Friday, July 24, 2020

Mental Health - Self Care

Reorganizing Space: Rethinking Prayer Rooms and Retreats

Designing Virtual Prayer Rooms and Retreats that are intentional and meaningful.

We attend prayer rooms at conferences when we need to reflect and debrief our experiences. We attend retreats to refresh our minds and bodies. How do we rethink prayer spaces so that it also facilitates a God encounter? How do we do this in an online format? Is there something that can be offered to still create a tangible retreat experience? Here we will consider prayer room basics, retreat basics and how each can be translated into various kinds of spaces.

Rev. Amina S. McIntyre is a playwright/minister who constantly navigates the lines between spirituality and the arts. An Atlanta native, she received her BA from Colby College, MA from Indiana University, MFA from Spalding University and Master of Theological Studies from Emory University. Most recently, she was a Writer at the National Winter Playwrights Retreat. McIntyre is an Elder in Full Connection in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 2016-2020 President of the Connectional Young Adult Ministry, and a currently a Ph.D Student in Religion at Vanderbilt University. She curated guided prayer rooms for conferences and develops custom Retreat Boxes through Take a Day Retreat, a subsidiary of Lady Loves Her Pen, LLC.

http://ladylovesherpen.com | http://ladylovesherpen | http://ladylovesherpen | http://twitter.com/Ladylovesherpen

Trauma Informed Congregations: Building the Framework for Congregations to Responds to Trauma

Becoming a trauma-informed congregation means helping people learn, talk, and grieve about what has happened to them. Congregations serve as a safe space for these conversations to take place.

This workshop will allow participants the opportunity to understand the impact that trauma plays on the congregants and community at-large. We will look at strategic ways to educate ministerial staff and leadership on potential paths for prevention and recovery. We will discuss ways to create a multi-disciplinary team comprised of Medical professionals, Mental Health Professionals, Law Enforcement, Faith and Community Leaders that will foster practical resilience within both the congregation and community.

Cary L. Goodman, a native of Richmond, VA, has a sincere passion to empower faith communities nationally to operate at their fullest capacity in areas of health promotion, advocacy programs, outreach and development. For over 13 years, he has been dedicated to working with faith communities to establish and expand health programs across the United States by building their capacity to address health disparities that greatly impact their congregations and the communities they serve.

Currently, Cary is a Program and Development Consultant focusing on nonprofit organizations. He serves on the national planning boards and coalitions where he serves as a Faith Partner, Strategic Developer and Faculty Presenter. Cary is the Founder of Black Men’s Wholeness, an initiative designed to encourage black men to have dialogue regarding topics that reassures wholeness such as trauma, emotional and mental health, and fatherlessness.

Cary deems himself a “connector”; where focuses on the significance of establishing coalitions, collaborating, and relationship building in order to increase access and sustainability to strengthening congregations and communities.

http://www.facebook.com/CaryGoodman | http://www.instagram.com/blackmenswholeness

You Can Have God and a Therapist Too

New way of thinking to overcome stigma and see a therapist without trading faith in God  "In life comes a time when we all need some extra support. Ever feel lost as to where to start and where to look to find that support? Christians usually first turn to God, then their pastor. However, what happens when you need additional support beyond what your church may provide? Dr. Jackson takes a look at the intersection between faith and therapy. She shares how to begin bridging the gap between the two. This presentation will cover:

1. What mental health is

2. Some things that hinder Christians from seeking therapy

3. And how religion and therapy can work together to help you be at your best, for yourself, your family, and your community 

Attendees will walk away with a new perspective to help reduce stigma related to mental health. Furthermore, participants will realize less disconnect between church and psychology. They will also feel more comfortable with the thought of seeing a therapist, if needed, without feeling they are compromising their faith. Information provided in this presentation will make clearer how to stay connected to the Lord while also engaging in what may be one of the most important relationships you will ever have, after your relationship with God.

