Psychiatry and the Great Commission

Matthew 28:19 tells us to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’. As psychiatrists, we are in a privileged position to advocate for the integration of a spiritual approach to routinely delivered mental healthcare. As Christians in this sphere, we can also seek out opportunities to demonstrate Christ’s love and share the Gospel. In this conference we will learn together how we can share the compassion of Christ with a bruised and hurting world.

The aim is to share practical ideas about how this can be done across two broad domains:

• Christian psychiatrists engaging the general public
• Christian psychiatrists engaging patients

Organising Committee

This event is aimed at psychiatrists at any stage. Other medics, healthcare professionals and medical students are also welcome. You don’t need to be a member of CMF to attend.

Programme

Saturday 24 February

09:30 Registration and coffee
10:00 Welcome
Felicia Wong
10:15 The Great Commission
Alan Thomas
10:45 Group prayer
11:00 Coffee
11:15 Engaging with the general public
Stephen Critchlow
12:00 Discussion groups and group prayer
12:45 Lunch
13:45 Confidence in bringing up matters of faith with patients
Stephanie Moss
14:30 Referral pathways for spiritual care
(group discussion)
15:30 Next steps for CMF psychiatry and closing prayer
Claire Wilson
16:00 Depart

Speakers

Alan Thomas is Professor of Old Age Psychiatry at Newcastle University and has been a Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist in Gateshead for the last 15 years. He serves as an elder in his local evangelical church, preaches regularly, and has recently published a book with IVP aimed at guiding Christian leaders in how to help people in our churches who are suffering with mental illness. Alan is married to Shona and they have three adult children.

Stephen Critchlow worked as a psychiatrist for the elderly in Northern Ireland and has also been a church pastor. For six years he has been conducting talks for the general public on mental health issues, which include a spiritual dimension. His recent book is Mindful of the Light: practical help and spiritual hope for mental health.

Stephanie Moss is a part-time GP in the Sparkhill area of Birmingham and CMF Associate Staffworker for Workplace Evangelism.

Claire Wilson is a Psychiatry Trainee in London and currently doing a PhD as an MRC Clinical Research Fellow. She is also the CMF psychiatry specialty link.

Felicia Wong is Head of Graduate Ministries at CMF and a GP.