Webinar: Speaking into the Silence

The NBA Mental Health and Congregational Care Affinity Group offers a series of webinars focusing on issues of mental health and wellness in our congregations and communities. 

So often, people suffer in isolation as they navigate the throes of mental illness in their personal lives. Yet, contrary to widespread assumptions, clergy and church leaders are sought to help with psychological distress more often than other mental health experts.

In an effort to begin equipping church leaders with the tools necessary to respond to the silent cries, this webinar will focus on storytelling and testimony sharing as a means for healing and empowerment.

Download the presentation slides

Webinar Presenters

Here, psychotherapist Angela Whitenhill, M.Div., LCSW, and Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund, author of Blessed Are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family and Church, offer pastoral and clinical strategies for church leaders looking for ways to break the silence and allow the fullness of testimony to be shared without shame or stigma.

Related Resources

In addition to this webinar, you may find these materials helpful as well:

• “Blessed Are the Crazy: Re-Writing the Story of Mental Illness, Family, and Church” – feature story in the Fall 2015 issue of Just Women magazine
• NBA Mental Health and Congregational Care Affinity Group – learn more about this network of support for Disciples congregations and communities engaged in spiritual care and advocacy ministries with those affected by mental illness and/or mental health disorders
• Resolution GA-1523: “Becoming A People of Welcome and Support to People with Mental Illness and/or Mental Health Issues” – passed by the 2015 General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

Future Webinars

Stay tuned for more information on future webinars, including the first joint webinar by the NBA Mental Health and NBA Prison & Jail Ministries Affinity Groups on May 25: “Perfect Love Casts Out All Fear: Mental Health, the Criminal Justice System, and the Church” – learn more and register here!