Resources

Help for Church Workers and Families

LCMS Church Worker Wellness

Wellness Wheel

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Assistance

Help for coping with stress, depression, marital difficulties, and a variety of other work, family, and life issues.

NEW – If you are receiving benefits as a member of the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), you have mental health and substance abuse benefits with the EAP Mental Wellness program. Check your member ID card for contact information about the Evernorth Confide Behavioral Health Navigator, or call the dedicated CHP number for Evernorth Confide at 866.726.5267 to speak with a Care Navigator. [NOTE: this benefit is for Concordia Health Plan members only.]

The Michigan District also provides a mental health case manager to help navigate these decisions.

Mental Health Tool Kit for employers

Mental Health First Aid training

Family – NEW Resources

Self-Care

  • Prayer Walk Guide – PDF File – As you walk around your neighborhood or a local park, you have an opportunity to take in all the natural beauty our Lord has blessed you with this day and lift up prayers.
  • Run Hard Rest Well – Equipping people with a pace and passion for work and rest that is transformative and sustainable

Retreat Centers & Ministries

LCMS Recognized Service Organizations
    • Camp Arcadia – Camp Arcadia provides a Christ-filled setting for families, individuals, and staff to connect with Christ and others amid the beauty of God’s creation. Through vacation and retreat experiences at Camp, we are renewed in spirit, mind, and body and are inspired to share the love of Christ in our lives, families, and communities.
    • Camp Concordia – Camp Concordia exists to provide opportunities for children, youth and their families to encounter Christ in the midst of God’s creation, enriching body and soul and resulting in strong missional skills and actions.
    • Camp Lutherhaven is a year-round outdoor ministry center that since 1949 has been dedicated to creating adventurous, faith-building experiences for children, youth, adults, and families. Our carefully chosen staff, along with a program that includes recreation, God’s Word, group activities, Christian fellowship, worship, personal growth, and of course tons of fun, combine to create an unforgettable experience.
    • Doxology – The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel provides a safe environment for clergy to reflect on their own spiritual and emotional health and enhance their professional competencies.
    • Good Friend Ministries – Retreat facilities are provided by Luke and Faye Pickelman at their Grey Hare Inn on the Old Mission Peninsula, a short drive north of downtown Traverse City on Highway 37. It was their vision to establish Good Friend Ministries, a 501c3 ministry and Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS, to serve the pastors of the Michigan District, their spouses and families.
    • Grace Place Lutheran Wellness Ministries – A retreat and lifestyle program offering integrated health attitudes and skills to Professional Church Workers of the LCMS and their spouses. Reimbursement Form – PDF
    • Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat  – offers week-long counseling retreats for men and women in ministry crisis.
Retreat Grants

Application – Worker Wellness Retreat grants provide assistance for rostered church workers who desire to participate in a retreat program through a Recognized Service Organization (RSO). Please complete an online form to apply for a grant. Funds are limited.  Apply online

Please note that prior to applying, you must speak to your district president (734.665.3791 ext 233 or email) about your desire to receive a retreat grant. He or his representative will review your application.

Non-Denominational 

Ministry Health Resources

  • Let’s Talk it Over: Ten Conversations on Supporting Church Workers – A DVD with vignettes, discussion questions, and Bible study helps that will spark healthy conversations between congregations and their workers. For more information, contact LCMS World Relief and Human Care | 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122 | Judy Ladage
  • Webinar – Holding Up The Prophets’ Hands 202 – The Michigan District, LCMS held a webinar on March 28, 2014, as a follow-up to a conference held in 2012. You can view that conference YouTube playlist for the three sessions led by Dr. Bruce Hartung. The webinar was entitled “Holding Up The Prophet’s Hands 202” and is available to view on YouTube here.
  • Ministerial Care Coalition – 866.726.5267 (Resources and support for pastors)
  • Ambassadors of Reconciliation – aorhope.org (for healing relationships)
  • Holy Manners – intentionally cultivating healthy Christ-centered relationships where you live, serve, and worship
  • lcms.org/how-we-serve/mercy/church-worker-wellness (LCMS Resources, Bible Studies for church workers on depression & compassion fatigue etc.)

Other Resources

  • lutheranhour.org (Encourages and supports you as you respond to God’s call to action, from the radio ministry, The Lutheran Hour, to resources for discipleship and outreach: evangelism training events and resources; opportunities for hands-on international outreach; resource media and materials for men’s ministry; mission resources for children and schools; and much more.)
  • wellspringlutheran.com (Wellspring Lutheran Services – engaging people as they experience and embrace their God-given potential toward changed lives, strong families, and transformed communities.)
  • Worship Anew – Lutheran Worship Online – NEW

Retirement and Finances

Retirement Conference 

This is a free, one-day (9 a.m.-3 p.m.) conference for church workers and their spouses led by the Michigan District leadership and hosted by a congregation in the District every other year. The next conference will take place in 2026.

Financial Peace University Offer

In order to enrich the financial health of our Professional Church Workers in the District, the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support recently passed the motion to offer $50 toward the purchase of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. You can purchase the home study version, attend an online course, or a local class. If you choose to attend a local class you can receive an extra $10 off by making your purchase through Erwin Gunnells and mentioning the “Michigan District Discount.” You can find out more about this course here. To receive your $50, simply submit your proof of purchase to the Commission on Ministerial Growth and Support at the District Office. The address is: 3773 Geddes Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105-3098.

NEW – Mental Health and Wellness Book Resources

Mental Health Resources Compiled by Deaconess Christie Hansard, RN, CN, Parish Nurse: Sept. 2023