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Seminaries:Mental HealthThe report has been prepared for:Donna Miller, PsychDAssociate for Mental Health MinistriesCompassion, Peace and JusticeSusan Barnett, PhDJashalund Royston, MAResearch ServicesJanuary 2020
ProcessResearch Servicesworks with clientsto determine thepurpose of thework, who shouldbe surveyed, andtimeline. Preliminary meetings were held with Mental Health Initiative (MHI) staffleadership to discuss the workFive surveys were designedResearch Services supplied mid council, church leaders, and memberscontactsMHI provided the seminary contactsSurveys were approved by MHI leadershipSurveys were sent to ministers in SeptemberSurveys were sent to mid council leaders, church leaders, seminaries,and church members in OctoberLinks to all surveys were on the MHI websiteThe survey process included an invitation to participate, two reminders,and an immediate thank you upon completion of the surveySurveys closed on November 1 for mid council leaders, church leaders,church members, and seminariesThe ministers survey closed on November 15* 12 participants responded to the survey and only 5 completed it in its entirety. Given the small number ofresponses, the following slides are for information purposes, and the findings cannot be generalized to the widerpopulation.Seminary: Mental Health pg. 2
Does the seminary's curriculuminclude material about mental health issues?N 12651We cover mentalissues as one ofthe topics in classWe do not covermental healthissuesWe have classesdevoted entirely tomental healthissuesSeminary: Mental Health pg. 3
General knowledge of mental health and mental illnessThe current curriculum includes the following content areas that focus on:CountN 3Current medical researchregarding the causes and riskfactors related to mentalillnessesSubstance use disordersand recovery programs3Spiritual and socialdimensions of mental health2Dynamics of trauma andtrauma-informed care1Mental health issues/illnesses across thelifespan1Pathways to culturallyappropriate mental healthsupport for cultural sub-groups1All of the above3Signs, symptoms, andtreatments of common mentalillnesses including those withpsychotic symptoms2Mental health impact ofpoverty and systemicracism1Suicide educationand prevention31Seminary: Mental Health pg. 4
General knowledge of mental health topicsas a part of your institutions educational program are Required for all M.Div. studentsn 2Required for students in somedegree tracks n 1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 5
Models and skills for advancing mental health ministry in congregationsThe current curriculum for skill development includes the following content areas:Biblical and theologicalfoundations informing mentalhealth ministry33Distinguishing spiritualand mental health careMaking appropriatemental health referralsLegal and ethicalframeworks of ministry(confidentiality andmandatory reportingprotocols)Suicide awarenessand prevention3Breaking down stigma andstereotypes about mentalhealth conditions, especiallyserious mental illness3Mental Health First Aidtraining2Engaging and supportingloved ones of personsaffected by mental illnesses2Providing “traumainformed” pastoral care321Seminary: Mental Health pg. 6
Teaching about mental health ministry,as a part of your institutions educational program are Required for all M.Div. studentsn 2Required for students in some degreetracks n 1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 7
Students’ preparation for ministry current curriculum focuses on CountN 5Self-care, boundary-setting,and self-awarenessn 3Participation in personalcounseling/ therapyn 2Seminary: Mental Health pg. 8
General topics related to mental health aspects of students’ preparation forministry are a part of your institution's educational program are Required for all M.Div. studentsn 2Required for students in some degreetracks n 1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 9
Who is involved in the teaching of mental health-related content?CountN 3Full-time professors of pastoral care with theological andmental health backgrounds3Visiting professors2Mental health professionals2Guest lecturers1Practicum and placement supervisors1Part-time faculty with a mental health specialty1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 10
All M.Div. students training for ministry are expected to undertake personalcounseling or therapy as part of their preparations.CountN 5Strongly agreen 3Agreen 1Neutraln 1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 11
All students training for ministry would be expected to participate in a peersupport/personal growth groupCountN 5Strongly agreen 3Agreen 2Seminary: Mental Health pg. 12
All ministers serving congregations should be encouraged to enlist a trainedconsultant with whom they regularly meet to confidentially discuss issuesarising in congregational ministry.CountN 5Strongly agreen 1Agreen 4Seminary: Mental Health pg. 13
All ordained ministers should be encouraged to enlist a trainedconsultant outside of their congregation with whom they are regularlymeet to confidentially discuss issues arising in congregational ministry.CountN 5Strongly agreen 1Agreen 3Neutraln 1Seminary: Mental Health pg. 14
This institution provides free or low-cost confidential counseling/ therapy to None of its StudentsCountN 51Some Students2All Students2Seminary: Mental Health pg. 15
Top five topics in order of importance that respondents would like to seestrengthened at their institution*123CountN 3Self-care, boundary setting, and self-awarenessPreaching and teaching about mental health and mentalillnessPersonal counseling/therapy requirement as a componentof training for ministry4Mental Health First Aid skills for pastors5Making appropriate mental health referrals*Responses for all options are found in a separate Excel file.Seminary: Mental Health pg. 16
Respondents’ awareness of mental health resourcesavailable to congregations, mid councils, and seminariesCountN 5Only 1 is aware that 250,000 has been setaside to expand or initiatemental health ministries.Only 1 is aware of theMental Health MinistrywebsiteSeminary: Mental Health pg. 17
church members, and seminaries The ministers survey closed on November 15 * 12 participants responded to the survey and only 5 completed it in its entirety. Given the small number of responses, the following slides are for information purposes, and the findings cannot be generalized to the wider population.
