What are the challenges in talking about and taking care of the mental health of our communities, churches, and ourselves? How can we do better? Let’s talk about it!
Topics and Speakers:
Accessing & Navigating Mental Health Services: The Ins and Outs of Finding Help.
Speaker: Brittney Anderson. Mental Health Coordinator of Community Based Services, Office of Mental Health Department of Health & Human Services
Description: In this workshop, attendees will have the opportunity to learn the basics of navigating support for themselves or a loved one: who to call and what to expect? Importantly, discussion will also include how to navigate getting stuck, alternative support options when resources aren't available, and ideas of "what to do while you wait" when faced with the reality of waitlists.
Towards a Biblical View of Mental Illness
Speaker: Dave Eckert MDiv, CPRP, Senior Director of Intersect
Description: Responding to 5 Myths Course Description This training will explore various myths about the relationship between faith and mental illness present in both the faith community and mental health system. Through an extensive look at scripture, attendees will be given a way of challenging these myths and learning how to support people in a way that is both biblically informed and recovery oriented.
The Itch and the Scratch: Martin Luther, T.S. Eliot, and My Journey with OCD.
Speaker: Matthew Kay, CRU Missionary
Description: Join us as we take a look at how the pain and suffering brought about through unwanted, undesired, and intrusive thoughts can serve as instruments that deepen one’s trust and rest in the care and goodness of God. Through the poetry of T.S. Eliot and the pastoral counsel of Martin Luther, Matt Kay will share some of his own experiences of faith in the furnace of suffering with OCD and how the Good News of Jesus speaks a healing and sustaining word over the afflictions we all face.
Creating Vitality
Speaker: Tony Blasco
Description: Join Dr. Tony Blasco for an eye-opening discussion on the powerful connection between gut health, the HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis, and mental well-being. Discover how an imbalanced gut microbiome can disrupt neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Dr. Blasco will break down how chronic stress dysregulates the HPA axis, throwing cortisol levels out of balance and further damaging gut integrity—creating a vicious cycle that impacts both physical and mental health. Through cutting-edge research and practical strategies, you’ll learn the importance of restoring gut health, supporting adrenal function, to regain emotional resilience naturally. If you're struggling with stress, low energy, or mood swings, this discussion will provide the knowledge and tools you need to take control of your health and well-being.
Understanding Anxiety and What Help Looks Like
Speaker: Tara Hallman
Description: To experience fear and anxiety is to be human. God knew this when He gave us His Word which teaches us not to fear. But how do we stop fear and anxiety in its tracks? And should we? Through Scripture, we can understand fear, a real present danger, and anxiety, a fear of future events. He has also given us His Word so that we can know Him. Together we will look at what anxiety tells us about ourselves and what we can know about God that can help us better respond to anxiety.
The Essential Role of Parents in their Child’s Mental Health Journey
Speaker: Lauren Kuehlewind, MS
Description: This breakout session will offer Biblical principles to guide your parenting and practical application for navigating the intricacies of your child’s mental health.