In an effort to help ministers and their families overcome and cope with various stressors in the mission field, the Adventist Church in Central Philippines (CPUC) organized a "Mental Health Summit for Ministers and Spouses" in Cebu. The summit aimed to equip delegates with essential insights and tools to promote mental health and develop resilience. Emphasizing early recognition of distress signs and effective management of mental well-being, the event provided valuable resources for maintaining a strong state of being.
The summit, themed "Hope Revived: Nurturing Mental Resilience and Well-Being," took place from July 24-27, 2024, at the Adventist Academy Cebu International Church (AAIC). This collaborative effort between the CPUC, the Adventist churches in East Visayas (EVC), and the Samar (SM) aimed to help ministers and their spouses face challenges, develop resilience, and enhance ministry effectiveness amidst growing mental health concerns, particularly in the workplace.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders affect approximately 20% of the population in the Western Pacific Region, which includes the Philippines. The increasing rates of anxiety, depression, and burnout among religious leaders highlight the critical need for targeted mental health programs within the church community.
Melodie Mae K. Inapan, CPUC Family and Adventist Children's Ministries director and Ministerial Spouses Association coordinator, along with Gaudencio C. Buque, CPUC Health Ministries director, and James B. Rubrico, CPUC Ministerial Association secretary and Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries/Adventist Mission director, ensured the program met its objectives. They invited experts in mental health, psychology, and psychiatry for plenary sessions, providing deep insights into various aspects of mental well-being.
The four-day program featured interactive breakout sessions, open dialogue forums, and sports activities. Participants engaged in discussions, raised questions, and shared experiences, fostering friendships and camaraderie.
Dr. Zeno L. Charles-Marcel, associate Health Ministries director of the Adventist General Conference, joined via Zoom and presented on "Understanding Mental Health and Its Problems." Although unable to attend in person due to Typhoon Carina, Dr. Charles-Marcel defined mental health, emphasized its importance, and discussed coping mechanisms to reduce stigma. Notably, mental health conditions are the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the WHO.
Dr. Mylene S. Gumarao, chairman of the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Graduate School Psychology Department, addressed "Understanding Burnout: Recognizing Signs, Triggers, and Prevention Strategies." She advised recognizing early warning signs, managing stress, and developing resilience to prevent burnout. Studies indicate that burnout affects nearly 50% of professionals in high-stress environments, including ministry.
On the other hand, Dr. Ma. Rizaline C. Alfanoso, Health Ministries director from the Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD), discussed "What Pastors Need to Know About Mental Health and the Church," aiming to educate ministers about mental health challenges in their ministry. Research shows that clergy members often experience higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to the general population.
Dr. Myrtle O. Grijalvo, Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) Undergraduate School Psychology Department chairman, facilitated a discussion on "Prevention and Intervention of At-Risk Individuals." She addressed cultural stigma around mental health and organized group activities to discuss interventions. Statistics from the National Statistics Office of the Philippines reveal that mental health disorders are a significant public health concern, with a high prevalence of untreated cases due to stigma.
Ricardo B. De Asis of Metro Ormoc Church spoke on "Elite Ministry Through Mental Health Education Tools," sharing his experiences and encouraging ministry to the elites. He quoted Ellen White, emphasizing the need to reach out to influential individuals.
During breakout sessions, Inapan and Glenda C. Catane led discussions for ministerial spouses, while Pastor De Asis facilitated a session for ministers. Catane focused on "Women and Self-Esteem," discussing factors affecting self-worth and strategies to improve it. Inapan addressed "Beneath the Shadows: Dealing with Depression in the Ministry," offering coping strategies for ministerial spouses.
On the Sabbath, Dr. Orville Jess A. Pandes, a professor of psychiatry and pharmacology at Manila Adventist College, discussed "Depression and Suicide: Spiritual Reflections for Christian Ministry." He emphasized the prevalence of depression in the Philippines and the church's role in supporting those affected. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports that suicide rates have been rising, underscoring the urgent need for mental health interventions.
Fernando J. Narciso, CPUC vice president for Integrated Lifestyle Evangelism/Nurturing Discipleship Retention (IEL/NDR), led a commitment service to mark the event's conclusion. He encouraged resilience, hope, and renewal, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the foundation for well-being. Pastor Rubrico closed with a commitment prayer, entrusting the ministers and their spouses to God's care.
Joer Tamboler Barlizo, CPUC president, expressed his delight at the event's success and emphasized the benefits of such training. He encouraged continued efforts to improve future summits, stating, "Let us strive to make the next mental health summit even better and bigger. This training is precisely what our church needs."
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website.