Equipping the Church to Respond to the Mental Health Crisis

Amid a nationwide mental health crisis, the ChurchWorks Commission, in partnership with Waverley Abbey College, gathered over 250 Christian leaders from across the country on 18 May 2023 at Westminster Chapel for a transformative event: ChurchWorks for Wellbeing.

With a pressing need to practically address mental health challenges, this conference aimed to empower church communities to respond effectively to the wellbeing needs of their congregations and communities. The event showcased inspiring speakers, practical sessions, and meaningful connections, leaving attendees equipped and inspired to make a difference, bringing hope to the nation.

A gathering of purpose and inspiration

Under the guidance of hosts Olivia Amartey (Executive Director of Elim Pentecostal Churches) and Stuart Keir (Assemblies of God), the event brought together a diverse group of church leaders, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and researchers.

Their shared goal was to explore the church’s vital role in bringing hope and healing to a nation in need. The conference fostered a spirit of collaboration, encouraging attendees to share their experiences, insights, and resources for the betterment of their communities.

Empowering sessions and expert speakers

ChurchWorks for Wellbeing offered a rich program of presentations and discussions, highlighting the unique and valuable contributions the church can make in addressing mental health issues. Key speakers, including Pastor Glyn Barrett, Pastor Agu Iwukwu, Patrick Regan, Jessica Agboola, Dr Jane Fryer, Anna Baker-Barnes, and Sarah Mullally, the Bishop of London, captivated the audience with their knowledge, experiences, and wisdom.

During the event, Anna Baker-Barnes, a pastor from the West Midlands, shared how she had contacted her local GP to ask how their church could help people in need in their community. As a result, her team members became trained in Listening and Guidance, equipping them to sit alongside those impacted by bereavement, loss and the storms of life.

A Kidderminster pastor, Dianne O’Leary, expressed that she invited an isolated individual to a craft group at her church. Following this, the individual attended a Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Course and has now established her own art business. Her engagement with the church gave her community and a purpose.

One of the key focuses of the event was Waverley Abbey’s Contemporary Chaplaincy program, equipping ordinary Christians to bring God’s presence into everyday situations through compassionate listening. Audacious Wellbeing and Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries also shared resources and strategies for churches to conduct well-informed, faith-based mental health courses within their congregations and broader communities.

Responding to the call

The event generated a remarkable response from attendees. Post-conference feedback revealed that 27% of respondents expressed interest in engaging in social prescribing within their churches, a concept that has gained momentum within the National Health Service (NHS).

Additionally, 16% expressed interest in Sanctuary Mental Health, 20% in Audacious Wellbeing, and 20% in contemporary chaplaincy. The sessions on social prescribing by Faith Kenny, Clarie Miles, and Dianne O’Leary were particularly well received, inspiring attendees with practical insights and ideas.

The benefits of ChurchWorks for Wellbeing

This conference was hailed as “informative” and “inspiring” by attendees, who praised the excellent line-up of speakers and the vibrant exhibition space that showcased organisations such as Renew Wellbeing, Gather Network, and TLG.

However, participants also offered valuable suggestions for improvement. These included focusing on the wellbeing of church leaders, providing guidance on signposting and professional involvement, and fostering more vital collaboration with national and local governments to enhance mental health policies and provisions.

“Our communities are facing a mental health crisis, and as Christian leaders, we cannot shy away from this reality,” commented Olivia Amartey, Elim’s Executive Director.

“The ChurchWorks for Wellbeing event was a crucial gathering to explore how we, as churches, can practically support the wellbeing of our communities and collaborate with experts in the field. Together, we can make a positive impact and bring hope and healing to struggling people.”

Looking ahead

ChurchWorks for Wellbeing was a resounding success, capturing the attention of the Church Times, Seen and Unseen, and a wide array of attendees through the availability of conference session recordings.

Building on this momentum, the ChurchWorks Commission and Waverley Abbey College are working together to develop an impact assessment tool to measure the long-term effects of the conference. Additionally, a comprehensive wellbeing strategy is being crafted, aiming to strengthen partnerships, promote effective signposting, share compelling stories, and strategically develop social prescribing initiatives.

With a commitment to nurturing the wellbeing of church leaders, empowering congregations, and forging collaborations, the ChurchWorks Movement continues to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and practical support in the face of the mental health challenges that lie ahead.