This three-part online series is designed to empower rural faith leaders with the knowledge, practices, and grounding they need to respond with grace and effectiveness to mental health concerns and to build viable, strong support systems to advance this work. To accomplish this goal, the program will offer instruction on:
a) How to differentiate spiritual care from mental health and to clarify what faith leaders are equipped to provide;
b) The theological rationale behind why caring for those with mental illness may be part of the mission of the church;
c) Becoming familiar and developing relationships with local mental health resources; and
d) Mental Health First Aid, a skills-based training course that teaches participants about mental health and substance-use issues.
This program is co-sponsored with Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute and supported by a grant from the PC(USA).