Koinonia

Virtual support group for women married to LCMS pastors

κοινωνία is a Greek word implying fellowship, association, community, communion, and joint participation. In short, it is a shared community that involves deep, close-knit participation among its people.

Designed for women of all ages whose husbands currently serve as a pastor of a Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod congregation. 

Guided by Scripture
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2

Providing a safe and supportive place to share joys and challenges, addressing concerns including:

  • Isolation & loneliness
  • Financial stress
  • Living in a fishbowl
  • Spousal pressure
  • Congregational pressure
  • Genuine friendships
  • Expectations & volunteering
  • Living in a parsonage
  • Boundaries
  • Church politics
  • Working outside the home
  • Perfectionism
  • Family concerns
  • Raising children
  • Addictions
  • Jealousy
  • Much more!

Location
This is an online group. Join through video wherever you are. No need to leave your home!

Led by LFS therapists also married to LCMS pastors

Sarah Anderson, LCSW, PMH-C, is a licensed counselor with Lutheran Family Service. Through her professional experience and personal understanding of pastoral ministry, she is passionate about walking alongside pastors’ wives, providing encouragement, support, and a Christ-centered community through Koinonia groups. She serves clients throughout the state of Tennessee via telehealth. Her husband currently serves Grace Lutheran in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Cassie Beltz, LMHC, is a mental health counselor and Director of Counseling Ministries at Lutheran Family Service. She works primarily with individuals that are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and gender identity concerns. She primarily serves clients in Oskaloosa, Iowa, as well as throughout the entire state via telehealth. Her husband currently serves St. John Lutheran in Oskaloosa, Iowa.

Coreen Jander, LPC, LPCC, NCC, is a licensed counselor and partners with Lutheran Family Service to provide care to pastor’s wives through our Koinonia groups. She has a heart for supporting pastors’ wives as they navigate the unique joys and challenges of ministry life and is honored to help foster meaningful connection and encouragement. She serves clients throughout the state of Missouri via telehealth. Her husband currently serves as chaplain at EverTrue (formerly Lutheran Senior Services) in Brentwood, Missouri.

 

Registration Information: