Workbook page: 161
PDF page: 196
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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 196
2026 Convention Workbook 161 OFFICER, BOARD, AND COMMISSION REPORTS LCMS Health Ministry collaborated with LCMS Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry to provide resources and training through the new Lutheran Visitation Education program for chaplaincy roles and parish church workers, along with the ongoing continuing education for specialized spiritual care workers. Promotion of Mental Health Bible studies, resources, and campaigns were developed to care for people within and outside the Church and to reduce stigma around mental illness and bias against persons suffering from men- tal illness or seeking help. Digital Media • Created an ongoing social media awareness campaign with regular posting on Facebook and Instagram. • Published podcast series and episodes on ONM podcasts God’s Mission Here, Friends for Life, and End Goals. Educational Events Live presentations were provided to congregations, church workers, parish nurses, district webinars, national conferences, and participants at the LCMS Youth Gathering. Mental Health Collaboration with Agencies, Auxiliaries, and RSOs LCMS Health Ministry has coordinated and collaborated with numerous Synod entities, agencies, and recognized service organi- zations (RSOs), including Concordia University System, Concor - dia Publishing House, Concordia Plan Services, KFUO Radio, and the LWML. Grants were provided to RSOs and congregations for mental health programs: • Concordia Counseling • DOXOLOGY • GracePoint Institute for Relational Health • Lutheran Family Service, Iowa • Lutherans For Life • Lutheran Counseling and Family Services of Wisconsin • Night of Hope • Shepherd’s Canyon Retreat ONM will continue to equip, resource, collaborate, and coordi- nate the ongoing efforts to address mental health and mental illness issues remaining focused on Jesus Christ, who invites us to cast our burdens on Him because He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). Daniel M. Galchutt, ONM Executive Director R61 Opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Matters The following opinions of the Commission on Constitutional Mat- ters were issued since the report to the 2023 convention and were selected by the commission’s chairman as being of general interest to the Synod (for example, reviews of agency bylaws and policy manuals are not included unless of specific interest). Full commis- sion minutes are reported at lcms.org/ccm. R60 Report on Efforts to Address Mental Health and Mental Illness (2023 Res. 3-03A) As directed by the 2023 convention, LCMS Health Ministry, un- der the Office of National Mission (ONM), provided leadership and coordination to address a broad spectrum of issues related to mental health, suicide prevention, mental illness and disorders. There was ongoing collaboration among ONM ministries, particularly Life Ministry, Youth Ministry, Disaster Response and Training, Special- ized Spiritual Care Ministry, and Worker Wellness. Synod entities, agencies, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations collab - orated on these important topics throughout the triennium as well. LCMS Health Ministry’s focus was to promote a Christ-cen- tered approach to mental health by equipping church workers, indi- viduals, congregations, and schools with tools and support that aid in wellness of body and soul, mind and spirit. Resources and Programs, Easily Accessed and Widely Available Two community-oriented secular programs were identified to be helpful to Lutherans because of their nature of being easi- ly accessed and widely available. The United States National 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is freely available via phone, text and internet. This helpline provides immediate access to experts and emergency support during a mental health crisis. Also identified was the training program Mental Health First Aid. This secular program is customizable to add Lutheran theol - ogy when taught by LCMS instructors. There are LCMS supple- mentary videos and resources available, including an online video course hosted on LCMSlearning.org. Newly Developed Resources and Programs for Spiritual Care Lutheran care for souls troubled by mental health challenges is focused on providing ongoing spiritual care through the Church. Christ-centered compassion and ministerial supportive care is pro- vided to those in need through prayer, private Confession and Ab- solution, and the Means of Grace (God’s Word and Sacraments). ONM resources for mental health and illness can be found on the Synod webpage: lcms.org/social-issues/mental-health. Two distinctly Lutheran online video-based courses were cre- ated with oversight provided by LCMS psychologists. The courses were made freely available on LCMSlearning.org with financial support provided by the LWML. One course is specifically focused on care provided to children and youth. The other is a program that provides Lutheran theological content for secular training pro- grams such as Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and LivingWorks. A resource set, “Restoring Hope: Care for Mental Health,” was created directly by LCMS Health Ministry, with funding provided by the LWML. The resources offer guidance on providing spiritual support to individuals, caregivers, and others who are navigating various mental health challenges. Published in English and Span- ish, the resources provide pertinent Scripture passages, hymns, theological reflection and prayers for common mental health issues, as well as other valuable resources and information. Thousands of copies of the print forms have been distributed to date.