Project HELP is an initiative of WMU that identifies a critical issue and seeks to raise the level of awareness of that issue and provide practical approaches anyone can implement to open the door to meeting needs and sharing the gospel. The current Project HELP critical issue is Mental Health.

As Christians, we can uniquely respond to and support people experiencing mental health challenges. We can compassionately respond to their physical needs, encourage them to seek help for their mental and emotional needs, and share with them how to satisfy their spiritual needs through the eternal hope found in Jesus Christ.

Through Project HELP: Mental Health, WMU is providing multiple avenues for churches to raise awareness of mental health as a critical issue in all of our lives and equip members to lead and champion mental health initiatives both in the church and in local communities.

Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. 

The information shared here is not meant to diagnose or treat a mental health condition. We encourage you to follow up with your healthcare provider and seek a mental health professional for individual consultation and care.

TRAINING/EQUIPPING OPPORTUNITIES

Below are opportunities provided by Tennessee WMU, national WMU, and association/church WMU groups to raise awareness and equip you to lead and champion mental health initiatives in your church and community.

MENTAL HEALTH: The Church’s Response

Online Course from National WMU

Cost: $30

Take the online course Mental Health: The Church’s Response to discover more about mental health and ways to help those with mental health struggles. You will be equipped with ongoing access to resources for leading a conference about mental health such as a PowerPoint presentation, presentation notes, flyers, and posters. You will have 30 days from the day you register to complete the course, and will receive a link that will never expire for access to teaching resources that are updated periodically.

For information and to register visit www.christianleaderlearning.com/courses/mental-health-the-churchs-response

Mental Health First Aid Training

Tennessee WMU is collaborating with churches, associations, and other ministries in 2025 to host adult and youth Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training events across the state as part of our emphasis on the critical issue of mental health.

  • MHFA is a skills-based training that teaches participants to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use challenges.
  • Each MHFA training requires a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 30 participants.
  • The registration cost for participants is $10 per person, which covers lunch.
  • The Tennessee Department of Health provides instructors through community partners who are trained to lead youth and adult MHFA.

If your church, association, or ministry is interested in hosting a MHFA training event, contact Vickie Anderson at vanderson@tnbaptist.org or 615-371-7918

Adult Mental Health First Aid Training  

Mental Health First Aid for Adults is an 8-hour training that teaches people how to recognize signs of mental health or substance use challenges in adults ages 18 and older, how to offer and provide initial help, and how to guide a person toward appropriate care if necessary. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, psychosis, and addictions.

Click Here for Dates & Locations of Scheduled Adult MHFA Training Events

Youth Mental Health First Aid Training   

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 8-hour for adults who regularly interact with young people ages 12 to 18 – youth ministers/workers, parents, teachers, school staff, etc. This training will introduce common mental health challenges for youth, review typical adolescent development, and teach a 5-step action plan to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders.

Click Here for Dates & Locations of Scheduled Youth MHFA Training Events

Mental Health & The Church Conferences Sponsored by Associations & Churches

Sponsored by Hamilton Co Association Sisters Who Care/WMU
Mental & Emotional Wellness Education Conference
Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Chattanooga at Love Fellowship Baptist Church starting at 9:15 am

Breakout sessions, resource fair, and more to help you learn more about the challenges, opportunities, and resources available for mental health and how to mobilize the church for healing. Click here for more information.

RESOURCES

Websites

Here is a listing of some web sites offering mental health information, resources, free training courses, etc.*

*Please be aware that all of the opinions, beliefs, and statements on these resource web sites do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of TBMB.

Videos

Trauma, Depression, Spiritual and Sexual Abuse
A Tennessee Golden Hour podcast with Matt Tullos, Beth Moore, and Joana Perez, a Licensed Counselor Specializing in trauma.

Teens, Social Media, and the Family Dance
A Tennessee Golden Hour podcast with Matt Tullos, Beth Moore, and Joana Pere discussing family dynamics, social media and its influence on teens, as well as other mental health topics.

Surviving Emotional Rollercoasters
Matt and Beth welcome back Joana Perez for another conversation about emotional health during the holiday season, post-Helene recovery, and sketchy political environments. I know. It’s a lot.

Reading

Trading Up: Bible Stories that Move Us from Pain to Peace

Your Pain is Changing You

By Dr. David Crosby
Copyright(c) 2014 by David Crosby. Published by New Hope Publishers, an imprint of Iron Stream Media.Used with permission.