Expanded Mental Health and Spiritual Care: Coaching Resources for Grand Canyon Synod Leaders

Beginning January 1, 2026, rostered ministers and eligible ELCA-Primary members in the Grand Canyon Synod will have access to expanded mental health and wellness support through updated Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services with Spring Health, a partner of 98point6 by Transcarent. These services are designed to support the mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual well-being of church leaders and their families.

As part of this expanded benefit, we are pleased to share that David Bullock, one of the Grand Canyon Synod’s trusted Spiritual Directors, has been serving as a Health and Wellness Coach with Spring Health since October 2023. Through a holistic, patient-centered approach, coaching sessions can address physical health, emotional resilience, life balance, and—when desired—spirituality as an integrated dimension of well-being.

Eligible members may sign up directly for a coaching session with David Bullock through Spring Health:

care.springhealth.com/members/providers/2ca204af-9702-4971-a89d-0f68fae37393

In addition to his work with Spring Health, David continues to offer a free monthly Spiritual Direction ministry open to the public. He is also available to answer questions about coaching or spiritual direction and may be contacted at dmbullock@gmail.com.

Spiritual Direction: A Sacred Ministry for Rostered Ministers

Spiritual direction remains a vital and distinctive ministry within the Grand Canyon Synod. Rooted in scripture, prayer, long-standing Christian tradition, and Martin Luther’s practice of mutual conversation and consolation, spiritual direction invites clergy to attend deeply to the question: What is God up to in your life?

Spiritual directors serve as compassionate listeners and spiritual companions, helping rostered ministers discern the movement of the Holy Spirit amid the joys and challenges of ministry. While spiritual direction may resemble counseling or coaching at times, its focus is uniquely theological and vocational—centered on God’s presence, promise, and call.

The Grand Canyon Synod maintains a current list of trained and experienced spiritual directors, including:

  • Deacon Kate Adelman

  • Dorothy (Dottie) Anderson

  • David Bullock

  • Kris Dill

  • Rev. Jonathan Linman

  • Jenni Pavesic

  • Rev. Judith Rainforth

You can view the full list and learn more about each spiritual director here: gcsynod.org/spiritual-directors

Rostered ministers are encouraged to explore these profiles and contact the synod office for assistance in making a connection.

Expanded EAP Services Through Portico

Through Portico Benefit Services, ELCA-Primary members now have access to a wide range of support options through Spring Health, including:

  • Therapy for members and dependents age 6 and older

  • Coaching for individuals age 13 and older

  • Care through a network of thousands of licensed providers

  • In-person, phone, video, and text-based support

  • Easy access through the 98point6 app or myPortico

In the Lutheran tradition, we affirm that mental health is inseparable from spiritual and physical health. These expanded resources reflect our shared commitment to caring for the **whole person—mind, body, and spirit—**so that leaders, families, congregations, and ministries may flourish.

As the Apostle Paul writes, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13). May these resources be a wellspring of hope, encouragement, and renewal for all who serve.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardSpiritual Directors, Coaching, Portico, Mental HealthComment