EQUIPPED TO CARE
October 7, 8, and 9, 2026
Bonus Day: World Mental Health Day, October 10
A global online gathering for ministry leaders who want to care with confidence, wisdom, and compassion. Join thousands of pastors, care teams, counselors, and church volunteers who are building cultures of care in their churches and communities.
3-DAY ONLINE SUMMIT OVERVIEW
Three days. Three essential areas of care. One unified purpose.
You will leave encouraged, equipped, and ready to support others with practical, faith-filled tools.
Day 1 - Build a strong, sustainable foundation for caring well.
You will learn how to:
- Integrate spiritual practices and discipleship into whole-person care
- Build clear, healthy care strategies for your church or ministry
- Navigate boundaries and complex relational dynamics with wisdom
- Recruit and equip volunteers to serve with confidence
Featuring tracks in: Spiritual Formation + Leadership & Care Strategy
Free access for Day 1 ends October 8 at 6am ET
Day 2 - Extend hope beyond the church walls.
You will learn how to:
- Support individuals facing anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges
- Respond to crisis situations with clarity and compassion
- Walk with people through grief, trauma, and healing
- Create safe, supportive environments within your church
Featuring tracks in: Mental Health & Well-being + Healing & Recovery
Free access for Day 2 ends October 9 at 6am ET
Day 3 - Sustain the calling God has placed on your life.
You will learn how to:
- Build meaningful partnerships within your local community
- Develop outreach strategies that are sustainable and dignifying
- Support families, caregivers, and people across life stages
- Support youth, parents, and families to grow and flourish
Featuring tracks in: Community & Outreach + Families & Students
Free access for Day 3 ends October 10 at 6am ET
THIS SUMMIT IS FOR YOUR IF...
You are serving people who are hurting, overwhelmed, or in need of support, and you want to care well without burning out.
This Summit is a perfect fit if you are:
- A Care Pastor, Care Coordinator, or pastoral staff member
- A ministry leader walking with people through grief, crisis, trauma, or mental health challenges
- A volunteer who wants practical tools for supporting others
- A counselor or clinician serving in ministry contexts
- A leader who desires to build a healthier, more compassionate church
You will feel seen, supported, and surrounded by people who understand the weight and beauty of care ministry.
Save Your Free Spot
Laura is a registered social worker, trainer, and founder of Hope Made Strong. She has spent over 20 years serving her community and more than 7 years equipping church leaders with practical tools for mental health and care ministry. Her heart is to strengthen the Church by strengthening the caregivers who serve within it.
WHY I CREATED THIS SUMMIT
I started the Church Mental Health Summit because so many ministry leaders were carrying heavy burdens alone. You want to care well, but the needs are growing, and the solutions are not always clear.
This Summit exists to remind you that you are not alone, and that with the right tools and support, you can build a culture of care that is sustainable, healthy, and rooted in hope.
“Laura brings together wisdom, compassion, and practical tools that our church can use right away. She has changed the way we approach care ministry.”
THANK YOU TO OUR VISIONARY PARTNERS
FEATURED SPEAKERS
A global lineup of pastors, clinicians, authors, and ministry practitioners who bring both expertise and compassion.
