Concordia Nebraska announces formation of Abundant Life Wellness Institute

Concordia University, Nebraska recently announced the formation of the university’s Abundant Life Wellness Institute. The institute’s mission is to equip individuals, families, churches, schools and communities with Christ-centered education, practical resources and meaningful connections that foster emotional resilience, healthy relationships, spiritual growth and lifelong well-being.

Concordia University, Nebraska’s institutes provide outreach, service and educational efforts that align and advance the university’s mission and vision by engaging audiences beyond the campus while serving as a resource to the church at large. 

The Abundant Life Wellness Institute began with a shared dream. Concordia Nebraska Director of Counseling Kathy L’Heureux and Kathleen von Kampen, program director for the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) and Family Life Education (FLE) graduate programs recognized the tremendous need for a way for faith and wellness to come together to equip, encourage and restore those who serve others.

“The Abundant Life Wellness Institute was founded on a simple but deeply meaningful belief: that true wellness encompasses the whole person—mind, body, spirit and relationships.” 

“What started as an idea became a vision, and through God's guidance, supportive partners and many dedicated people, that vision has become a reality,” explained L’Heureux. “The Abundant Life Wellness Institute was founded on a simple but deeply meaningful belief: that true wellness encompasses the whole person—mind, body, spirit and relationships.”

The name of the institute comes from Jesus' words in John 10:10: “I have come that they may have and have it abundantly.”

“Our purpose extends beyond simply addressing mental health concerns,” added L’Heureux. “We are passionate about creating spaces where people can learn, grow and be restored. We believe that caring for ourselves enables us to better care for others, and that wellness is not merely the absence of illness but the presence of hope, purpose, healthy relationships and a vibrant faith. Whether serving in ministry, education, healthcare, counseling or our local communities, we all need opportunities to be renewed so we can continue serving with compassion and strength.”

For the past several years, von Kampen and L’Heureux have partnered with others in conversations, planning meetings and opportunities to serve the Concordia Nebraska campus and surrounding communities.

“What began as a wellness initiative was recently named as an official university institute,” explained L’Heureux. “As we identified growing needs for resources and increasing interest from our church body, alumni and community partners, it became clear that creating an institute would provide a sustainable way to expand our impact through education, training, outreach and collaboration. We've received encouragement and support from university leadership, faculty, community mental health professionals, pastors, alumni, donors and organizations.”

Von Kampen served as the university’s on-campus counseling director from 2019 to 2023 before transitioning into the program director role for the university’s Marriage and Family Therapy and Family Life Education graduate programs.

“Kathy and I understand and share a vision for opportunities to support and encourage holistic wellness on campus and for how Concordia can make a dynamic difference by equipping our church workers and communities with resources and education for an abundant life and Christ-centered wellness,” said von Kampen. “I anticipate that the MFT and FLE programs will be in a unique position to influence and intersect with the institute, not only to the benefit of our students and their professional careers, but also in our outreach to Seward, the Synod and the Concordia community.”

The Institute is a natural extension of the work von Kampen and L’Heureux are passionate about. L’Heureux’s background is in counseling, education and training future school and mental health counselors, which has allowed her to see firsthand the growing mental health needs facing students, families, educators and ministry leaders.

“The institute provides an opportunity to combine clinical knowledge, education, prevention and faith into one comprehensive ministry,” said L’Heureux. “Together, mine and Kathleen’s experiences complement one another and allow us to build something that serves both the university and the broader community.”

“Through the institute, we hope to continue bringing meaningful resources and opportunities for our students, professionals in the field, and the church to grow and feel supported in all their vocations, to live an abundant life in Christ,” added Von Kampen.

L’ Heureux explained that the transition from university initiative to a university institute represents a shift from offering individual programs to establishing a long-term, sustainable center for education, outreach, scholarship and community engagement.

“An initiative often focuses on individual events or projects, whereas an institute creates a lasting identity with ongoing programming, partnerships, research and leadership development. It reflects our commitment to making wellness a permanent part of Concordia's mission rather than a temporary effort,” she said. “In the immediate future, we're focused on building strong partnerships, securing grant funding, developing educational resources, building web resources and hosting events like our Rooted and Restored: Soul Care for Those Who Serve symposium. We also hope to expand opportunities for students to engage with professionals through mentoring, internships and community service.”

L’Heureux said she envisions the institute becoming a regional resource for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, its church and campuses as well as mental health professionals, educators, and families.

“We hope to offer annual conferences, continuing education, wellness workshops, online resources, leadership development, research initiatives and outreach that supports individuals across the lifespan,” she said. “Ultimately, we want the institute to become a trusted source of Christ-centered wellness throughout Nebraska and beyond. My hope is that when people hear Abundant Life Wellness Institute, they think of a place where Christian faith informs compassionate, evidence-based care that restores hope, strengthens resilience and equips people to live healthy, purposeful lives. I believe wellness is not just the absence of illness—it's the presence of hope, meaningful relationships, spiritual growth and the ability to serve others with joy.”

The Abundant Life Wellness Initiative at Concordia University, Nebraska exists to nurture the well-being of individuals and communities through Christ-centered wellness education, care and connection. Grounded in the grace and compassion of Jesus Christ, the initiative supports emotional resilience, spiritual growth and healthy relationships, empowering people to thrive in their academic, personal and vocational lives.