Season 10: Episode 12 | Daniel Whitehead | Can the Church Be a Sanctuary for Mental Health?

Watch or listen to Daniel Whitehead, CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries being interviewed by Rev. Dr. Andrew Stirling. Daniel spent 10 years in full-time vocational ministry, including eight years as senior pastor of a church. His other roles include being an adjunct faculty member at Regent College in Vancouver, BC; serving as a committee member on the International Network on Theology & Mental Health; and being a member of the advisory group for the Centre of Spirituality, Health & Disability. In this episode, Daniel talks about the value of the unseen in our society who are often overlooked because of mental health and other challenges. And how inviting them into Christian community can not only bring value to their lives, but from their lived experience, can also bring value to ours. 

 Read the transcript: https://biblesociety.ca/transcript-scripture-untangled-s10-ep12

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Daniel Whitehead is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. His other roles include being an adjunct faculty member at Regent College in Vancouver, BC; serving as a committee member on the International Network on Theology & Mental Health; and being a member of the advisory group for the Centre of Spirituality, Health & Disability. Previously, Daniel spent 10 years in full-time vocational ministry, including eight years as senior pastor of a church. Daniel hails from the UK and now resides in Vancouver. He is married to Annie and has two children. He is also a certified mediator and holds a double master's degree in theology. 

Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries equips the Church to support mental health and well-being. In 2018, Sanctuary launched its flagship resource, The Sanctuary Course. This small-group study guide uses films and discussions to explore key mental health topics, examining meaningful ways to offer companionship, support recovery, and promote well-being. Additional resources are continually being developed, including The Sanctuary Course for Catholics, When a Loved One Dies by Suicide, the Sanctuary Songs album, The Sanctuary Blog, and The Sanctuary Youth Series. Sanctuary's resources are developed in collaboration with theologians, mental health professionals, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges. These resources prepare communities of faith around the world to raise awareness, reduce stigma, support mental health, and promote mental well-being. 

Learn more about Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries: https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/