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

Beginning January 1, 2026, ELCA-Primary members in the Grand Canyon Synod have access to expanded mental health and wellness services through Spring Health. These EAP benefits include therapy, coaching, and flexible care options that support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.

One of the synod’s Spiritual Directors, David Bullock, is now available as a Spring Health coach while continuing to offer free monthly spiritual direction. Rostered ministers are also invited to explore the synod’s full list of spiritual directors as trusted companions for discernment, renewal, and faithful ministry.

Grand Canyon Synod, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardJanuary 22, 2026Spiritual Directors, Coaching, Portico, Mental HealthComment

Supporting One Another: A Church’s Role in Mental Wellness

Mental health struggles are rising, but as a church, we can respond with faith, care, and action. Explore a free study guide from Living Lutheran to learn about mental illness, break stigma, and discuss how congregations can offer support. Download the resource here: Mental Health Study Guide.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMarch 19, 2025Mental Health, Living LutheranComment

God’s Presence in Mental Health Challenges: Enroll in a Free Course by November 28

Equip yourself with faith-based tools to navigate mental health challenges in our communities. God and Mental Health Challenges, a free Faith+Lead course available through November 28, explores how faith shapes our response to mental health struggles, offers practical caregiving strategies, and helps break down stigmas. Learn more and register today: faithlead.org/course-lp/god-and-mental-health-challenges.

Grand Canyon Synod, News, Leader ResourcesBrian FlatgardNovember 19, 2024faith+lead, Luther Seminary, Mental HealthComment

Mental Health Awareness: We are the Body of Christ | Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton

In her message addressing mental health, Bishop Eaton stresses that “telling someone they aren’t doing enough to be happy creates a stigma that they are not living correctly… it’s important that we, as the body of Christ, provide compassionate support for those in our families and in our communities who are living with mental illness. God loves us all; no matter how we are coping, we are not alone, God is with us.”

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardMay 20, 2024Bishop Eaton Letters, Mental HealthComment

The Church's Role in Suicide Prevention: A Call to Listen and Understand

Sherry Bryant's personal tragedy led her on a mission for suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Discover her journey in this article from Living Lutheran and the church's pivotal role in fostering understanding and support.

ELCA, NewsBrian FlatgardSeptember 14, 2023Mental Health, Living LutheranComment

Bishop Eaton: May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Presiding Bishop Eaton reminds us that in the ELCA’s social message “The Body of Christ and Mental Health” we are called to companionship. “For those who are living with mental illness, we see you. We stand with you, ready to listen and support you in your struggles, through good days and bad.”

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 22, 2023Bishop Eaton Letters, Mental HealthComment

Bishop Eaton: Mental Health Awareness

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and Bishop Eaton reminds us that caring for our mental health is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of courage, faithfulness and hope.

Bishop Eaton, ELCA, LettersBrian FlatgardMay 9, 2022Mental HealthComment

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