As we work our way through 2026, we invite Michigan District church workers to reflect on their calling through the lens of the Wholeness Wheel. Rooted in the truth that we are fully redeemed in Christ—body, mind, and spirit—this series will encourage intentional care across various aspects of life and ministry. Rather than striving for balance in and of itself, the Wholeness Wheel helps us recognize where God is sustaining us and where He may be calling us to renewal.

Throughout this series, we will explore spiritual, vocational, relational, physical, emotional, intellectual, and financial wellness, trusting that our Lord is at work in every part of our lives. As we grow in Christ-centered wellness, we do so not to earn God’s favor, but to be strengthened for faithful, joyful service in the vocations He has given us.

To promote holistic church worker wellness, we will dedicate two months to each wellness component. Each unit will be rooted in both Spiritual and Baptismal identity, offering encouragement, tools, resources, and opportunities for personal and vocational growth. As part of our wellness series, each topic will include a theme, a Concordia Plan Services (CPS) resource, Vitality Activities, Wellness Champion monthly observances, upcoming events, and practical tools to support church worker wellness.

As part of this commitment to holistic church worker wellness, the Michigan District has partnered with Concordia Plans in a shared wellness initiative. Through this partnership, the District will be rewarded as workers collectively work toward wellness goals connected to participation in Vitality, with particular emphasis on achieving Gold and Platinum status. Vitality is a free wellness program available to church workers and covered spouses who receive their health coverage through Concordia Plans, designed to support physical, emotional, and overall well-being through education, activities, and incentives.

Intellectual Wellness – Renewing Our Minds in Christ

Our current theme is Intellectual Wellness – “Renewing our minds in Christ.” We want to begin this journey with a special wellness devotion created just for you. We pray it encourages and refreshes you. Please feel free to use it personally or share it with others. It may also be meaningful to include during staff meetings, Winkel gatherings, or cluster meetings.

Click here to access the devotion: Intellectual Well-Being

Vitality Activities

• Attend a spiritual retreat organized and sponsored by your district, circuit, or congregation. The retreat must be one full day in length and focus on spiritual or emotional well-being. A copy of retreat registration, agenda, or curriculum can be submitted to Vitality under the Social and Spiritual Well-Being category to earn 200 points.
• Attend Bible study and Sunday school. Submit proof of your attendance to Vitality which can include a copy of the Bible study or Sunday school worksheet, lesson plan, or curriculum. You can earn 35 points per week by submitting this under the Social and Spiritual Well-Being category.

Concordia Plan Services Resource: Wellness Champions

Does your congregation have a Wellness Champion?

If you are unfamiliar with this role, a Wellness Champion is someone who is passionate about promoting and supporting the health and wellness of church workers. This individual serves as a local advocate and connector for wellness resources provided through Concordia Plan Services.

Whether your staff participates in the CPS health plan or retirement plan, your ministry is eligible to have a Wellness Champion. This is a valuable way to encourage a culture of wellness within your congregation.

Learn more and get started here:

• Wellness Champion Center
• Nominate a Wellness Champion

Intellectual Wellness Resource: Reclaiming the Joy of Ministry

This resource illustrates how our relationship with God, ourselves, and others draws us back to Scripture and helps us better understand our vocation.

• Reclaiming the Joy of Ministry: The Grace Place Way To Clergy Wellness
• Reclaiming the Joy of a Church Vocation: The Way to Wellness for the Non-Ordained in Church and School Ministries
• Reclaiming the Joy of Ministry: The Grace Place Way to Intellectual Wellness Workbook
• A visual overview of the ministry relationship model: