Four Important Wellness Resources

Four important wellness resources for every LCMS rostered and lay church worker.

Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat

Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat Ministry is set apart for offering week-long, perhaps more intense, counseling retreats. Up to eight church workers at a time come to the center when experiencing burnout, stress, depression and other conflicts. 

The week-long retreat staffs two counselors, a chaplain and hospitality volunteers to support the attendees as they engage in approximately 25 hours of group, couple and individual counseling sessions. The hope is that workers will leave with a lighter burden and tools to manage the sometimes overwhelming personal, marital and congregational conflict in ministry. 

DOXOLOGY 

The primary purpose of DOXOLOGY is to provide training, mentoring and consultation services for pastors seeking to enhance their ability to help people struggling with the ever-increasing personal, family and social complexities of contemporary life. The retreat training environment, grounded in Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions, ensures that pastors will be emotionally and spiritually refreshed and equipped by their participation. The Center provides a safe environment for clergy to reflect on their own spiritual and emotional health and assists them to review and enhance their professional competencies and skills as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s sacred mysteries. DOXOLOGY strengthens pastors so they can more faithfully pastor others.

Concordia Plans

Established nearly 60 years ago at Synod Convention, Concordia Plans is the primary provider of wellness resources to LCMS ministries and workers. Aligned in faith and a passion to serve, their ministry is your well-being. With the goal of healthy church workers serving in healthy ministries, CP offers comprehensive care including physical, mental and financial health, retirement, disability and survivor benefits. 

Concordia Plans stands as an ally for LCMS organizations and church workers, listening to your needs and working to care for your total wellness so you can focus on your mission. They take their responsibility to serve you to heart — with heart, and are committed to exploring new solutions to help you be well to serve well. Get connected to the best care for you at ConcordiaPlans.org/CaringForYou.

Online Tools and Resources 

LCMS.org/wellness offers tools, articles, classes, apps, devotions, videos and more. Resources can be searched by theme and include topics covering spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, congregational, vocational and intellectual well-being. 

Here are a few highlights:  

• Post-Seminary Applied Learning & Support helps pastors and their wives transition from seminary to congregational life.  
• LCMS School Ministry Leadership Coaching engages administrators and church leaders in a self-directed process empowering them toward professional and personal excellence.
• Soldiers of the Cross provides emergency financial support and pastoral care for LCMS church workers in need. Likewise, Veterans of the Cross provides the same services for retired church workers and their families. 

Pastors and professional church workers’ spiritual, emotional and physical well-being matters to the LCMS because they matter to our Lord. Be well!