Dr. Catherine Jackson (Dr. J)  is a licensed clinical psychologist and board certified neurotherapist. She is the Owner of Optimal Neuroholistic Services and founder of Dr. J's Holistic Health & Wellness, non-profit. She provides health and wellness courses and speaks at churches and organizations emphasizing the importance of mental wellness. Dr. J has been featured as an expert in many publications including Oprah Magazine, The Huffington Post and Prevention. All about holistic health, she believes in treating the whole person, not simply behaviors or symptoms. Dr. Jackson will soon publish her first book, The Couch Experience: A Guide to Good Therapy, available in the summer of 2020.

http://DrCatherineJackson.com | http://www.facebook.com/dr.catherine.jackson/ | http://intagram.com/DrCatherineJackson | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCNE_BhlUPmNEDnwZYNVCg | http://twitter.com/DrCCJackson

Lost Art of Connectedness: Imperceptible Perceptions

Seeing is not always believing. Utilizing tools to de-stress, reset and recover in a world of unknowns. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable enough to take off the masks to be seen.       

Often, we are so busy seeing the world through our own foggy lenses that we fail to see what is really before us. We tend to overlook the small things of substance, the real things that carry true grit because we are so focused on the grander things of life. We run around with clouded vision making bad decisions that cause us to doubt who we really are. How do we break free from this vicious cycle and get clear to see truth? How do we communicate in a world where communication has lost its connection and it seems no one is listening? Effective communication has been rendered a foreign language to those who truly desire to be heard. How do we get back to the basics of connection through active listening? We will explore and bring illumination to how we can center ourselves through the art of true connection by learning how to take off our masks and be vulnerable enough for others to hear and see us. We need love and we want to be seen, heard, and made to feel significant. We will use the "AIM" model to learn how to actively and effectively communicate while debunking our flawed perceptions.    

Navy veteran with 20 years of honorable service, a minister, serial entrepreneur, advocate and devoted wife and mother, Ceandra is a leader and a pillar of hope to the communities she serves. She has dedicated her life to helping people discover their life’s purpose and to live out their dreams by getting them clear from the inside out. She knows that self -empowerment is imperative to achieving one’s dreams. Founder of Inspire for Purpose, CEO of Catalyst Investments LLC, CEO Kids Bayou, Special Advisor to Healing Women Healing Nations, and Chief Operations and Chief Financial Officer to Extended Hands Worldwide Ministries. She works closely with these prestigious organizations to provide outreach services, which have allowed her to extend her hands to go beyond the walls reaching thousands of people.

Graduating Sum Cum Laude, she has earned multiple degrees and certifications in physical therapy, psychology, and business administration. Her strong community alliance has allowed her to serve in the poorest of countries such as Indonesia, Italy, Spain, Czech Republic, Philippines, Korea, Vietnam, Poland, Mexico, and the slums of America. Her efforts have resulted in serving youth and young adults in feeding the poor, clothing the homeless, job placement, counseling, supplying medical aid for the sick, development of training programs for community and corporate organizations.

Community centered and stewardship driven, she is focused and dedicated on being the change she desires to see in the world. Her motto is to “Put it into action,” thus coining her name, “The Actionist.”

http://www.inspireforpurpose.com | http://inspire4purpose | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhcqYW8ixrE

Leading With A Healthy Mind

To have attendees foster dialogue and be provided an opportunity to have access to current and relevant information in the field of ministry in relationship to mental health awareness.

How mentally healthy are you during difficult moments? It is apparent that we live in a hyper-sensitive, hyper-stressed and over sensationalized culture where our society is overzealous with social media platforms and day to day challenges. Having the ability to maintain your mental health during a pandemic such as COVID-19 is paramount. Having a healthy mindset establishes you to be prepared, equipped, and empowered to face head on with confidence in managing what others may feel is uncontrollable. Dr. Deshawnda "Dee" Williams provides strategies and interventions on understanding the importance of balancing your mental health as a leader simultaneously leading others while in ministry. 

Dr. Deshawnda Williams is a passionate scholar-practitioner in the field of Clinical Social Work and Special Education. She is a practicing Social Worker who facilitates as an independent Behavior Specialist Consultant contractor and Mental Health Expert. She holds a Masters Of Social Work degree from Tulane University, in New Orleans, LA, a Master’s Degree in Education, specializing in Special Education, from Arcadia University, in Glenside, PA, a Doctoral degree in Ministry from Palmer Theological Seminary Eastern University, in St. Davids, PA. Presently, Dr. Williams looks to pursue her PHD in Social Policy and Practice at University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.

