To Encourage Use of Telehealth Counseling Services for Care and Retention of Church Workers

Ov. 3-07

To Encourage Use of Telehealth Counseling Services for Care and Retention of Church Workers

WHEREAS, Clergy and other professional church workers of The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod experience unique vocational stressors inherent to ecclesial callings, including isolation, heavy workloads, public scrutiny, financial strain, and relational pressures; and

WHEREAS, Research within and outside the Synod demonstrates increasing rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, suicidality, marital distress, loneliness, financial uncertainty, and certain addictive behaviors among pastors and other church workers; and

WHEREAS, Professional counseling, including counseling delivered via telehealth, has demonstrated efficacy in treating burnout, depression, anxiety disorders, trauma -related distress, marital and family conflict, financial stress, and certain addictive behaviors; and

WHEREAS, Church workers of the Synod will benefit from Christ-centered, clinically competent counseling services that are confessionally aligned with the doctrine and practice of the Synod and are well positioned to serve church workers confidentially through telehealth; therefore be it

Resolved, That the Synod in convention encourage pastors and other church workers to view the use of professional counseling services, including telehealth counseling, as faithful stewardship of

the gifts of body and mind entrusted to them by God; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod commend telehealth counseling services as trusted resources for addressing burnout, depression, anxiety, suicidality, marital and family distress, financial stress, and certain addictive behaviors among church workers; and be it further

Resolved, That districts, congregations, and employing entities be encouraged to become familiar with available counseling and telehealth services that are confessionally aligned with the doctrine and practice of the Synod and to share such information as part of a culture of care and support for church workers; and be it further

Resolved, That the Synod affirm that timely access to counseling services may assist church workers in remaining in their calls and continuing faithful service to Christ’s Church through the proclamation of the Gospel; and be it finally

Resolved, That such encouragement be offered in a manner that respects Christian freedom, confidentiality, and pastoral discretion, without mandate or compulsion.

St. John Oskaloosa, IA