Description
There is growing concern about mental health struggles in our communities but solutions to such a large and complex problem can sometimes seem out of reach. Historically, the church was a place to seek wisdom, comfort, and community in a time of crisis but in today’s society these tasks have been delegated to secular systems and professionals. However, these systems are insufficient to bring whole and transformative healing. This may be due to cost and accessibility issues, their focus on the individual instead of relational healing or their limitations in answering big picture questions in a way that offers hope. Luckily, church communities can be the bridge over these barriers when they work together with helping professional and community organizations. This workshop will start by exploring the scriptural call for supporting individuals in distress as well as the research on the importance of community for mental health recovery. Next it will explore several possible ways to be a bridge to healing; these include, supporting a professional counseling ministry, supporting or hosting peer education and support groups, and building mental health information into sermons, bible studies, and youth group lessons.
Workshop Leader: Ayrika Watson
Ayrika Watson, LCSW is a mental health therapist and the Director of Christian Education at the Presbyterian Church of Garden City, in Garden City, KS. Ayrika is drawn to exploring how churches and helping professionals can come together in trauma-informed community to do the sacred work of sitting with suffering.
Co-Leader: