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LCMS 2026 Convention Workbook: Reports and Overtures, PDF page 337

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 
Ov. 3-08 
To Define Leadership and Its Priority  
for Worker Wellness 
WHEREAS, The Synod and many of her districts have set worker 
wellness as a high priority; and 
WHEREAS, Much of our work has focused primarily on 
resources/information, retreats, reactions to burn out, and 
counseling; and 
W
HEREAS, Research informs us that “58% of pastors report 
emotional exhaustion or burnout, but strong leadership growth is 
linked to greater resilience and ministry longevity” (Barna Group, 
2025, barna.com); and 
WHEREAS, The work in the Nebraska District with Leadership 
Learning Communities has shown that cultivating intentional 
environments and fostering relationships for proactive growth help 
bring health and can curb burnout; and 
W
HEREAS, There is not current agreement both on a clear 
definition of leadership and on the importance of leadership 
development for ordained, commissioned, or lay workers in the 
church; therefore be it 
Resolved, That the Office of National Mission and those 
involved in worker wellness, in conjunction with Concordia Plan 
Services and d istrict worker wellness executives , establish a clear 
definition of leadership and its priority for worker wellness; and be 
it further 
Resolved, That districts and the Synod shift wellness efforts 
towards a more proactive posture to focus on leadership formation 
for ordained, commissioned, or lay workers in the church to 
promote greater health and wellness in the church, both individually 
and congregationally. 
Board of Directors 
Nebraska District
 
 
2026 Convention Workbook
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