She has worked in the mental health field for eighteen years where she has delivered Family Focused Therapy (FFT), Attachment-Based Therapy with Children, Adolescents and Families (ABT), Mental Health Strategies for corporate and independent companies. As a certified Functional Behavior Assessor, Dr. Dee eagerly applies her experience and compassion with the consumers she services as they begin to address issues that will help them to improve their quality of life and attain a sense of fulfillment.

Dr. Williams is the CEO/President of On The Right Track With Dr. Dee which serves as the umbrella for three nonprofit organizations that are community based called Cerebrum: One Mind At A Time (Mental Health Awareness Initiative), H2H (Hood 2 Hood) and Peculiar Daughters Ministries.

She is a dynamic, humorous, no-nonsense speaker and the insightful author of An Examination Of An Urban Church Addressing The Stigma Of Mental Illness and co-author of Project We Are Free. A frequent radio talk show guest, Dr. Williams has been featured at Queens Lair Christian Talk Show, Single On A Saturday Night Relationship Talk Show, Rightly Dividing The Word Of Truth, Money Matters, Nicole Rae Ministries and On The Right Track With Dr. D and Dr. J.

http://www.ontrackwithdrdee.com | http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005148704988

Being Resilient in Troubling Times

Tools to help individuals navigate the various challenges they face in life.

Life offers every person a unique journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected roadblocks. The challenges present themselves both, personally and professionally, often knocking the wind out of us; making it difficult to stand, let alone take any steps. While not always visible, we are covered with bumps, bruises, and scars that impact how we make it through each day.

How do you recover after losing the job where you’ve given your all?

How do you bounce back after the death of a loved one?

Through specific action steps, we will explore how you can take control of life’s challenges and change the narrative of the negative life events you have experienced. You will walk away with ways to turn your obstacles into opportunities to help yourself and the people you encounter along the way.

LaTrice "Elle" Davis has more than 18 years of experience in non-profit management, program development, staff training, and facilitation. Her career started at her, at the time, dream job with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. In 2009, she was downsized and decided to venture out on her own, working as an independent consultant. Elle has continually reinvented herself and her business. In 2017, Elle renamed and rebranded her business as The Ellevate Group, LLC, a boutique consulting firm supporting non-profits and small businesses. Her client roster includes Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Illinois Action for Children, Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, Gary Comer Youth Center and Evanston Technology Partners to name a few.

As a trained Social Worker, Elle has always had an affinity towards people; inspiring them and helping them to see the best in their situations, both personally and professionally. This optimistic attitude was put to the test but proved, to be no different for Elle when she unexpectedly became a widow in 2014, shattering her world as she knew it. Through that experience, Elle learned that every obstacle can be turned into an opportunity to live a greater, fuller life, filled with purpose. Her story of resilience has been featured on BlackDoctor.org. Additionally, she’s a two-time author in book collaborations: The Apple of His Eye and newly released Sis, Stand on My Shoulders.

http://elledavisspeaks.com | https://www.facebook.com/latrice.a.davis/ | https://www.instagram.com/elledavisspeaks/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ldavismsw/ | http://twitter.com/elledavisspeaks

Thoughtful Transitions: Navigating Grief and Loss During and After the Pandemic 

As communities navigate their way through unbearable loss in unfamiliar territory, we must identify ways to cultivate compassionate care for those experiencing loss of any kind and create sustainable self-care strategies as we care for others and ourselves.

Grief and loss, including death, are part of life – for all of us. However, the way they are experienced can vary from person to person and that experience is influenced by many factors, including culture, faith/religious belief, personal experiences, circumstances surrounding the death. In addition, death continues to be a forbidden topic for so many people, making it difficult for the living to acknowledge and work through their grief. The aim of this workshop is to explore our theology of loss, identify ways to cultivate compassionate care for those experiencing loss of any kind, and create sustainable self-care strategies as we care for others and ourselves.

