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BIP on Mental Health and Caring Communities

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BIP on Mental Health and Caring Communities

BIP on Mental Health and Caring Communities

AD2026

Location: Estonian Free Church Theological Seminary, Tallinn, Estonia
Dates: Wednesday, January 7 – Sunday, January 11

Learning outcomes. For the end of the cause participants.

  1. Understand key mental health challenges and how they relate to Christian faith and pastoral care.
  2. know and apply basic skills in listening and crisis support to help individuals struggling with mental health issues.
  3. Envision and plan practical ways to foster mental well-being within their faith communities and support networks.

Theme: Why Is Mental Health Important from a Christian Perspective?

  • 16:00–18:00 Participant arrival, registration, and accommodation
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner and introductory session
  • 19:00–20:30 Opening Module:
      – A Christian View on Mental Health
      – Opening prayer and welcome
      – Introduction to the training objectives
      – Panel discussion: “Why Should Christians Engage with Mental Health Issues?”
      – Speakers: (coming soon)

Theme: Clinical Psychology and Mental Well-Being

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Anxiety and Depression – A Crisis in Contemporary Society”
             – Lecturer: (coming soon)
  •  11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  •  11:30–13:00 Seminar: “How Can Christian Communities Support Vulnerable Individuals?”
             – Case studies and group discussions
  • 13:00–14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00–16:00 Institutional Visit: Visit to a psychosocial counseling organization
  • 18:00–20:00 Dinner & social event

Theme: Suicidal Thoughts and the Possibility of Hope

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Why Do People Lose Hope? Causes and Prevention of Suicide”
                     – Lecturer: (coming soon)
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Workshops: “Christian Resources in the Midst of Crisis”   
                      – Group discussions: How churches and faith communities can support individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts
  • 13:00–18:00 Lunch and city walks
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:00–20:30 Discussion and Sharing Evening: “Caring for One’s Own Mental Health – Personal Testimonies, Practical Tips, Prayerful Reflections”

Theme: Christian Pastoral Care and Holistic Healing

  • 09:00–09:30 Morning prayer
  • 09:30–11:00 Lecture: “Pastoral Care as a Support for Mental Health”
  •                     – Lecturer: (coming soon)
  • 11:00–11:30 Coffee break
  • 11:30–13:00 Practical Workshop: “The Art of Listening – How to Support a Person in Crisis?”
  • 13:00–16:30 Lunch and free time
  • 16:30–18:00 Final Reflections. Panel Discussion: “Building a Mentally Healthy Christian Community”.
  •                     – Panelists: Lecturers and participants
  • 18:00–19:00 Dinner
  • 19:00–21:00 Final Evening with Testimonies and Thanksgiving Prayer – “The Message of Hope – How Can We Be a Light in the Darkness?”

Theme: The Church as a Place of Healing

  • 11:00–13:00 Participation and Contribution to Sunday Worship Service
                     – Opportunity for participants to read Scriptures, pray, share testimonies, preach, serve in intercessory prayers
  • 13:00–15:00 Lunch and departures