Caring for those who care for us: LCC launches new wellness and mental health initiative

by Nancy Swerhun and Dwayne Cleave

WINNIPEG – Pastors, deacons, and church workers give their lives in service to others. Now, Lutheran Church–Canada (LCC) is taking new steps to care for them. 

In response to growing concerns about the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being of church workers, LCC is launching a new initiative focused on wellness and mental health support across the Synod.

At the heart of this effort is the newly developed Guidelines for Caring for Called Workers, a practical and biblically grounded resource designed to help congregations and employers support their Called Workers. The guidelines encourage congregations to foster healthy ministry environments, establish supportive practices, and build a culture of care and respect for those who serve.

Why This Matters

Serving in ministry is both a calling and a challenge. Many of LCC’s pastors, deacons, and other Called Workers serve alone, often far from the support of colleagues. They face unique pressures: emotional strain, long hours, pastoral isolation, rising expectations, and increasingly complex congregational structures and dynamics. Over time, these challenges can lead to stress, burnout, and even departure from ministry.

Recognizing this reality, the Board of the Worker Benefit Services initiated the development of clear and adaptable guidelines. The process began with a survey in October 2024 that gathered feedback on lifestyle, mental health resources, and work-life balance. The findings were reinforced in the February 2025 Manulife Wellness Survey and refined through conversations with pastors, Regional Pastors, lay leaders, and LCC’s Board of Directors.

“These guidelines are not just about policy—they’re about the people God has called into ministry,” said LCC President Timothy Teuscher. “They are a way to show care, grounded in Scripture, for those who serve among us with faithfulness and sacrifice.”

The result is eleven practical principles addressing key areas such as supportive leadership structures, healthy work-life boundaries, recognition of worker contributions, professional development, self-care, and family support.

“These guidelines are not just about policy—they’re about the people God has called into ministry,” said LCC President Timothy Teuscher. “They are a way to show care, grounded in Scripture, for those who serve among us with faithfulness and sacrifice.”

A Wellness Coordinator for the Synod

In conjunction with the launch of the guidelines, LCC will hire a part-time Wellness Coordinator for a one-year term. This role will focus on developing, sourcing, and implementing initiatives that support Called Workers nationwide. Programs include mental health and stress management supports, physical health activities (such as fitness classes), nutrition and healthy eating tools, and opportunities for spiritual care.

The Wellness Coordinator will tailor programs to the needs of LCC’s pastors, deacons, and other church workers with the goal of promoting holistic well-being, preventing burnout, and bringing joy and vitality to ministry.

“Supporting our Called Workers is not a luxury—it’s a necessity for the health of our Synod,” President Teuscher emphasized. “We are called to esteem those who labour among us ‘very highly in love because of their work’ (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13).”

What’s Next?

Congregations and employers are encouraged to review the guidelines and begin taking steps to put them into practice. 

The Wellness Coordinator is expected to be in place in the next couple of months, and regular updates will be provided on program development and opportunities for participation.

By investing in the well-being of Called Workers, LCC is investing in the vitality of its congregations, schools, and ministries—and bearing witness to the love and care of Christ for all who serve in His name.

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Nancy Swerhun is Pension & Benefits Manager of LCC Worker Benefit Services.

Dwayne Cleave is Chief Administrative Officer of Lutheran Church–Canada and Executive Director of LCC Worker Benefit Services.

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