Focus Room

The Elephant in the Pew: Understanding and Cultivating Mental Wellbeing in Church and Missions

Do you find yourself tiptoeing around mental health in your ministry? When anxiety, depression, and emotional struggles hit your church community or ministry team, are you equipped to identify and support those challenges? As Christians we have a noble tradition of caring for the sick and the vulnerable in society and the broad impact of mental health challenges on our communities requires us to address the elephant in the pew. Join this focus room to engage in a conversation about the “What?”, “Why?”, and "How?” of understanding and cultivating mental wellbeing in Church and Missions. Learn what mental wellbeing really means, why ignoring it hurts your mission, and how to support those who struggle within your faith community.

Bio

Tom is the Director of our Counselling Assistance Plan (CAP) and Clergy Care programs. As a practicing Registered Psychotherapist with previous experience in pastoral ministry and management with a national Employee Assistance Program (EAP) he brings a unique perspective to the direction of these Shalem programs. Through his work experiences, Tom has witnessed the value and impact that accessible, confidential, and professional mental health supports can have on workplaces and communities of all sizes.

Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts in Church Ministries from Pacific Life Bible College and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology from Yorkville University. When he is not working, Tom enjoys hiking and tracking wildlife with his wife, and their quirky rescue dog, Zoey. He also enjoys backpacking, playing soccer, and holding out hope for the Maple Leafs!

Contact: tomj@shalemnetwork.org

Website: Home - Shalem Network