The Thoughtful Transitions learning experience is a harmonious blend of conversation, meditation, and practical exercises. We explore how the fear of loss informs our grief- this is especially important for marginalized communities. You will have a deeper understanding of how each individual loss ‘demands’ unique approaches in the way we offer support to the bereaved. You will know on a deeper level how each person requires their own spiritual medicine. You will learn about and develop rituals that can be practiced face to face or while practicing social distance and find ways to help others make meaning of their life- as they approach the end of life or navigate their way through loss.

This is ideal for anyone who provides or desires to provide bereavement support or end-of-life care - especially during a pandemic.

Rev. Dr. Jamie Frederika Eaddy is the Founding Executive Director of I Just Believe Ministries, Inc., a non-profit organization committed to ending violence against women and children. IJB provides direct support and advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and intimate partner violence. They also empower churches and community organizations to support survivors by providing awareness education and unique learning experiences.

She is the Founding CEO and Chief Loss Navigation Specialist of Thoughtful Transitions - an organization that provides a holistic approach to supporting individuals navigating grief and loss. Dr. Eaddy is uniquely gifted to journey with individuals and families dealing with loss of every kind. With a unique blend of gifts, Rev. Dr. Eaddy wears many hats as an ordained minister, chaplain, death doula, author, and poet. She is a Chaplain resident at the Albert Einstein Medical Center where she provides support to the Intensive Care and Neonatal Care Units.

She also serves as an associate minister, primarily responsible for congregational care and wellness at the St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Philadelphia. Rev. Eaddy is the author of “Getting Naked To Get Free,"" a very personal and provocative collection of poetry written to empower those whose lives have been impacted by childhood trauma, violence and addiction. She loves preaching, 90’s hip-hop, poetry, pink lipstick, Rizpah and shoes.

She recently earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from the Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School and resides in Philadelphia Pennsylvania."

http://www.jfederika.com | http://facebook.com/DrJFrederika | https://www.instagram.com/p/CARFzT7nbYu/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link | http://www.linkedin.com/in/DrJamieEaddy | http://twitter.com/JFrederikaEaddy

Soul Care In The Midst of a Crises

To know that soul care goes beyond self-care, it is care for the whole self

The care of the self is very important. As a three dimensional being, we often place emphasis on self-care, care of the external part of our being. We do this through exercise, diet, and watching our emotional and intellectual intake. As we mature, we begin to focus on our spiritual care, the internal part of our being. We do this through the spiritual disciplines, intentional study of spiritual/inspirational literature, prayer, meditation fasting, etc. One phenomenon that we hear much about but pay little attention to is the care of the soul, the part of our humanity that serves as a conduit between our spirits and our bodies. The soul is the seat of our emotions and our wills. It encompasses the totality of who we are and how we show up to the world. Caring for the soul includes caring for the self and the spirit, but when our soul is in crises it impacts our spiritual and physical self. Learning how to care for the soul will equip us to explore and manage our crises, but it will also empower us to live our best lives from a place of authenticity.

Dr. Kathy Thomas McFadden was born and raised in Washington, D.C. She was educated in the D.C. Public School System. She received a B.A. in Communications from Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina; a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Hood Theological Seminary in Salisbury, North Carolina.

Her ministerial work includes serving as a mental health chaplain for the D.C. Commission on Mental Health Services at Saint Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, D.C.; Associate Director of Pastoral Care and Education at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, North Carolina; the United States Air Force as a Chaplain Candidate and as a Spiritual Care Coordinator for Kindred Hospice. She has served as Associate Minister at Galbraith A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, D.C. and Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church both in Atlanta and Smyrna, Georgia. Currently serves as the Pastor of the historic Old Ship A.M.E. Zion Church in Montgomery, Alabama since 2002, becoming its first female pastor. In 2018, Dr. McFadden was appointed as the Presiding Elder of the East Montgomery District, Central Alabama Conference of the A.M.E. Zion Church, again making history as its first female presiding elder. Dr. McFadden is the CEO of MYQ Enterprises, which hosts an array of businesses geared towards the personal and spiritual transformation and professional development of people, and as an Executive Life Coach and a Master Spirit Life Coach.

http://Www.facebook.com/Kathy.mcfadden.338 | http://Iamkatmcfadden | http://LinkedIn.com/in/Kathy-McFadden-84240068 | http://twitter.com/Kathytmcfadden

Suicide Prevention - What the Church needs to know & why

Awareness and education about one of our nation's top societal ills: Suicide. Learn strategies and principles to recognize signs and proactively take steps toward prevention.

