As directed by the 2023 convention, LCMS Health Ministry, under 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, Specialized Spiritual Care Ministry, and Worker Wellness. Synod entities, agencies, auxiliaries and recognized service organizations collaborated on these important topics throughout the triennium as well. LCMS Health Ministry’s focus was to promote a Christ-centered approach to mental health by equipping church workers, individuals, 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 easily 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 theology when taught by LCMS instructors. There are LCMS supplementary 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 provided to those in need through prayer, private Confession and Absolution, 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 created 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 programs such as Mental Health First Aid, QPR, and Living Works. 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 Spanish, 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.
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 mental 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 web in ars, 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 organizations (RSOs), including Concordia University System, Concordia Publishing House, Concordia Plan Services, KFUO Radio, and the LWML. Grants were provided to RSOs and congregations for mental health programs: • Concordia Counseling
- DOXOLOGY
- Grace Point 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 coordinate 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