Synod to sponsor free workshop on mental illness

LCMS Life Ministry is hosting a one-day symposium, “The Church and Mental Health,” on Saturday, April 9, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.

The free event is designed to “provide resources for congregations and pastors who are helping families navigate mental illness,” said Tracy Quaethem, manager of the Synod’s Life and Health Ministries. It is open to anyone interested and includes lunch.

One in four adults — some 61.5 million Americans — suffers from some form of mental illness in a given year, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). And, notes NAMI, one in 17 — about 13.6 million — live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder.

The upcoming symposium will include an opening chapel service led by the Rev. Dr. Daniel Preus, LCMS third vice-president, a discussion panel and these presentations:

“General Overview of Mental Illness,” led by Dr. Beverly Yahnke, executive director for Christian counsel with DOXOLOGY: The Lutheran Center for Spiritual Care and Counsel .

“A Theological Perspective on Mental Illness,” with the Rev. Todd Peperkorn, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, Calif.

“Pastoral Care for Those Experiencing Mental Illness,” with the Rev. Jeffery Pflug, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church, Madison, Ind., and a member of the LCMS Disability Task Force.

“A Practical Approach to Mental Illness,” with Deaconess Dorothy Krans, director of LCMS Recognized Service Organizations and a member of the Synod’s Disability Task Force.

“We hope that this will provide a good starting point for families and congregations, and look forward to discussion and conversation beyond this one day,” added Quaethem.

For more information or to register, send an email to Quaethem at tracy.quaethem@lcms.org.

Posted Feb. 9, 2016