In the USA, suicide is a top three killer among its citizens. There are, on average, 129 suicides per day. On March 27, 2019, The Washington Post newspaper, page A-3, featured a story titled "" Experts Urge Caution Amid Steady Rise in Suicides in U.S.""  Further, the 2016 snapshot from the National Violent Death Reporting System, Division of Violence Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was reported that suicide is a serious public health problem that can have lasting harmful effects on individuals, families, communities, and churches. Characteristics of those who died by suicide:

• 77% male / 23% female

• 37% between the age of 45-64 / 14% between the age of 10-24 / 32% between the age of 25-44

• 49% of people who died by suicide had an identified mental health problem. This means that over one-half did not have a mental health issue.

• 31% experienced a crisis in the prior 2 weeks or an impending crisis.

While the President of the USA proclaims the month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month, churches are urged to develop, and executed, a plan of action that will assist all members, and the local community, that we serve. This presentation will provide a step-by-step (six steps in all) Suicide Prevention awareness campaign that consists of training, awareness, new initiatives, and media outreach, as follows:

1. Select a data-driven strategy - what are the desired outcomes?

2. Plan the initiative - what resources are needed and what is the overall goal for the initiative?

3. Conduct outreach and involvement - are people with lived experience involved in the planning process?

4. Put safeguards in place - have safe messaging guidelines been adhered to?

5. Measure the success - how will the data be collected and reflected?

6. Create a follow-up plan - is there a mechanism in place to contact participants or attendees throughout the year, not just during the month of September?

As the Maryland Faith Community Commissioner for Suicide Prevention, appointed by Governor Larry Hogan in 2019 (4-year term), I work closely with our state's faith leader community and organizations across our 23 counties as well as national organizations such as American Psychological Association, American Association of Christian Counselors, National Suicide Prevention Hotline, The National Alliance on Mental Illness, Interagency Working Group on Youth Programs, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and many, many others.

As Founder and Chief Executive of The Johnson Leadership Group LLC, Kevin provides organizations, and the people who work within them, with the tools to forge effective personnel and interpersonal communication. He delivers training on the elements of dynamic relationships, to equip teams with the attitudes and attributes needed to develop individuals into leaders. He does so through motivating workshops, seminars, insightful keynote speeches and compassionate coaching – all to encourage personal and professional growth. He is a John Maxwell Team certified trainer, coach, mentor and speaker, and an active member of the International Coach Federation. Kevin enjoyed a 34-year career (retired) in government and private industry as a middle-to-senior level leader. A native of Richmond, Virginia, he earned a B.S. in Business Administration and Management / Economics / Finance from Virginia Commonwealth University. Kevin is an ordained minister by the Church of God Ministries, Incorporated, Anderson, IN, and has held multiple leadership positions at the local, regional, national, and international levels, including Senior Pastor. His best-selling book series – Give God the Glory! – earned 19 literary awards from 2001 to 2013. He authors a weekly blog (www.kevinwaynejohnson.com/blog) and is the co-host of the monthly radio show (www.blogtalkradio.com/christianauthorsontour). He currently lives in Clarksville, Maryland, with his wife Gail and three sons.          

http://www.kevinwaynejohnson.com | http://www.facebook.com/kevinwaynejohnsonpage | http://www.instagram.com/writingforthelord | http://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwaynejohnson | http://www.youtube.com/kevinwaynejohnson | http://twitter.com/writing4thelord

As a Spiritual Image Developer Kristian helps his clients and congregants develop how they see themselves on the inside and how others see them externally. He understands that God looks at your heart and humans look at your outer appearance. His mission is to help you maximize both.

