Mental Health Symposium

Did you know that many church leaders do not feel fully equipped to support people experiencing mental health challenges and/or mental illnesses? In our recent research with the Flourishing Congregations Institute, 65% of church leaders surveyed said that in the past 12 months, someone had come to them for help due to personal lived experience or because a family member was experiencing mental health challenges. Of the 65%, only 31% of church leaders feel very equipped to support those seeking help while experiencing mental illness, while a majority (64%) feel only partially equipped.
Those who come to church leaders with mental health challenges generally do feel supported. Yet we see that congregants are looking to their communities to be a place where they can continue the mental health conversation, and to use additional mental health resources that will equip their congregations to talk about mental health with more nuance, and support individuals with lived experience more holistically.

Join Allan, co-founder & executive director of Agora Network Ministries and mental health professionals in a two hour symposium on the topic of bridging the gap of mental health and the church.

Topic Presenters:

Dr. Andrew Blackwood- Bridging the gap between faith and mental health

https://coachdrew.ca/

Bart Campbell - Ways to bridge the gap between the church and mental health

I am Dr. Andrew L. Blackwood, Speaker, Consultant, Counsellor and Coach, affectionately known as "Coach Drew"

I offer Godly Encouragement, Clinical Insight and Practical Resources for the Spiritual, Mental and Emotional Well-Being of Individuals, Families and Organizations.

I look forward to serving you!

First and foremost, Bart is a child of God, a follower of Jesus, a husband of 40 + years, a father of four, and a grandfather of six. Bart started pastoring over 25 years ago at Hamilton North Christian Centre, a very diverse congregation composed predominantly of souls on the fringe, struggling with poverty, addictions, mental health and in need of love and acceptance. He has worked at Christian Horizon’s supporting aggressive men with developmental challenges, Good Shepherd Barrett Centre for Crisis Support and St.Joseph’s COAST Program for people at risk of Suicide, Self Harm and Addiction. He is presently the Pastor (2017) of Potter’s Clay Ministries, a small but very vibrant, spirit-led church. He is trained in ASIST- (Suicide Prevention), and Mental Health First Aid. He is presently working at St Joseph’s Hospital COAST program assessing risk for those in a crisis who may be considering suicide or self-harm as a solution to their situation. Bart facilitates groups/presentations on Self-esteem, Suicide Awareness, Making the church Mental Health Friendly, Leadership Self Care, Ways to Engage, Boundaries and building awareness regarding Mental Health. Bart provides practical insight, equipping the church to support individuals and families experiencing challenges regarding mental health.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

West Highland Church, 1605 Garth Street, Hamilton, Canada