How to help others without owning their problems
We are all human and our strength and capabilities have an upper limit. How can we devote ourselves fully in serving the Lord and caring for others without wearing ourselves out?
About
The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute exists to resource churches and Christian believers alike, so that we can all be better equipped to understand mental health and to serve and love others well.
We recognise that Ministry staff have multiple demands upon their time and energy, yet we also know that a significant proportion of people in our churches experience mental health challenges.
We provide resources that assist those in ministry to understand the contribution they can make to good mental health and how to provide the best support possible to those experiencing mental health challenges in their congregations and communities.
We also want to assist everyday Christians to better understand mental health. You may be facing a mental health challenge or you may be supporting someone experiencing mental ill-health. Our hope and prayer is that you will find resources here that will help you.
We are a ministry of Anglican Deaconess Ministries, based in Sydney, Australia.
Sarah and Rev. Dr. Keith Condie
Co-Directors/Founders
Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute
“We draw on the great wisdom and guidance offered in the Bible, combined with the best psychological and medical research. Our hope is that these resources will make a real and lasting impact on the mental and spiritual wellbeing of many in our churches and communities.”
Who we are
The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute was founded in 2016 by Sarah and Rev. Dr Keith Condie. Sarah & Keith have been married for over 40 years and Co-Direct the Institute. For nearly twenty years they led numerous workshops and course across Australia and overseas on building better marriages.
Sarah has been active in a range of ministries in Christian contexts, most recently as the Director of Wellbeing and Care at The Bridge Church, Sydney. Prior to serving in vocational ministry she worked as a law librarian at the State Library of NSW.
Keith has degrees in psychology, theology and history. He has worked in child welfare for the state government as well as serving as an Assistant Minister in two churches in Sydney. For nearly 20 years, he was on the faculty of Moore Theological College as Dean of Students and Lecturer in Ministry and Church History.
What we do
The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute has three areas of focus:
Prevention – we provide programs, courses and other resources that strengthen mental wellbeing and relationships, and that create environments that reduce risk factors for mental ill-health;
Equipping – we provide training, courses and resource materials so that ministry staff and church members can better understand mental health and care for each other more effectively;
Support – we provide resources to assist those experiencing mental health challenges and those caring for them.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call one of the following national helplines: Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
MH+PC support for churches and Christian organisations
Speaking engagements
Keith and Sarah are focused on the work of the Institute and do not often have time available for speaking engagements. If you are interested in contacting them about a possible speaking engagement, you may send a message using the form on our contact page.
Consultancy for churches
Keith and Sarah are able to offer help and support in developing structures in your church that support the mental wellbeing and care provided. If you are interested in contacting them about this, you may send a message using the form on our contact page.
Professional Development
The Institute have developed some professional development courses for staff teams of churches and other Christian organisations such as schools and NGOs. If you are interested, find out more on our professional development page.
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Our latest articles
“Come and see what God has done…” – Devotion #14
Jesus has dealt with our sin. He died and was made alive again. We can lift our gaze to behold our Lord in all his risen beauty and ascended glory.
“Come and see what God has done…” – Devotion #13
The writer of the book of Lamentations writes movingly of his experience of his world falling apart. But at the centre of the book, he speaks of what keeps him going: the faithfulness of God. Because of the Lord, there is hope, even in this most desperate of circumstances.
“Come and see what God has done…” – Devotion #12
While much in our world, and my own life, shifts and changes and shakes, God remains the same. He is unchanging.
