Our churches have enormous potential to be places of healing and health in the community, particularly to the vulnerable, lonely and those suffering from mental health conditions.
Prof John Swinton
Our world is increasingly defined by isolation, fractured relationships and deep-seated animosity. The rise in mental health challenges underscores this brokenness. However, it is within our faith and the belonging of Christian community that we can root hope, and create different spaces where this brokenness is healed, and people can find a sense of value and dignity which is life giving and empowering.
This course, based on a Denis Duncan Lecture delivered by Professor John Swinton, explores how Christians can embody a restorative way of living, that actively seeks to bring healing and restoration to our wounded world. Drawing on the narratives of those living with mental health challenges, John offers insights based on the ministry of Jesus which can help us shape our activities and awareness of how to be a positive influence in the name of Jesus in the creation of spaces of belonging.
In this course, you will:
- Reflect on the concept of being truly present to one another and how that energises real belonging;
- Foster understandings about mental health and explore practices that churches can adopt to create compassionate environments;
- Explore what supports you in times of trouble and how to create and sustain deeper connections with others, God and creation;
- Be empowered by thinking through how health and faith intertwine so that we can deepen our practice of being a healing presence.
This course would be of value to all Christians, and particularly for church leaders exploring how to deepen their work building community and support for those living with mental health conditions.
The Revd. Prof John Swinton is a Scottish theologian, academic and Presbyterian minister in the Church of Scotland. He is the Chair in Divinity and Religious Studies at the School of Divinity, History, Philosophy & Art History, University of Aberdeen. John is founder of the University’s Centre for Spirituality, Health and Disability.
This course is online and self-led, meaning you can go through all of the content at your own pace. Typically, the course will take 45 – 90 minutes. It is free to GoHealth community members or available to anyone making a one-time purchase for £15.