Chris Adams
Executive Director
Mental Health & the Church Initiative
Workshop
Title
Organization
John Swinton
Professor
University of Aberdeen
John Andersen
Title
Organization
Speaker 3
Title
Organization
Speaker 4
Title
Organization
Speaker 5
Title
Organization
Speaker 6
Title
Organization
Keynote
Title
ORGANIZATION
Workshop
Title
ORGANIZATION
Stephen Grcevich, MD
President & Founder
Key Ministry
Mary Tutterow
Author, Speaker & Founder
The Heart of the Caregiver
Chuck Hunt & Aaron Rosales
Pastor, Mediator, Consultant
Fuller Youth Institute
Relate Strong
Title
ORGANIZATION
Saru Koirala
Title
ORGANIZATION
Speaker 6
Title
ORGANIZATION
American Bible Society
Title
Organization
Workshop
Title
Organization
Jennie Allen
Founder & Visionary
IF:Gathering / Gather
Eric Scallisi
Title
Organization
Jim Sells & Jennifer Ripley
Co-Directors
The Church Cares, Regent University
Speaker 4
Title
Organization
Kimberly Britt
Title
Organization
Dr. Thomas V Thomas
Director of International Ministries
Hope International Mission
Keynote
Title
Organization
Workshop
Title
Organization
Dr. Joy Wilson
Mental Health Catalyst
Lausanne Movement
Davey Blackburn
President & Co-Founder
Nothing is Wasted
Dr. Zoricelis Davila
Ambassador
GriefShare
Speaker 4
Title
Organization
Speaker 5
Title
Organization
Speaker 6
Title
Organization
Keynote
Title
Organization
Workshop
Title
Organization
David Eckert
Senior Director
Intersect / Access Services
Jamie Aten & Kent Annan
Co-Directors
Spiritual First Aid
Chalmers
Title
Organization
Elizabeth Cronlund
Title
Organization
Speaker 5
Title
Organization
Speaker 6
Title
Organization
Keynote
Title
Organization
Rebecca & Dan
Title
Organization
Elias Omer
Psychotherapist & Facilitator
Thrive Worldwide
Ruth E. Stitt
Counselor, Supervisor, Writer, Educator
Joyspring Counseling/Scripture Comes to Life Publishing
Adam
Title
Organization
David Barter
Founder
A Better Way Life
Speaker 5
Title
Organization
Speaker 6
Title
Organization
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jane Doe
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Our Key Topics
Grouped to help you quickly see what the Summit covers.
Spiritual Formation
Deepening faith as the foundation for resilience, care, and personal well-being, and developing a theology of mental health, suffering, and care.
Leadership
Strengthening leaders’ resilience and developing systems for sustainable, effective ministry.
Mental Health & Wellbeing
Promoting emotional, psychological, and spiritual wellness within the church community.
Healing & Recovery
Addressing trauma, grief, addiction, and restoration through safe, grace-filled ministry practices.
Community & Outreach
Equipping churches to meet community needs, extend care beyond the walls, and be a supportive presence for “the least of these,” showing up with compassion and consistency for the most vulnerable.
Family & Students
Supporting marriages, parents, youth, and children through faith-informed approaches to mental health, relationships, and discipleship.
What You Can Expect
Participating in the Summit is simple and accessible for everyone on your team.
Three Steps to Participate
Register For Your Free Ticket
Connect in our online community
Join us online for three days of sessions
How Access Works
Free ticket holders receive access to each day’s pre-recorded sessions and live keynote replays for that day.
All Access Pass holders receive full access to every session plus workshop replays.
On Demand Viewing
Watch from anywhere. No travel required. Return to sessions you want to use for training or personal growth.
Team and Ministry Viewing
Invite your care team, pastors, and volunteers. Many churches use the Summit as a training week for their teams.
Choose Your Registration Option
Enjoy the Free 1-Day Access (24hrs of access per day of the summit) or become an All Access Pass holder with the paid registration options below:
☆Most Popular☆
All Access Pass
Designed for leaders who want deeper engagement and continued learning.
Upgrade to All AccessFrequently Asked Questions
What does "on-demand" mean?
What’s the difference between the Free Pass, the All Access Pass, and the Church License?
Can I use the sessions to train my team?
Is the summit completely online?
Can I access this material on my iPad, iPhone or mobile device?
What are your payment options?
What's the return and cancelation policy?
Who is the All Access Pass for?
WE ARE WORLDWIDE.
Join thousands of other care coordinators, pastors, and ministry directors all over the world to become equipped to care for your congregation and community.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
What Are You Waiting For?
Join thousands of leaders around the world who are finding hope, tools, and community.
Register FreeJoin us Live Starting October 7
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“One of the most meaningful and practical events our church has ever participated in.”