Forum 2 : Empowering the church
Addictions and the Church
The Cross as a paradigm for Mental Health & Wholeness
When
6 & 7 July 2023 (Thur & Fri)Venue
Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church, 300 Bedok North Ave 3, Singapore 469717About the Conference
In recent years, we have seen increased incidences of mental health challenges in the community. In a survey that we did in early 2020, it showed that The Church community was certainly not spared - many among God’s people are also afflicted with mental health challenges. Increasingly, church leaders must confront the issue of serious mental health challenges among their flocks and the deeper question of whether they or their members are equipped to support fellow Christians with such challenges.
Having organised a successful 1st Christian Mental Health Conference in July 2021 and the 2nd in 2022, Christian Mental Health Advocates, Association of Christian Counsellors Singapore & Promises Healthcare (a leading private psychiatric and psychological services company) have come together once again to organise the 3rd Christian Mental Health Conference, on July 2023.
Christian Mental Health Conference Singapore (“CMHC”) seeks to provide clinical perspectives on the issues of mental health and how these perspectives stand in relation to biblical teachings.
The Conference seeks to promote collaboration between the church and Christian mental health professionals.
Several Social Services Agencies especially those led by Christian leaders will be featured to provide information on available resources in the community. A variety of other professional services that support mental health wellness will also be made available through booths and onsite information.
This conference is supported by:
APCCS, Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church, LoveSingapore, Salt&Light, The Bible Society of Singapore
Event Starts In
Countdown to CMHC 2023
Event Schedule
Registration
Welcome + Opening Prayer
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Worship
- Awaken Generation
Keynote 1: Hope for the weary souls
- Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
Navigating Mental Health Challenges: A Pastor's Caregiving Journey
The speaker will be sharing a personal experience of caring for someone at home who faces mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation. The talk will provide insights on the challenges faced by caregivers. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of mental health on families and be encouraged to offer support and compassion to those who may be struggling.
- A Pastor
Tea Break / Booth Visiting
Forum 1: Caring for self
The Panel Discussion on "Caring for Self" is designed for pastors and ministry leaders, and features senior psychologists in their fields, Dr Tsao I-Ting & Dr Liza Thia. The event will be moderated by Rev Sam Kuna, who is an Ordained Minister with the Assemblies of God, a professional counselor, the Dean of the School of Counseling at TCA College, and President of the Association of Christian Counselors Singapore (ACCS). The panelists will share insights on the importance of self-care for pastors and ministry leaders, and offer practical strategies to maintain physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a thoughtful dialogue with these experienced professionals who can provide guidance on how to navigate the unique challenges of ministry life while prioritizing self-care.
- Dr Tsao I-Ting, Dr Liza Thia & Rev Sam Kuna
Guided Self-Reflection & Ministry Time
During the guided reflection session led by Rev Chua Seng Lee, participants will be gently prompted to reflect on their experiences and emotions. This process can help bring about a deeper understanding and processing of the day's activities. Additionally, this safe and supportive environment may also lead to a time of ministry where participants can receive further support and guidance from the available counsellors.
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Lunch & Booth Visiting
BREAKOUT 1: 'LIFE Training' Workshop by Caring For Life
Are you prepared to detect anyone at risk in your social circle who may be experiencing distress or having suicidal thoughts? The CFL LIFE Training is a 4-hour program that provides you with the knowledge and skills to offer immediate support and connect them with professional help. Upon completion, you will be designated as a "Community Carer" and gain access to CFL's "Community Carers Connect." The training objectives include recognizing warning signs, listening for feelings and thoughts of suicide, asking directly about suicidal ideation, and connecting at-risk individuals to trained professionals for help. With this training, you will be better equipped to be a better carer in your social circles and support them in their times of need.
- Alex Yeo
BREAKOUT 2: 'Pastors As Caregivers' Training Workshop by Touch Community Services
The "Pastors As Caregivers" training workshop is being conducted by Touch Community Services in Singapore. The training is designed to equip pastors with practical caregiving skills that can be applied in their ministry. It covers topics such as communication, empathy, self-care, and support systems for caregivers. The workshop is open to 30 pastors and church leaders who are interested in enhancing their caregiving abilities. It will be conducted over 4-hours and pre-registration is required.
- Joel Wong
BREAKOUT 3 Part 1: 'Mental Health First Contact' Training Workshop by Association of Christian Counsellors Singapore
The Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore) offers a Mental Health First Contact (MHFC) training for pastors. The 8-hour training equips pastors with the skills and understanding to be a loving first contact for individuals and families with mental illness. The training covers mental wellness and illness, skills such as respect and asking questions, suicide prevention, overview of specific mental illnesses, contextualization to ministries, review of referral sources, and self-care. This break out segment will be held over two afternoons, with each session lasting for four hours. Please note that attendees are required to commit to both days of training. Pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis, as this training is limited to only 20 pastors. Visit https://www.accs.org.sg/training for more details.
