We live in hopeful anticipation of what the Holy Spirit will accomplish, and we are proactive in the implementation of evidence-based strategies
Upcoming Events
Community Wide Mental Health Crash Course
The Mental Health Crash Course, designed specifically with church leaders and volunteers in mind, can help to give you a base knowledge of common mental health concerns, appropriate language when it comes to clinical diagnoses and terms, warning signs of serious issues, and resources available to you.
Our hope is that our Biblically grounded, psychologically informed approach will equip you to do what you are already doing within your church better.
This event is open to any church leaders and volunteers who are actively serving in their church community. Each participant will receive a login for the zoom meeting upon registration.
Questions? Email us at info@dwellministry.org.
Most likely, one of the first questions you’ll ask when you hear about Dwell Ministry is simple:
WHY SHOULD I COLLABORATE WITH DWELL?
We want to address the fact that the church is not immune to mental illness. Whether we recognize it or not, studies show that mental health struggles affect almost 20% of adults. Other studies show closer to 40%! These numbers also reflect a 25% increase in anxiety and depression, in particular, since the onset of COVID-19. Our broken world became more broken, and we are still recovering. Lifeway Research found that only 27% of churches have a plan to assist families affected by mental illness, and another study by a UK think tank found that only 35% of people with mental illness felt supported by their churches. Something is off about these numbers. And the message we’re sending, even unintentionally, is only leading to feelings of isolation and condemnation. We believe that, together, we can do better.
Therapy can be God-honoring and Biblically grounded while following research driven practices. We are physical, emotional, and spiritual beings - God created us this way! When we experience pain or struggle, the treatment must be no less complex than this design! Just as you would go to see an orthopedic surgeon for a broken arm, or to a pastor for a sin struggle or spiritual doubt, therapists can support an individual’s journey toward sanctification by helping them process, challenge, and make sense of thoughts, feelings, and memories so that they have a clearer view of how God is using their suffering for their good and His glory. It is time we stopped putting mental illness in a different category of suffering and started addressing it with all of the tools God has given us to foster healing and growth for the whole person.
We are not here to undermine or replace the authority of local church leadership and discipleship - there is no need for more division! We believe that pastoral counseling and discipleship play an irreplaceable role in the church. We also believe that it is paramount to appreciate the complexities of mental health and the expertise professionals can bring to the table. We strive to come alongside as a supplemental and trusted resource to bridge the gap between mental health needs and spiritual discipleship. We are believers first, and therapists second - we are under the authority of Scripture and a very good God. We believe that healing - no matter how it happens - should bolster our faith because God is the ultimate healer. And we believe that our faith is not devoid of action. We act, teach, treat, work, and counsel. HE HEALS.
Lastly, what does this mean for you?
In partnership with you, we want to equip your ministry leaders to have a solid understanding of the impact of mental health on relationships, overall health, and discipleship. We offer training progams specifically designed for ministry leaders to have the tools, knowledge, and vocabulary to walk alongside those in your church body. We also offer consultation for the pastoral counseling that may already be happening in your church. Additionally, we have developed a referral network to connect you with therapists in the area who are professed believers and psychological professionals. We can’t wait to hear from you and we look forward to partnering with you and your church - to help you do what you’re already doing better.
We desire to walk alongside you
as you encounter your church body’s mental health needs.
Topics for Teaching & Training
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Marriage Advocacy Program
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Bringing Baby Home
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Parenting
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Depression & Anxiety
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Premarital Preparation
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Ministry Burnout
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Marriage
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Motherhood & Mental Health
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Fostering Community
Questions about partnering with us?
Contact us
Marriage Advocacy Program
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MAP exists to foster awareness of the damaging impact of marital discord and equip ministry leaders to walk alongside couples struggling with relationship distress with helpful tools and knowledge of both human nature and Gospel truth. Participants in the program will feel prepared to promote healing without shame within a loving and supportive community. MAP will equip ministry leaders to effectively disciple the couples in their church through Gospel truth, relationship tools, and relevant discussions.
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Marriage is the most intimate union of two people. God gave us the gift of intimate community so we do not need to traverse in isolation. It can seem daunting to discuss marital troubles in the context of community. It can feel embarrassing, invasive, impossible.
We need Jesus to redeem our marriages, and we trust that He alone can do this. We believe faith is not devoid of action and that God can use advocates for marriage to speak truth, encourage, and challenge as He is doing His great work between a husband and a wife. Heart changing, eternally significant work. Ultimately, the impact of a marriage redeemed and transformed by Jesus is so far-reaching that it is immeasurable.
It is no secret that marriages are struggling both inside and outside of the Church. While therapy is an excellent tool to foster healthy marriages, many times therapy is initiated so late in the breakdown of the relationship. We need advocates within each local church to foster open dialogue about marriage, challenges, healing, and its reflection of God’s love for us. With advocacy, we will see a change in the hearts of marriages across the nation. What would it be like if your church was an example of strong marriages that are a light in an otherwise dark world? What would the impact be of marriages that are changed, not because of improved communication tools, but as a result of the sanctifying love of Jesus Christ? This is MAP’s mission.
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First, we would like to hear the needs of your church body. Schedule a consultation to share your goals for your members and identify how advocacy can be a part of your community.
Second, you can select a format of training that best reflects the schedules and presentation preference of your team.
Finally, you will schedule your training seminar!
Reach out today to find out more!
