• Home
  • Mission Development
  • Leadership Development
  • Education
  • Resources
  • Events
  • Give
  • Loading...

    • Church Worker Care

    Help for church workers and families

    |

    If this is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

    CCWC

    Commission for Church Worker Care

    Our mission is to enrich the whole-person health (emotional, spiritual, physical, financial, relational) of Professional Church Workers through promotion, education, referral assistance, and advocacy.

    As sanctified children of God, we respond to what God, in Christ Jesus, has done for us through proper stewardship of all that we have been given. Among those blessings are the various components of our health as shown by the Wholeness Wheel.

    Our efforts to improve our personal wellness, then, are a part of our sanctified living, as in every aspect “We are to grow up in every way into Him who is the head, into Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).

    Until that time when we are with God face to face, we strive, with His help and guidance, to Be Well in all areas of the Wholeness Wheel so that we can best Serve Well those in our care.

    The Commission for Church Worker Care of the Michigan District, LCMS provides quality staff support services in the area of mental health. Additionally, through the Sowers Fund, the District is able to provide some financial assistance.

    If you need assistance, please contact

    Rev. Dan Ramthun

    Mental Health Case Manager

    The Michigan District, LCMS offers a confidential process for church workers and their families to receive guidance when they are going through a difficult time and to help them make an informed decision about their mental and emotional health.

    Please note: this is not a hotline for help or for emergencies. If this is an emergency, please dial 911.

    Please contact our Mental Health Case Manager to get started. She will gather some basic information and connect you with a counselor in your area. These counselors are vetted by Lutheran licensed counselor Amanda Vergin. (If you would like to discuss the vetting process, contact her directly via email. )

    Deaconess Christie Hansard, RN, BSN
    Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager / Parish Nurse Ministries
    Cell: 734.845.2972

    Email Christie Hansard

    List of Counselors in Michigan

    Help for Church Workers and Families

    Disclaimer: If this is an emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

    The following list of mental health care professionals and agencies includes names provided to the District by members of the ministry and others in the field of healthcare. Neither the Michigan District, the LCMS, or the commission makes any endorsement of these individuals or agencies, nor does it make any representation as to their qualifications or capabilities.

    The Commission suggests that those consulting this list confer with any individuals or agencies prior to securing their services to determine their acceptability and appropriateness as a health care provider. Included in this directory are lists of questions to ask yourself and questions to ask a potential counselor.

    This list below is not an exhaustive list of professional counselors in the District. If other competent professionals are known to you, please notify the District of their names for future listings. If you would like to provide any positive or negative feedback about any counselor on this list, please contact the District.

    The Michigan District Mental Health Case Manager, Christie Hansard, has additional counselors that have been approved for Michigan District church workers and their families.

    The arrangement for pay is negotiated between the counselor and the client.

    Questions you should ask a counselor - Before you go

    Questions you should ask yourself - Before you go

    Counselors

    Bobby Baker - Rochester

    Karen Renzema - Bethany Christian Services - Kalamazoo

    David Brown - Clinton Township

    Autumn Casiglia - Sterling Heights

    Brenda Heissenbuettel - Southgate

    John Rathje - Ypsilanti

    Cheryl Spaulding - Armada

    Rick VanBriggle - Detroit

    Kathleen Von Kampen - Clinton Township

    District Facilitators

    Experienced District staff deployed as facilitators to strengthen and support local church and school leaders are available to assist you.

    Learn More

    Mentoring

    A District Mentor will walk alongside church workers. They are a seasoned worker (10+ yrs. in their role) who shares their wisdom and knowledge about a specific area of ministry, assisting a fellow church worker in succeeding in their work with events and projects etc. (they pass along best practices, experiences, challenges, teachings, etc.).

    As a general guideline, Church Worker Mentors meet with a church worker as dictated by situation and availability (often 5-10 meetings will suffice).

    A Church Worker Mentor keeps conversations private, between the Church Worker Mentor and the church worker. Information is only shared when there is potential harm to the church worker or others.

    President's Office - Rev. David Davis


    PALS

    The early years of ministry present unique challenges to the new church worker and pastor. In those first years they are dealing with pressures of expectations and demands from members and staff in the congregation, as well as their families and themselves. For more information contact:

    Email Rev. Sean McCoy

    Pastors' Wives

    The Michigan District understands the unique role of the wife of a pastor, deacon, and vicar, and seeks to support, encourage, and uplift her. This is done by offering a number of opportunities for ministry wives to connect with each other.

    Opportunities to connect

    • The Katie -- an annual conference for wives and widows of a pastor, deacon, and vicar. Join with women who have much in common for a weekend of laughter, worship, prayer, and play. The atmosphere is genial, uplifting, and designed to leave you encouraged, reconnected, and blessed with new insights, new friends, and new energy!
    • Facebook Group -- For wives and widows of pastors, vicars, and deacons. Join the conversation and view photo galleries.
    • The New Church Worker Conference welcomes workers and their spouses that are new to the District each fall.
    • Every year in the fall, wives are invited to attend the All Pastors' Conference with their husbands. You are encouraged to enjoy the entire conference which includes the speakers, a luncheon just for wives, activities, and evening fellowship.
    • In the spring, wives are encouraged to join their husbands at Regional Pastors' Conferences. Rest, relax, listen to speakers, and enjoy the time with your spouse.
    • The Emeriti Conference is another opportunity for husbands and wives of the District.
    • Women's Retreats at Camp Arcadia, which are open to all Christian women, are another opportunity to connect and be refreshed.

    Resources

    If you have questions regarding District Events, contact Debbie Cameron, Events Coordinator.

    For all other inquiries, contact the president's office.

    Resources

    Help for Church Workers and their Families

    LCMS Church Worker Wellness

    LCMS Wellness Wheel (pdf)

    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 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

    • 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.

    LCMS Recognized Service Organizations

    • 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 2028.

    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.

    Mental Health and Wellness Book Resources

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