Kristian has served in many areas of ministry including worship leader, conference planner and facilitator, teacher, youth minister, pastor & founder of The Faith Community and leader of the Holy Smokes: Cigars & Spirituality Movement.

He is also the lead style consultant with P-Squared Custom Clothiers where he develops the professional images of his male and female clients.

Kristian is a fashion aficionado, a foodie and a cigar enthusiast who enjoys lifting weights (but hates cardio). He is married to his beautiful wife, Pamela Merritt.

About Pamela Merritt: Most of us have met at least one person whose presence has a way of emotionally disarming the people they encounter. For those who know Pamela Merritt, she is that one person. A native of Gainseville, GA, Pamela has dedicated her life's work to facilitating emotional and psychological wholeness in her community. She received her Bachelor of Social Work from Savannah State University where she became a member and chapter President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. She also earned her Master of Social from the University of Georgia. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Pamela has dedicated the majority of her career to working in community-based mental health where she has been instrumental in fostering emotional wellness for hundreds of her clients via individual and family therapy sessions. She also provides supervision and development for other mental health professionals to prepare them for licensure. Pamela has been invited to participate in various panel discussions where she provides unique and relevant insight in her field. Her focus includes Religious Trauma, Gay Affirmative Therapy, and Emotional Harmony. She is someone who believes emotional health should not be over-spiritualized and mysticized at the expense of "secular" forms of treatment. Her mission is to see people made emotionally and psychologically healthy whether it be through prayer, meditation & mindfulness, psychotherapy, or medication. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Kristian Smith, where she is the founder of the Harmonious Counseling & Wellness, LLC.

http://thefaithcommunity.org | https://www.facebook.com/TFCATL/ | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristian-smith-a1419179 | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9_91pc_P5HdUFlGEzyPYg | http://twitter.com/kristiansmith02

Storytelling as the Pathway to Healing and Reconciliation

By dismantling the problem narratives that distress us, we discover the beautiful truth that we are not our problems and we possess the power to change the trajectory of our lives.

Grounded in the core principles of narrative therapy, this presentation is designed to help leaders discover, embrace, and speak new realities for themselves and the organizations they lead. During the session, I share the core principles of narrative therapy and discuss how they can be applied in a broader sense to help organizational leaders affect meaningful, sustainable change personally, professionally, and organizationally. Such changes are achieved by naming their problems, separating their problems from their own identities, and appreciating the complex nature of problem narratives. When we understand how problem narratives operate, we are empowered to begin the work of dismantling them with alternative narratives grounded in the reality of our resilience and directed toward futures of healing and hope. Participants will leave the session with basic knowledge of narrative principles, a deeper understanding of how problem narratives inhibit personal and organizational development, and the ability to identify how their life narratives can be altered by deeper work in this discipline.

Dr. Latonya L. Agard has served as the pastor of the congregation at Bazzel Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Fuquay-Varina, NC, since 2011. Her desire is to inspire others to hope in Christ for their soul salvation and strength to overcome the demands of daily life. Her vision for Christian ministry is for believers to grow in their relationship with Christ so that they are empowered, equipped, and encouraged to call others into a life-giving relationship with our Lord. Under her leadership, the church has experienced spiritual and economic growth through a spiritual revival grounded in worship, discipleship, and the intentional ministry to the surrounding community. Dr. Agard’s ministry also includes service on the Fuquay-Varina Community Collaborative; and the Fuquay-Varina Area Interdenominational Minister’s Alliance, and the FACES (Family and Community Empowerment Services), formerly SWFCA, Board of Directors. As a clinically-trained Pastoral Counselor, Dr. Agard is committed to helping individuals and families find healing and wholeness through compassionate and competent spiritually-integrated psychotherapy. In 2019 she earned her certification as a North Carolina Fee-Based Practicing Pastoral Counselor Associate and founded her business, BeSpeak Solutions, Inc. Her company seeks to transform lives and communities through narrative-informed practices of pastoral counseling, mentoring, strategic planning, and consulting. Through BeSpeak Solutions, Inc., “Dr. A” teaches clients to separate themselves, their BEings, from the assumptions and patterns of the toxic language systems they inhabit. Clients then use this new self-knowledge to discover their unique gifts, find solutions to current problems, imagine new futures, and SPEAK them into existence. Dr Agard and her husband Sean live  and love in Fuquay-Varina. They are the proud parents of Leah Marie Agard and find deep joy in the gift of grandparenting Kiya Marie Connor.

