In the Christian counseling community and among church leaders, growing and expanding mental health ministry is vital. Networking with professional peers, learning about new resources, and training your congregation are essential steps in building a robust mental health ministry that can effectively serve your church and its community. After my experience at the Mental Health and the Church conference and completing a local Faith and Mental Health Continuing Education Units training for licensed counselors and social workers spurred some excitement back into my professional networking, I wanted to share some ways to foster growth and build lasting connections in this critical area of ministry.
Networking with Professional Peers
Connecting with other Christian counselors and pastors who are active in the mental health space is one of the most beneficial steps you can take for your church’s mental health ministry or counseling practice. For me, this started back in April 2019. I experienced firsthand the value of attending conferences that emphasized Christian mental health. I thought I was attending a local training on creating a mental health ministry, but it was part of a larger conference on church and disability hosted by Key Ministry. At this event, I first met Dr. Stephen Grcevich, whose resources became instrumental as I refined the mental health ministry I was launching in my church. Dr. Grcevich’s work continues to be foundational in bridging the gap between the church and mental health care.
In September 2019, I connected with Laura Howe from what is now known as the Church Mental Health Summit. Together, we discussed her vision for an online summit that would serve as a gathering place for pastors, church leaders, and Christian counselors to discuss mental health in the church. Fast forward five years, and the Church Mental Health Summit has grown into an influential resource that equips church leaders with the tools they need to support their congregations.
Attending conferences, participating in webinars, or participating in local Christian counselor networks is vital for staying updated on new practices and programs. These spaces allow you to connect with other professionals facing the same challenges or successfully implementing programs that could benefit your church. Being part of a network fosters collaboration and exchanging ideas that can help you grow in your ministry.
Discovering new resources designed specifically for the intersection of faith and mental health is another important way to keep your ministry relevant and impactful. Through these conferences and online summits, I’ve discovered various tools that have been critical in shaping my approach to mental health ministry. Many resources, like those developed by Dr. Grcevich, focus on practical applications for integrating mental health into the church’s outreach. Other resources cover topics such as trauma-informed ministry, supporting caregivers, and developing small group programs for mental wellness.
Training Your Congregation and Community in Christian Mental Health
Beyond personal networking and utilizing resources, training your church and congregation is perhaps the most critical step to creating a mentally healthy church culture. Churches are often the first point of contact for individuals struggling with mental health issues, which makes it vital for both staff and laypeople to have the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately.
Start by providing training in mental health first aid, which can teach members of your congregation how to recognize the signs of mental health struggles and offer appropriate support. Mental health training should also be integrated into youth and adult ministries, ensuring that all age groups in your church feel supported. Partnering with organizations that specialize in faith-based mental health training, like Church Mental Health Summit or Key Ministry, can provide the tools you need to establish an effective program.
Finally, it’s essential to cultivate an ongoing learning environment within the church. Regularly hosting workshops or seminars and bringing in experts can keep mental health ministry at the forefront of your church’s mission. Last month, I spoke at the Key Ministry Mental Health and the Church Conference to a bunch of pastors eager to learn more about mental health and how to bring it to their church, sharing how to integrate mental health and the church. Two days later, I was at my home church giving a revised version of this for licensed clinical counselors and social workers, which for me was all about networking while they get some free required hours of training they need every couple of years for their licenses.
By learning from others, discovering new resources, and providing training, your church or counseling practice can play a key role in supporting your community’s mental health while staying true to your mission of spiritual care and growth. It can also help you maintain professional ties in your community.
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