Churches are increasingly developing ministries to address mental health needs, yet many face challenges related to insufficient resources and training. This workshop aims to equip pastors, lay counselors, coaches, and lay-leaders with comprehensive, free resources to train lay-level caregivers. These resources include training videos, manuals, ethical and legal guides, online support collaboration, and ongoing training programs for pastors, coordinators, and caregivers. The Church is responding to the mental health crisis with innovation, compassion, and care, and this workshop will prepare attendees to conduct effective mental health ministry and collaborate with similar organizations. “The Church Cares” (thechurchcares.com) is a comprehensive initiative to provide free resources to create ministries of care designed to address individual, couples and families who face stress, despair, addictions, grief, trauma, and developmental concerns. Learn how a church can become connected to other similar ministries through a network church ministry all created to resource and care for those in pain.
512 | When Hurting People Come to Church: Igniting the Church to Help Solve the Mental Health Crisis
PRESENTERS
James Sells, Ph.D., Charney Beck, M.A., Valter DeSousa, M.A.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
IBCC
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Beginner
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Analyze the roles and responsibilities of lay caregivers in collaboration with pastoral counselors, Christian coaches, and clinical therapists to provide cooperative ministry.
2 Evaluate the comprehensive resources available to recruit, train, and oversee caregiving within church ministries.
3 Illustrate how The Church Cares Initiative and 7 Cups resources can be implemented, resourced, and integrated into any church as a part of community care, discipleship, and outreach.