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

WHEREAS, Research in forms 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

WHEREAS, 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 district 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 congregation ally.