Church Worker Wellness
Posted on September 26, 2023
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, tLMFT
Did you forget where you left your glasses? No problem. Did you forget you wear glasses? Then you may have a problem. If you need to ask someone what day it is, no problem, but if you ask for that date three times in a row in less than five minutes, you may have a problem. That is my mother-in-law’s situation. While writing a check for her church offering, she asked me repeatedly what the date was because she suffers from dementia.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on May 24, 2023
by Rev. David Gunderson, tLMFT
Find strategies to create more margin in your life. After hearing the words, “Dust you are and dust you shall return” during an Ash Wednesday service, Billy, a four-year-old boy asked his mother “what does that mean?”. His mother explained that God created people from the dust of the earth, but when they die, they […]
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on February 28, 2023
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, tLMFT
One day, our seven-year-old son was entering the church with me when we noticed two men entering immediately before us. One man was Carl, a retired teacher who now served as the Church Music Director, and the other man was George, a retired minister who belonged to the congregation. As we approached the church door, […]
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on November 9, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
In recent work with commissioned, Lutheran School Teachers, we are finding out that they, and likely all teachers, are hurting. Lutheran Family Service is shining a light on the issue of church worker wellness within the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LCMS). Our goal is to flip the switch and proactively maintain wellness instead of […]
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on September 27, 2022
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, LMFT
Many church members have a big heart and want to help in caring for church workers. But, they don’t always know how. Read on for 20 ways that you individually and your congregation can care for your pastor and other professional church workers.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 25, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Church worker families have their actions and lives scrutinized by parishioners and folks in the general public. There is overwhelming pressure to be a “perfect” family that handles all situations and stresses flawlessly and without breaking a sweat.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on June 27, 2022
by Rev. Dave Gunderson, LMFT
Being “blue” on occasion is normal, but being stuck in the “blues” is not. Some experience depression briefly, and with help, can move out of it. Others struggle with it their entire lives and may need both counseling and special medications. Learn 5 ways you can use to beat the “Blues” of depression.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on May 18, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Church workers’ transitions run the gamut of exciting, joyful, frightening and stressful. In addition to the usual church year transitions, there are transitions from one call to another and one home to another. For Lutheran school teachers, the transition is growing one class of students, saying goodbye, then welcoming another class a few months later.
Preparation can be helpful in handling life’s changes to reduce stress and expedite adjustment. In her article, “Ten Tips for Handling Life’s Transitions,” author Nylse Esahc (Ibelieve.com, March 10, 2019), suggested the following points with accompanying Bible references, followed by my observations.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on April 6, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Emotions are neither good nor bad. They just are. Emotions are a creation and gift of God. Pastors and other church workers face emotions every day. How you respond externally and internally can be critical to the success of your ministry.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on February 28, 2022
by Toni Larson, LISW
Maintaining healthy boundaries is a challenging but vital task for pastors and other church workers. Without healthy boundaries, workers run the risk of compassion fatigue, interpersonal conflict and role confusion.
