize the wellbeing of church workers locally along with access to care providers.

• LCMS Districts offer referrals to local providers
• Finding local resources
• Employee Assistance Program 24/7 counseling services through Cigna’s Employee Assistance Program – 866-526-5267
• Concordia Plan Services Grand Rounds personal healthcare assistant helping find the best wellness programs and healthcare providers available to through the Concordia Health Plan.
• LCMS Circuits made up of several nearby churches and schools provide support to church workers. Bible studies are available for circuits.

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