This symposium seeks to empower ministry leaders to serve as compassionate, informed leaders in their congregations, promoting healing, hope, and resilience.

About the symposium

The Faith and Mental Health Symposium is designed to equip ministry leaders with the tools and knowledge necessary to address mental health challenges within their congregations.

This conference offers ministry leaders an opportunity to explore the intersection of faith and mental well-being, providing practical strategies for supporting individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Through expert-led sessions and discussions, participants will learn how to offer spiritual care while recognizing the importance of professional mental health resources. Topics will include pastoral care for mental illness, self-care for ministry leaders, creating a supportive church environment, and fostering dialogue about mental health in faith communities.

symposium Details

Symposium Tickets iNclude:

Entrance to the symposium

Symposium materials

Tea break

Lunch

Swag Bag

Entrance to the symposium Symposium materials Tea break Lunch Swag Bag

symposium

AGENDA

Presentations

Breaking Silence: Addressing Violence Against Women and Sexual Abuse in the Church Community of Jamaica

Silence has long shrouded the realities of violence against women and sexual abuse within church communities, preventing healing, accountability, and justice. This workshop seeks to break that silence by fostering open, honest, and compassionate conversations about these pressing issues in the Jamaican church community.

Through thought-provoking discussions, personal testimonies, and expert insights, we will examine how silence perpetuates harm and explore the deep connections between grief, trauma, and healing. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and spiritual factors that contribute to silence, while also learning practical strategies to create safer, more supportive spaces for survivors.

This interactive session will empower attendees—whether church leaders, congregants, or advocates—with the knowledge and tools needed to challenge harmful norms, promote healing, and drive meaningful change within their faith communities. Together, we will take a stand for justice, restoration, and a future where no one suffers in silence.

This workshop explores the lives of Bible characters who faced mental health struggles, highlighting their personal challenges, triumphs, and spiritual journeys. Through examining stories of figures like Elijah, David, and Job, we’ll uncover how these biblical figures experienced anxiety, depression, despair, and isolation.

By reflecting on their struggles, we’ll gain insights into the importance of faith, resilience, and seeking support during times of emotional turmoil. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how these ancient stories resonate with modern experiences and practical lessons on coping, healing, and spiritual growth.

Bible Characters Who Struggled with Mental Health: Their Stories & What We Can Learn From Them

Self-Care For Faith Leaders

This workshop focuses on the vital practice of self-care for faith leaders, addressing the unique challenges they face in ministry. Through thoughtful discussion and practical strategies, we will explore ways to nurture physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being while balancing the demands of leadership.

Topics will include managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, fostering personal spiritual growth, and preventing burnout. Participants will leave equipped with tools to sustain their own health and vitality, ensuring they can continue to serve others with strength, compassion, and resilience.

Panel Discussions

Optimizing Mental Health, Managing Mental Illness

This panel discussion explores the critical distinctions between mental health and mental illness, shedding light on their impact on individuals and communities while fostering awareness, understanding, and proactive approaches to mental well-being. Experts in psychology and lived experience will discuss the importance of mental well-being, early intervention, and destigmatizing mental illness. Attendees will gain insights into recognizing signs of mental distress, strategies for maintaining mental wellness, and the role of society in supporting mental health initiatives.

Cultivating Mental Well-Being in Ministry

Ministry can be deeply fulfilling, yet it also comes with unique emotional and spiritual challenges. This panel discussion explores the importance of mental well-being for those in ministry, addressing topics such as burnout, compassion fatigue, and the balance between serving others and self-care. Experienced pastors, mental health professionals, and ministry leaders will share practical strategies for maintaining emotional resilience, seeking support, and fostering a culture of well-being within faith communities. This insightful conversation will inspire attendees to sustain their mental health while faithfully fulfilling the call to serve.

Meet the Speakers

THE HOST

RACHEL BARRETT-DOLCINE MPA, CPM

Chief Creative Strategist Jovera Collective

DR. JOSHUA P. SMITH DPC, MA, LPC, BC-TMH

Chief Executive Officer JPS Enterprises

DR. AKIA BLANDON DNP, APRN, AGPCNP-C

Visionary Founder New Beginnings Healthcare

REV DR. DENISE MCKAIN

Cogitationist & Interfaith Chaplain

BISHOP DR. MAXO DEJANIS

Founder Ambassador for Peace Church

PASTOR JAVIAN HUTTON

Assistant Chaplain Jamaica Constabulary Force

KERRY-ANN BURNETT-ASTREE

Chief Executive Officer Married 2 the Badge

PASTOR DR. GARY A. BUDDOO FLETCHER, JP

JP Force Chaplain Jamaica Constabulary Force