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God and Mental Health Challenges
Tools for navigating mental health with compassion and hope.
About this Course
God and Mental Health Challenges was created to provide you with the tools to navigate the overwhelming frontlines of mental health challenges in your community.
What You’ll Be Able to Do:
The world—and our faith communities—are in the midst of a mental health crisis. Being a “good Christian” doesn’t shield anyone from facing emotional and mental struggles, and that’s nothing new; even the prophet Elijah found himself in the depths of depression.
So, what difference does faith make when it comes to mental health?
It transforms how we respond. We are called to walk with our neighbors through their valleys, to break down stigmas and misconceptions, to listen deeply, and to nurture spiritual hope.
If you need support navigating the overwhelming frontlines of mental health challenges in your community, God and Mental Health Challenges was created to provide you with the tools you need!
Modules
Welcome
Get oriented to the course, meet your instructor, download the interactive handbook, and more.
Thinking Theologically about Mental Health
In this module, you will:
- Learn principles for thinking theologically about mental health.
- Reflect on the human experience as evidenced in the story of Elijah.
- Consider how your assumptions about mental health have been shaped.
A Holistic Perspective
In this module, you will:
- Learn how the medical community conceptualizes mental health.
- Engage in and value the spiritual practice of lament.
- Consider how the medical and the spiritual can both be important to healing.
Lenses and Language
In this module, you will:
- Learn how stigmas diminish our humanity.
- Practice seeing the image of God in all people.
- Reflect on the ways that these stigmas pervade our culture.
Depression
In this module, you will:
- Define depression and consider its impact.
- Practice lament.
- Develop skills for supporting those with depression.
Dementia
In this module, you will:
- Define dementia and understand its impact.
- Remember that God knows who we are.
- Explore resources for caregivers.
Abiding in the Vine
In this module, you will:
- Embrace the image of God in yourself and others.
- Develop your core dependence on God.
- Practice deep listening.
Completing the Course
Find out your next steps as you complete the course. You'll also be encouraged to submit feedback about your course.
One-time purchase
$55
With Faith+Lead Membership
$0*
Get a free public display license to use for group study.
$0*
*by joining Faith+Lead Membership for just $19.95 per month
- Modules:
8 Modules
- Format:
Self-Paced, On-Demand
- Access:
Lifetime Access
Get to Know Your Instructors
Hollie Holt-Woehl
Rev. Dr. Hollie Holt-Woehl holds a Ph.D. in Pastoral Care and Counseling, with an emphasis on the congregation from Luther Seminary (2007). Her dissertation, “Congregations as Trinitarian Communities: Accepting, Welcoming, and Supporting People with Chronic Mental Illness,” explores congregations welcoming people with mental illness into congregation life. Ordained in 1993 in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), she has served congregations in rural, urban, and suburban settings.
Dr. Holt-Woehl is an Adjunct Professor at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN. Since 2008, she has taught the course “Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families” and has served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor of Pastoral Theology at St John’s School of Theology and Seminary in Collegeville, MN, since 2021. She is also an intentional interim pastor in the Southwestern Minnesota Synod (ELCA).
Dr. Holt-Woehl is the author of They Don’t Come with Instructions: Cries, Wisdom, and Hope for Parenting Children with Developmental Challenges, and many other publications.
Ready to Enroll?
Enroll in this on-demand course today or unlock free access to this and all Faith+Lead’s on-demand courses, plus more with a Faith+Lead Membership.
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One-time purchase
- Access to this on-demand course
- Access the leaders guide for group study
- Access the course workbook for individual study
- A private, supportive online community
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- Access to this on-demand course
- Access to all 40+ on-demand courses
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- Access all leaders guides for group study
- Access all course workbooks for individual study
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What to Expect with a Faith+Lead Academy Course
You’ll get a transformative learning experience that combines trustworthy theological teaching with spiritual practices, interactive elements, and a supportive online community.
Know
Expand your theological toolkit with fresh insights for today’s ministry landscape. Connect timeless wisdom with practical frameworks for navigating change.
Be
Do
Practice skills to lead confidently in your ministry context. Take actionable steps to invite your community into God’s unfolding story.
Every Academy course is designed to
Help your growth in one of these core areas:
Develop a Christ-centered identity, grounded in theology, scripture, and spiritual practice, that empowers community members to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life.
Tell the story of Jesus and invite neighbors into Jesus’ way of life and love through words and actions they can recognize.
Listen deeply, name God’s presence in the midst of everyday life, and form life-giving relationships across all dimensions of diversity—both within and beyond the church.
Through mutual relationships with the neighbors among whom you’re hosted, join in acts of compassion, justice, and reconciliation as a witness to the ministry of Jesus—especially in places of suffering and despair.
Harness skills of agile leadership, stewardship, fundraising, entrepreneurism, and management to be nimble enough to respond to a changing cultural landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect when I take an Academy course?
Academy courses consist of 6-10 lessons or modules, each walking you through the “know, be, do” learning framework. You’ll learn some new information with instructor videos and other resources (know). You’ll engage in a spiritual practice that will help you develop your faith around the topic (be). Then, you’ll be asked to apply what you’ve learned through activities completed online or in the “real world” (do).
How long will it take me to complete a course?
Each module is designed to take 15-45 minutes. Some learners complete the course in as little as one day. Some do a module a day or even a module a week. We suggest allowing some time between modules to process what you are learning, but not so much time that you lose momentum.
What resources are available if I’m a group leader?
Each course includes a flexible leader’s guide with multiple pathways for group facilitation. You’ll find thought-provoking discussion questions and practical activities that connect faith with daily life, designed to work with whatever preparation time you have available. These resources equip you to foster meaningful discipleship experiences that meet your community where they are.
What do I need to know about the free private online social group?
The private online group allows you to connect with others. Because our courses don’t have a required start or stop date, you will encounter others in different places in the course and even in different courses altogether. This is by design. Feel free to interact as much or as little as you like.
What should I do if I have questions or problems with my registration?
Reach out via email to faithlead@luthersem.edu with your question and we’ll get back to you with a response within two business days.
What if I have a suggestion or request for a course topic?
The best way to connect with us is to complete this form with your suggestion. We always want to hear your feedback. You may also include it in the comments section of the course evaluation.
Don’t see your question addressed?
Email us at support@faithlead.org for more information. We’ll be delighted to connect!