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One of the hardest things for many people to understand is that two things can be true at the exact same time. This is why a person can be a Spirit-filled believer and have a therapist. You can love God and still have unresolved trauma. Not sure why we have gotten this mindset that it is either one or the either and not both. I am pretty sure we can all realize that believers are not exempt from hurt, pain, disappointment, stress, or any other issue of life. And they are also not exempt from the need to heal and go through the journey and process of recovering from pain. This is why therapy is a good opportunity for people to have the chance to process their emotions, learn to cope, get to the root of the issue and heal.
Please understand that going to therapy does not mean you are not a Christian or that you lack faith in God. In fact it means that you are smart enough to realize you need help so that you can live that abundant life that Christ wants you to have (Ref: John 10:10b). We serve a wise God that knows that in this life we will need help. And sometimes that help comes in the form of a counselor, therapist, psychologist or even psychiatrist.
The notion that we should just continue to suffer in silence is why so many Christians are absolutely miserable. We might find that if people are mentally and emotionally healthy they might be in a better position to show the love of God and be an asset to the body of Christ. Then we might finally stop expecting the best out of people even though they are not at their best? Mental health issues do not discriminate based on your spiritual belief system. So, if we truly understand this we must be diligent in bridging the gap between faith and mental health.
I personally can say that I am excited to bridge the gap between faith and mental health by hosting a one of a kind event. This event is, The Merge: Faith + Mental Health Summit and will convene April 24-25, 2020 at Huntington University in Peoria, AZ. Details about this event are listed below or you can log on to www.themergeconference.com
What Is The Merge?
The Merge: Faith + Mental Health Summit is a 2-day event that will be hosted in Peoria, AZ at Huntington University. This event will focus on: strategies, trainings, and solutions regarding mental health in the faith-based community.
Our guest speakers are mental health practitioners, subject matter experts, and ordained clergy. This summit is unique because we address the natural and the spiritual aspects of mental health. We believe in all people being healthy body, soul, and spirit [Ref: I Thess 5:23, 3 John 1:2].
Why The Merge?
There is an urgent need for trainings, teachings, and strategies concerning mental health in the faith-based community. From the pulpit to the pews people are battling anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and even addiction. Sadly, within the church a lack of understanding, stigma, and even shame have caused clergy and laity alike to suffer in silence.
Our endeavor with this conference is to bridge the gap between faith and mental health in a way that will help leaders, laity, and mental health providers have strategies, tools, and resources that will impact their homes, communities, and churches. Registrants can anticipate anointed worship, prolific speakers, personal ministry, training sessions, networking opportunities and more.