This course enables ministry staff to effectively serve those within their congregations struggling with mental health issues while sustaining the other essential ministries of the church.

A theological and practical approach that helps you to understand mental health issues, how the church can help, the limits of your role, and when and how to seek support from mental health professionals.

Course content:

Thinking theologically about mental health:

• People as bio/psycho/social/spiritual beings

• Mental health issues as a form of human suffering

• Mental health and human responsibility

Understanding mental health issues:

• Mental health as a continuum

• Prevalence

• The range of disorders

• Risk & protective factors

• The treatment of mental health disorders

Managing suicide risk

Understanding and engaging with the mental health system in Australia

The role of the church

• Fighting stigma

• Providing supportive relationships

• One another care

The role of ministry staff:

• Wisdom in the face of complex needs

• Involving others and referral

• Being trauma aware

• Offering the consolation of the gospel

• Love + clear boundaries, especially in relation to personality disorders

• Promoting mental well-being

• Caring for carers

Sustaining yourself in ministry

Who is this course for:

Ministry staff and pastoral care workers

Course presenters:

Keith Condie and Jackie Stoneman

Location:

Anglican Deaconess Ministries
Level 1, St Andrew’s House
46-480 Kent St, Sydney NSW 2000

Other locations by arrangement.

Pricing:

 Costs to be supplied.