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 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 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 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.
Church Worker Wellness
Posted on July 23, 2019
Church workers and their families suffer, just like anyone else, and they are more likely to feel isolated and unable to seek help.