http://www.bespeaksolutions.com | http://www.facebook.com/bespeaklive | https://www.linkedin.com/company/bespeak-solutions-inc

When the Bleeding is Internal     

The church needs to take a deeper look at behavioral health.

The goals of the presentation are to define mental illness, communicate the possible origins for some occurrences of mental illness in the African American community, raise the awareness of church leadership to the prevalence of mental illness and reduce the apprehension of seeking professional services for assistance.

Malone D. Smith is a native of Mobile AL. He is the middle son of Rev. Malone Smith, Jr., and Gwendolyn S. Smith.  He is an alumnus of Morehouse College. He has a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of New Haven,  a Master’s in Business Administration from The University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and received his Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH.

Dr. Smith has worked for several Fortune 100 companies during his professional career. Leadership Development at Entergy Services, Organizational behavior consulting with Accenture, Sales with Pfizer and he is presently in software sales. Dr. Smith also worked as a Deputy Director at the Florida Department of Children and Families. His work in that role with the state inspired his doctoral work where he examined the church’s role in assisting persons needing behavioral health assistance.

Malone is the pastor of Community of Hope A.M.E. Zion Church in Tallahassee, FL. He also serves as the Presiding Elder of the Tallahassee District of the AME Zion church. Malone is married to Tia S. Smith and they have an amazing son, Hunter Smith. Reading, golfing, and coaching baseball are his favorite activities."

http://www.hopeamez.com

Preventing a Post-Pandemic Playground for Predators

The church as community must implement systems to monitor and prevent virtual predators from online platforms, but the church as hospital must provide therapeutic support for those who wrestle with addictions that cause them to become predators.

This pandemic has forced many churches to begin moving all of their discipleship and fellowship to online platforms. The virtual sanctuary is an amazing innovation, but the reality is, this platform presents a dynamic that many leaders do not think about, especially as it relates to koinonia. Online platforms are often the breeding ground and incubator for sexual(?) predators. These predators could infiltrate every area from live worship to small groups, to even our children’s and youth ministries.

The challenge in a virtual sanctuary is that these are potential new members who are both committed to CHRIST but also battling with flesh. With the influx of potential new members, there must be a way to check/vet/screen their backgrounds as a component of assimilating them into the fellowship of the flock.

As the church, the leader or shepherd is responsible for protecting the sheep. This protection means ensuring that the sheep are not placed in danger by virtual predators. The church also has a dual responsibility of loving and welcoming new sheep, including those who may be sick, wounded, and in need of treatment.

This workshop will present strategies for doing both. We will discuss ways to set protocols and systems that are added to virtual assimilation to ensure that predators are identified and prevented from using the virtual platforms as a playground, but also ways to set up virtual support groups to provide therapeutic resources for those who are suffering from the sicknesses that lead them to be predators.

Napoleon Abram Bradford is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. He is the son of Napoleon and Ella Bradford. He is the oldest of three children. Napoleon graduated from Sumter High School, Morris College with a B.S. in Elementary Education, and Bowling Green State University with a M.Ed. in School Counseling and an Ed.S. in School Administration and Supervision.

He worked in Ohio as a Student Assistance Counselor. He returned to Sumter in 2006 to serve as a middle school administrator and high school guidance counselor.

Napoleon Bradford is a 2014 and 2020 graduate of the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University where he earned both a Master of Divinity in Theology and a second Doctor of Ministry. Napoleon is also a 2019 graduate of the School of Religion at Virginia University of Lynchburg with an earned Doctor of Ministry.

