Christians are not immune to the mental health issues that have been more predominant since the start of the pandemic. Several leading organizations are joining to present the fifth annual Church Mental Health Summit on October 10. This free online summit for church leaders and volunteers is a one-day, on-demand event that will take place from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The summit’s theme of Lament to Hope will encourage ministry leaders, who often comfort those in the depths of sorrow and grief. It also will practically equip leaders and volunteers who want the church to be known as a safe place for struggling people to find support and compassion. By attending the summit, participants will engage with biblically based resources, learn research-developed strategies to support mental health and meet other like-minded leaders.
“Our organizations chose the theme Lament to Hope for this year’s Church Mental Health Summit to bring attention to the profound emotional and spiritual challenges that many are currently facing,” said Jamie Allen, cofounder of Spiritual First Aid. “ With the ongoing global mental health crisis and loneliness epidemic, the need for compassionate care is greater than ever. People are facing rising anxiety and depression rates, stress from political strife and divisions, widespread opioid addiction, pervasive trauma and increasing burnout, to name a few.
“Our research shows that amid such hardships, people increasingly turn to the church for help, including mental health support. This summit aims to equip church leaders with the tools and understanding needed to more effectively support mental health within their congregations and communities.”
Scheduled speakers include:
- The Rev. Eugene Cho, pastor, speaker, author and humanitarian
- Carey Nieuwhof, pastor, author\and podcaster
- Aundi Kolber, therapist and author
- Makoto Fujimura, artist, advocate, author and speaker
- Dr Caroline Leaf, clinical neuroscientist, podcaster and author
- Latasha Morrison, diversity expert, author, and unity champion
- Dr. Terence Lester, writer, storyteller and public scholar
- Dr. Curt Thompson, psychiatrist, speaker and author
- Laura Howe, founder, Hope Made Strong and the Church Mental Health Summit
- Jamie Aten, Ph.D., founder, Humanitarian Disaster Institute and co-Founder, Spiritual First Aid
- Rev. Chris Adams, Ph.D., executive director, Flourishing in Ministry
Registration is available at www.churchmentalhealthsummit.com.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice