Maybe it’s a staff member showing signs of burnout. A teenager in your youth group who’s stopped coming. A friend who’s told you they’re struggling, and you don’t know what to say next.
You already have a full plate. People to care for and disciple, a staff team to lead, meetings, a hundred small demands on your time. And on top of that, a significant number of people in our churches are quietly carrying a mental health challenge.
The Mental Health Institute exists to resource ministry teams and Christian believers alike, so that we can all be better equipped to understand mental health and to serve and love others well.
Where staff feel confident having the hard conversation. Where someone struggling knows they can speak up, and not be met with silence or a well-meaning (but unhelpful) response, instead finding understanding, care and practical support.
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.
The Mental Health Institute was founded in 2016 by Sarah and Rev. Dr Keith Condie. Sarah & Keith led the Institute for 10 years and will be retiring at the end of 2026.
Amy Yeung joined the team as the Program Coordinator in 2024 and has recently moved into the role of Head of the Institute. Amy has worked in church ministry and in developing mental health resources in Canada. In addition to her work at the Mental Health Institute, she works as a high school counsellor, and also teaches in the areas of mental health and wellbeing at Mary Andrews College. She has studied psychology, counselling and theology, and enjoys integrating them through her work with young people and at the Institute.
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.
The Mental Health Institute is a ministry of ADM, based in Sydney, Australia.
“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.”
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
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How do you usually respond to someone who is wrestling with spiritual concerns? We’re likely to listen, pray, offer care, counsel, and comfort from God’s word. But (very) occasionally, this is entirely the wrong approach. That’s because the need for ongoing reassurance may indicate an underlying mental health condition known as scrupulosity – a sub-type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
“I don’t know how to relate. What will I say? I don’t understand them!” Have you thought this about a different generation? This article from Amy Yeung suggests a framework that could help us care well, no matter what generation someone is from.
Pastoral care takes place in many different contexts and capacities. You might offer care to those in your family, your friendship network and your church community. A toolbox of resources can equip you in these various contexts and roles.
Caring is not so much about fixing a need or solving a problem – it’s about showing up and being there as a willing servant of Christ. It lets another know they are seen and valued.
