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.

Theologically informed pastoral care for young people in the contemporary world

There are countless issues confronting young lives in today’s complex world. Be equipped to respond with informed, compassionate care through exploring the theological foundations for pastoral support and spiritual formation of children and young people. 

This Mental Health Institute and Mary Andrews College Intensive is a Professional Development offering for ministry workers, teachers, school counsellors, and mental health professionals. Parents, grandparents, and anyone concerned for the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people will also benefit from the content.  

You may choose to attend for ONE, TWO, or all THREE days. 

Date: Monday October 12 – Wednesday October 14; 9:00am – 5:00pm   

  • Monday: Young lives in a complex world – key questions and issues; how relationships shape personhood and supporting growth into independent adulthood; AI chatbots and what they tell us about the enduring importance of social connection; spiritual formation in relational ecosystems   

  • Tuesday: Theological anthropology – understanding our created humanity; young people and sexuality: consent and respectful relationships, sexualised online content   

  • Wednesday: Neurodivergence; the ‘digital native’ experience and its consequences; supporting wellbeing in children and young people; mental health and mental illness in young lives 

Delivery mode: Hybrid (in person and online)   

If you would like to study this as an accredited unit through Mary Andrews College, follow this link: https://www.mac.edu.au/our-units

Any questions? Contact mentalhealthinstitute@mac.edu.au

REGISTER NOW

Speakers

Rev. Dr Keith Condie

Topic/s:

How relationships shape personhood and supporting growth into independent adulthood – Monday

Supporting wellbeing in children and young people – Wednesday

Biography:
Keith teaches some units in the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews College. Keith and his wife Sarah are Co-Directors of the Mental Health Institute at ADM. Keith was previously a lecturer and Dean of Students at Moore Theological College.

Amy Yeung

Topic/s:

Young lives in a complex world – key questions and issues – Monday

AI chatbots and what they tell us about the enduring importance of social connection – Monday

The ‘digital native’ experience and its consequences – Wednesday

Mental health and mental illness in young lives  – Wednesday

Biography:
Amy teaches in the areas of mental health and wellbeing. For over 15 years she has been studying these two fields and integrating them through her work with young people in Australia and Canada. Prior to joining the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute, she developed The Sanctuary Youth Series, a free youth mental health and faith resource.

Kate Morris

Topic/s:

Neurodivergence, family, and faith. Creating welcoming spaces – Monday night Spotlight
(Followed up by discussion of Spotlight content led by Amy Yeung on Wednesday morning)

Biography:
Kate is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and Honorary Research Fellow at Mary Andrews College. She has lived experience as a mother of neurodivergent children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Education (specialising in Gifted Education, UNSW), a Diploma of Bible and Missions (Moore Theological College), and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies (University of Wollongong). She has also engaged in long-term cross-cultural mission in France with CMS, working with children and young people. Kate equips families and churches with practical, Bible-shaped resources about neurodiversity.

Dr Rachel O’Brien

Topic/s:

Young people and sexuality: consent and respectful relationships – Tuesday

Biography:
Rachel is an Education Consultant working to lift learning in NSW Independent schools in partnership with teachers & leaders. Educator with experience in tertiary teacher education and secondary education focusing in 7-10 PDHPE, HSC PDHPE and IB Sports Exercise and Health Science. Skilled in Lecturing, Curriculum Development, Health Education, Nutrition Education, and Research. As as educator Rachel is energetic and innovative. She applies her research skills and knowledge to engage in critical pedagogy and practice. Rachel has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Sydney for her research on Masculinities in Elite Boys’ Schools.

Emma Argall

Topic/s:

Essential conversations to have with young people navigating sexualised online content – Tuesday

Biography:
Before joining ADM, Emma worked as a high school teacher for over twenty years and is mum to three teenagers. She cares deeply about young people and is both fascinated and daunted by the opportunities and challenges of this cultural moment. Her particular interest lies in relationship, sex and consent education in an increasingly online world. She hopes to play a small part in equipping and encouraging fellow adults—whether they know Jesus or not—to become the kind of people our young people need us to be.

Mel Hanger

Topic/s:

Spiritual formation in relational ecosystems   - Monday

Biography:
Creating an environment where students can flourish and study well is a priority for Mary Andrews College. Mel contributes to this endeavour through developing and improving vital systems and processes.

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.

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

(Eph 4:12)

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.