Professional development

In recent years mental health has been on everyone’s radar. We are never far removed from these challenges, whether it be the people we serve in Christ’s name, our own experience, or that of those close to us.

How do we shepherd God’s people with compassion and care without losing missional focus or being overwhelmed by complex needs?

What should we do (or not do) to be faithful workers in this context?

The Mental Health & Pastoral Care Institute has developed professional development seminars, that help you to think about mental health both theologically and pastorally.

Coming in 2025

We have completed all our Professional Development training for 2024. Please keep an eye out for information about our 2025 offerings, coming soon. 

Professional Development Seminar: Caring for Young People

Date & Time: Tuesday 20 May 2025, 9:00am-1:00pm (tea & coffee from 9:00am, session begins at 9:30am)
Cost: $75 (morning tea included)
Location: In person at ADM or online via Zoom

Youth mental ill-health has surged by 50% in the past two decades—and the peak age of onset is now just 15 years old. If you work with young people, you’ve likely seen this crisis growing, especially as technology and social media shape daily life.

We want to help you respond with wisdom and hope.

This Professional Development Day will equip ministry workers and others supporting youth with biblical insight, psychological research, and practical tools. Together, we’ll explore how churches and youth groups can promote positive mental health and offer meaningful care.

REGISTER HERE

"to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,"

(Eph 4:12)

The Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute has developed two seminars that we can bring to your team to help them grow in their understanding of mental health challenges both theologically and pastorally:

Seminar: Theological and Pastoral Approaches to Mental Health

This 3-hour seminar focuses on:

  • Understanding mental health
  • Towards a theological understanding of mental health
  • Pastoral responses to mental health challenges

 

We will think about mental health both theologically and pastorally to equip you to respond with confidence and effectiveness.

Seminar: Mental health and wellbeing

This 3-hour seminar focuses on:

  • Understanding mental health
  • Understanding stress and burnout
  • Looking after your own wellbeing

 

One of the most basic tools we have to serve the Lord in our ministry and work is ourselves – our bodies and minds.   If we want to serve Christ faithfully, we need to steward our bodies and minds.  This seminar will equip you to do this.

Helpful feedback from organisations

"Keith and Sarah gave an 'inservice' to our entire Credo staff team over several sessions, advancing our knowledge and pastoral care abilities in mental wellbeing and self-care. Their expertise was second to none, and the way they integrated the gospel into our thinking was particularly beneficial, giving us helpful frameworks as ministers of the word and prayer to take up our God-given mantel to see Christ formed in students on campus. Moreover, the material was also helpful and personally practical in our own lives!  What a blessing this dedicated day with Keith and Sarah has proved to be."

Paul Winch

AFES Staff Team Leader, UTS Credo.

Contact us

For enquires about speaking engagements, please fill our speaker enquiry form. Please note, we have a small team and availability is limited. We encourage you to check out our latest events for further opportunities for learning and professional development.