Church Worker Wellness

Delegates unanimously pass three resolutions on mercy

The resolutions call for raising awareness of human trafficking, encouraging pastoral care for those who suffer from mental illness, and giving thanks for LCMS Disaster Response’s faithful work.

Synod convention calls for new Lutheran academic standards

Delegates also adopted resolutions that commend Lutheran schools, address church worker student debt, encourage family devotions and recommend youth ministry resources.

Klein to serve as financial educator

Klein joins the Worker Wellness team at Concordia Plan Services.

Retreats offer rest for commissioned workers

The retreats, titled “Take Heart! Renewed to Be a Blessing,” are funded by the LCMS Office of National Mission.

Ministerial Care Coalition holds annual meeting

The coalition — a collection of representatives from around the Synod — supports and fosters conversations about church worker wellness.

First respite retreat held for commissioned ministers

The retreat consisted of three days of worship, learning and fellowship offered at no cost to participants.

ONM grants support resiliency programs for the Synod’s workers

Funds for the grants came from the Soldiers of the Cross—Amplified program.

COP navigates ongoing impact of COVID-19

The LCMS Council of Presidents conducted its fourth meeting of 2020 (its third via Zoom video conference) on Nov. 16–18, with discussion of the pandemic’s impact on the church dominating the meeting.

‘Take Heart’ retreats uplift, refresh pastors during COVID-19

The LCMS Office of National Mission is partnering with DOXOLOGY on a series of retreats to help pastors and the souls in their care rest in the Gospel.

COVID-19: Resources from DOXOLOGY

DOXOLOGY, an LCMS Recognized Service Organization, offers resources for pastors and congregations. Their goal is to support faithful pastors in their vital service to the dear souls committed to their care.

Fleming installed as DOXOLOGY partners with Synod for COVID aftercare

A series of “Take Heart” retreats will focus on offering respite and resources for pastors who have struggled with the changes and stresses of the past year.

Upcoming retreats offer pastors respite from pandemic

The LCMS Office of National Mission has partnered with DOXOLOGY on the retreats, which are planned for Sept. 28–30 in Bel Aire, Kan., and Oct. 5–7 in Donaldson, Ind.

Grants assist church workers impacted by pandemic

As of April 30, $321,452 had been distributed in 229 grants to workers across the Synod.

Synod leaders meet to discuss church worker wellness

The Ministerial Care Coalition, a project of Concordia Plan Services, began in 2014 with the goal of fostering wide-ranging discussion and advocacy of worker wellness in the LCMS.

LCMS convention commends and expands mercy work in the Synod

On July 23, Floor Committee 3 passed resolutions commending LCMS Disaster Response and the Synod’s life ministries and encouraging further training to care for those with mental illness.

BOD approves $81.3 million budget for Fiscal Year ‘20

Due to two major triennial events, the approved budget is $12 million higher in FY20 than in FY19, but the expenses for those events are essentially recovered through fees.