Church Mental Health Summit Returns October 7–10, Equipping Church Leaders to Care with Confidence

Free global online event brings together pastors, ministry leaders, and clinicians for practical, faith-informed mental health and care ministry training

ONLINE, ONTARIO, CANADA, September 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The 2026 Church Mental Health Summit, hosted by Hope Made Strong, will return online October 7–10, 2026, bringing together ministry leaders from around the world for practical training, trusted voices, and resources designed to strengthen the Church’s capacity to care.
Built around the theme “Get Equipped to Care,” the Summit helps pastors, care teams, ministry leaders, clinicians, volunteers, and lay leaders move beyond mental health awareness and toward practical, sustainable care within their churches and communities.

“Church leaders care deeply about the people they serve, but they don’t always feel equipped for the complex needs that walk through their doors,” says Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong and host of the Church Mental Health Summit. “The Summit exists to close that gap by giving leaders practical tools, trusted training, and the confidence to care well.”

The 2026 Summit has expanded to three full days of training, followed by a bonus day on World Mental Health Day, October 10. Attendees will have access to keynote sessions, practical workshops, pre-recorded teaching, downloadable resources, and conversations focused on strengthening care ministry in the local church.

Featured Speakers

The 2026 Church Mental Health Summit will feature 45+ speakers from across the fields of ministry, theology, mental health, leadership, and care. A sample of this year’s speakers includes:
Ruth Haley Barton — Founder and Chief Essence Officer, Transforming Center
John Swinton — Professor, University of Aberdeen
Drew Hyun — President, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship
Davey Blackburn — President & Co-Founder, Nothing Is Wasted
Chuck Hunt — Senior Director of Training, Fuller Youth Institute
Dr. Brian Fikkert — Founder, Chalmers Center for Economic Development; Professor of Economics and Community Development, Covenant College
Evan Owens — Founder & Executive Director, REBOOT Recovery
Reina Olmeda — Director of Mental Health Initiative, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference

They will be joined by pastors, theologians, clinicians, ministry leaders, care practitioners, and organizational leaders from around the world, bringing a wide range of perspectives to conversations around mental health, spiritual formation, leadership, healing, and care ministry.

Six Areas of Care
The 2026 Summit is organized around six core areas designed to help churches develop more holistic and sustainable cultures of care:
- Spiritual Formation
- Leadership
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Healing & Recovery
- Community & Outreach
- Families & Students

Across these areas, attendees will explore topics such as spiritual rhythms, leader resilience, trauma, grief, addiction and recovery, suicide prevention, family and student ministry, community partnerships, mental health support in the church, and the development of sustainable care ministries.

The event is designed to be accessible to church leaders regardless of denomination, location, ministry size, or budget. Free access is available, allowing participants around the world to learn from thought leaders and practitioners in faith, mental health, and care ministry. Additional options include an All Access Pass and Church Licensing.

More than simply an online conference, the Church Mental Health Summit is part of a growing movement to help churches become places where people experience practical support, belonging, and hope.

“We believe churches can play an incredible role in supporting the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of their communities,” Howe says. “When ministry leaders are equipped with good tools, healthy frameworks, and trusted resources, compassion can become confident action.”

Event Details

What: Church Mental Health Summit 2026
Hosted by: Hope Made Strong
Dates: October 7–10, 2026
Location: 100% Online
Cost: Free registration available
Website: ChurchMentalHealthSummit.com

About Hope Made Strong

Hope Made Strong exists to create cultures of care by equipping ministry leaders with best practices, tools, and strategies to build and sustain thriving care ministries within local churches. Rooted in belonging, purpose, and hope, Hope Made Strong supports holistic care that empowers individuals and communities to flourish.

The Church Mental Health Summit is a global online gathering hosted by Hope Made Strong that brings together pastors, care leaders, clinicians, ministry teams, and trusted voices to bridge the gap between mental health awareness and practical care ministry.

Media Contact:
Laura Howe
Hope Made Strong
laura@hopemadestrong.org

Website: ChurchMentalHealthSummit.com

Laura Howe
Hope Made Strong
+1 519-788-5005
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