In 2017 GOD led Pastor Bradford to launch The L.I.F.E. Center, a Cyber-Community of CHRIST Followers where he serves as Lead Shepherd. In 2019, GOD birthed Gardening Greatness Church Solutions to facilitate Virtual Executive Pastoring for congregations that can’t afford the full-time staff member.

Dr. Bradford is the author of Daily L.I.F.E. Volume 1: Lessons for Living In Faith Everyday.

Napoleon is married to his 1st grade crush the former Karen Stacey Hilton, is the proud father of 5 of the greatest children ever: Portia, NeTyra, Napoleon, Noelle and Nylah, and proud grandfather of two.

http://facebook.com/napoleonabram | http://instagram.com/napoleonabram | http://linkedin.com/napoleonabram | http://youtube.com/c/thelifecentercyber | http://twitter.com/napoleonabram

Self-Care  as an Intervention for Vicarious Trauma

In this experiential workshop, participants will assess personal self-care needs, explore a new and innovative model of self-care that can be used for both survivors and those who support them, and identify self-care practices that support long-term well-being.

Clinical mental health research indicates that active self-care practices significantly reduce distress, enhance overall well-being, and can serve as an intervention for survivors of trauma. What is less frequently discussed are the preventative benefits of self-care for care givers, preachers, first responders, teachers, support staff, and mental health providers who care for trauma survivors and others seeking support.

Despite evidence, competing priorities and a professional culture that often results in limited time for self, create a barrier to identifying and then practicing a healthy self-care regimen. Without healthy self-care, the caregiver is likely to experience vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue.

In this experiential workshop, participants will assess personal self-care needs, explore a new and innovative model of self-care that can be used for both trauma survivors and those who support them, and identify self-care practices that support long-term well-being.

Dr. Raé N. Lundy is a licensed clinical psychologist, mental health activist, TEDx Speaker, and the Associate Vice President for Student Health, Counseling, and Wellness at Wiley College. Her mission is to improve psychological health and well-being within communities of color by engaging in honest conversations about self-care, fostering healing dialogue, and reducing mental health stigma.

Dr. Lundy has received several grants including the Rising Young Scholars Award from the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education. She serves on several boards most prominently Stand Up Speak Out, a national nonprofit created to support survivors of sexual trauma.

For Dr. Lundy, self-care is more than a passive wellness activity but rather a revolutionary way of being that can, when used intentionally, change lives.

http://www.theselfcaredoc.com | https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Ra%C3%A9-Nicole-159486601547563/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel&eid=ARAFwyZEQu633pEGnolszM1VZc-xs2PABAuoENm0Pmipujz2rTpFio7FfqxHQrdmo62dma6QhqO8ibJV | http://@theselfcaredoc | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rnlphd/ | https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rae+lundy+wiley

Love Big: The Power of Radical Self Love for Leaders

In order to lead well, you first have to be well and being well begins with loving self in holistically.

Often faith leaders focus on everything and everyone before caring for self. In this time of multiple crises - global pandemic, the stripping of LGBQT rights, ongoing deaths of Black people, white supremacy, and economic insecurity - leaders feel the urgency of caring for their community members. This urgency diminishes their capacity to care for self. This presentation will introduce participants to the concept of Love Big, created by Rozella Haydée White, which invites people to explore love as that which is life-giving, justice-seeking, and sustaining for the heart, mind, body, and soul. A  roadmap for loving self in order to be well and lead well will be offered, along with resources for sustaining one’s spiritual and emotional health.

Rozella Haydée White is a public theologian, spiritual life coach, leadership consultant, inspirational speaker and writer focused on nurturing life-giving and justice-seeking love in this world. She engages issues of faith, justice, self-awareness and love, mental illness, and the radical and transformative love of God as embodied in the person of Jesus.

Author of Love Big: The Power of Revolutionary Relationships to Heal the World, Rozella is known as the #LoveBigCoach. She is the owner of RHW Consulting and believes that everyone is gifted and has the power to transform themselves, their communities and the world when they take seriously their healing, fall in love with themselves and others, and align their actions with their values.

http://www.rozellahwhite.com | http://www.facebook.com/rozellahwhite | http://www.instagram.com/rozellahw