Better understand the stigmas we have within our culture about mental illness and that people with mental illness need to hear they are loved and included in the sacrifice of Jesus as much as anyone else. Learn some ways to reach out, as well as ways the mentally ill may see the world. Understand some of the challenges they face. Become aware of things to say or not to say and ways to help them cope. For example, people who deal with chronic depression sometimes have trouble just accomplishing basic day-to-day tasks. Reaching out with a phone call, mowing a lawn, or taking a meal to them can be a huge help.

Share challenges that can hinder engagement and receive encouragement to move past them.Attendees will experience less discomfort related to engaging with individuals about the gospel.

Young people in our churches today may be getting the false message that everything is okay, and if it isn’t, there is something wrong with them. However, regardless of how we are raised, what life experiences we face, and who we believe in, our time on earth can be riddled with pain, loss, and unanswered questions. Talking about these issues is one of the first steps to finding peace and perspective. Knowing there are others experiencing the same hardships helps build a sense of community and support. It is the facilitators’ hope that attendees will be encouraged and informed, knowing Jesus helps us to heal, to share the truth about our struggles, and to understand that the pain is only temporary.

At times, due to the busyness of life, we might forget who and whose we are. When we forget who we are, purpose and mission are lost. In this physical, temporal world, believers constantly need to remember to keep the main thing, the main thing and that God rocks! Acts 1:8,“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth,” is a scripture that works hand in hand with Christ's statement, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” What does this mean for us and our mission today?

Better understand the stigmas we have within our culture about mental illness and that people with mental illness need to hear they are loved and included in the sacrifice of Jesus as much as anyone else. Learn some ways to reach out, as well as ways the mentally ill may see the world. Understand some of the challenges they face. Become aware of things to say or not to say and ways to help them cope. For example, people who deal with chronic depression sometimes have trouble just accomplishing basic day-to-day tasks. Reaching out with a phone call, mowing a lawn, or taking a meal to them can be a huge help.