- Dr Angeline Teoh, Mr. David Blakely, Mrs. Penny Quek & Dr Tsao I-Ting
Registration
Welcome + Opening Prayer
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Worship
- That's Worship
Suicide Prevention: Youth in Focus
Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) will be presenting insights into trends and challenges surrounding suicide prevention in Singapore, with a focus on our youth. From empowering our youth ministries, to learning to cope with a suicide loss, this session will also include a Q&A segment where participants can ask questions and gain a deeper understanding of the current situation. This is a valuable opportunity to learn and engage with a leading organization in suicide prevention in Singapore.
- Gasper Tan
Prayer time for the landscape
Following the presentation of the latest data and insights on the suicide landscape in Singapore by SOS, there will be a time of prayer for the Suicide Landscape in Singapore. This segment aims to create a space for collective prayer and reflection on the issue of suicide in Singapore.
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Mental Health Survey
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Tea Break / Booth Visiting
Journey to Recovery: Perspectives on Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Reintegration" - A Panel Discussion with Q&A
A panel segment on Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Recovery & Reintegration will feature Steven Ting explaining what psychiatric rehab is and how to access it, Rev Gilbert Wong discussing the role of religion/ spirituality in rehab, Ven Wong Tak Meng exploring the role of church leaders, and Tan Kok Liang sharing his experience as a recovered client and peer specialist. The panel will also host a Q&A session."
- Steven Ting, Rev Gilbert Wong, Tan Kok Liang & Ven Tak Meng
Closing Remarks
- Rev Chua Seng Lee
Lunch & Booth Visiting
BREAKOUT 3 Part 2: 'Mental Health First Contact' Training Workshop by Association of Christian Counsellors Singapore
The Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore) offers a Mental Health First Contact (MHFC) training for pastors. The 8-hour training equips pastors with the skills and understanding to be a loving first contact for individuals and families with mental illness. The training covers mental wellness and illness, skills such as respect and asking questions, suicide prevention, overview of specific mental illnesses, contextualization to ministries, review of referral sources, and self-care. This break out segment will be held over two afternoons, with each session lasting for four hours. Please note that attendees are required to commit to both days of training. Pre-registration is required on a first-come, first-served basis, as this training is limited to only 20 pastors. Visit https://www.accs.org.sg/training for more details.
- Dr Angeline Teoh, Mr. David Blakely & Mrs. Penny Quek
BREAKOUT 4: “ GOD’S REST–aurant” : FEASTING AND RESTING ON JESUS by Esther Tzer Wong
Discover how to centre yourself in Jesus, feast on His words and find rest amidst the challenges of life in this exclusive workshop with Esther Tzer Wong. Through Christ-centered prayer and Scripture based meditation, Esther will guide attendees to focus on Jesus’ love and teachings, providing a new and powerful way to experience His Presence. With only 50 slots available, participants will learn practical spiritual exercises that can deepen your relationship with God and enhance your peace and overall well-being by feasting on Him. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with Jesus and improve your spiritual and emotional health.
- Esther Tzer Wong
BREAKOUT 5: Identifying Signs of Emotional and Mental Distress in Youth - Practical Tips for Providing Support (with Q&A) by Promises Healthcare
This session will focus on identifying signs of emotional and mental distress in youth and providing support. The discussion will cover common issues young people face, such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Speakers will share practical tips and tools for helping youth in distress, including how to initiate conversations about mental health and where to find professional help. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a Q&A and share their own experiences.
- Dr Adrian Loh, Dr Yvonne Lek, Samantha Cheng & Chong Kai Wei
Why You Should Join Event
Getting Connected
with various Mental Health Organisations that will be present
Sharing Resources
Receive free videos n teaching
Being Refreshed
in the fellowship of the Saints
Bishop Dr Gordon Wong
Bishop Dr Gordon Wong is married to Lai...
Ven Wong Tak Meng
Venerable Wong Tak Meng is the Archdeaco...
Rev Gilbert Wong
Meet Rev Gilbert Wong, he has been a men...
Dr Adrian Loh
Dr Adrian Loh has been in practice as a ...
Rev Sam Kuna
Rev Sam Kuna is the President of the Ass...
SP Chua Seng Lee
Senior Pastor Chua Seng Lee has been a f...
Kok Liang
Meet Kok Liang, a Programme Assistant an...
David Blakely
David Blakely, an SAC Registered Counsel...
Esther Tzer Wong
Esther Tzer Wong, M. Soc. Sci. (NUS), MN...
Penny Quek
Penny is a counsellor with more than 13 ...
Dr Angeline Teoh
An educator by training, Angeline has wo...
Dr Liza Thia
Liza is a Chartered/Registered Education...
Gasper Tan
Gasper Tan is Chief Executive Officer of...
Dr Tsao I Ting
I Ting has more than 16 years of experie...
Alex Yeo
Alex is a speaker at the upcoming Christ...
Joel Wong
Mr. Joel Wong is a dedicated and experie...
Steven Ting
Mr Steven Ting has been with Singapore A...
Dr Yvonne Lek
Yvonne was trained as an educator and ta...
Samantha Cheng
Samantha trained and worked as an accoun...
Chong Kai Wei
Kaiwei is a Senior Psychotherapist train...
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Conference Ticketing Information
Thank you for your interest. Our registration is now closed.
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Please write to info@cmhconference.org for enquires.