Resources

Help for Church Workers and Families

LCMS Church Worker Wellness

Wholeness Wheel

Retreat Centers & Ministries

LCMS Recognized Service Organizations

  • 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.
  • 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.

Non-Denominational

Additional Resources

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.

Retirement Conference 

  • This is a free, one-day (9am-3pm) conference for church workers and their spouses led by the Michigan District leadership and hosted by a congregation in the District that occurs every other year. 
    1. The next conference occurs on March 2, 2024 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Flushing, MI.  Registration will open in November 

Camp Arcadia – https://camp-arcadia.com/

  • 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 – https://www.campconcordia.org/

  • 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 – https://lutherhaven.org/

  • 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.

Let’s Talk it Over: Ten Conversations on Supporting Church Workers

  • A DVD with vignettes, discussion questions and Bible study helps that will spark heathly 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

Holding Up The Prophet’s Hands

  • 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.

Miscellaneous

  • Ministerial Care Coalition 866.726.5267 (Resources and support for pastors)
  • www.aorhope.org (Ambassadors of Reconciliation – for healing relationships)
  • www.doxology.us (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)
  • holymanners.org/?_nozc_=1 (intentionally cultivating healthy Christ-centered relationships where you live, serve and worship)
  • www.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.)
  • runhardrestwell.org (Run Hard Rest Well – Equipping people with a pace and passion for work and rest that is transformative and sustainable)
  • www.wellspringlutheran.com (Wellspring Lutheran Services – engaging people as they experience and embrace their God-given potential, toward changed lives, strong families, and transformed communities.)

Concordia Plan Services

Mental Health & Substance Abuse Assistance

If you are in the Concordia Health Plan (CHP), you have mental health and substance abuse benefits. Check your member ID card for contact information or call 866.726.5267 to contact the CIGNA EAP.

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

Ministerial Care Coalition “Burnout First Aid Kit”

Help coping with stress, depression, marital difficulties, and a variety of other work, family, and life issues. EAP services are free and confidential to covered members of the CHP and can be accessed 24/7 at cignabehavioral.com or 866.726.5267.

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.