JUNE 11-12, 2026
Registration @ 8:30am; Dismissal @ 4:00pm
Mental wellness is not a program churches add. It is a culture that churches embody.
Join us as pastors, leaders, community members, and mental health professionals explore how to move from the intersection of faith and mental health to integration.
Hosted By:
Meet the In-Person Speakers
Here are the amazing speakers you’ll hear from!
Plenary speaker Thursday & Friday
Daniel Whitehead is the CEO of Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. Daniel’s other roles include adjunct faculty at Regent College; member of the International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership; committee member on the International Network on Theology and Mental Health; and member of the advisory group for the Centre of Spirituality, Health and Disability. Previously, he spent ten years in full-time vocational ministry, serving as senior pastor of a church for eight years. Daniel hails from the UK, but now resides in Vancouver, BC. He is also a certified mediator and a double theology graduate of Regent College (MA, ThM).
In-Person Local Workshop Speakers
Spencer Conway is a pastor and next-generation leader in Halifax, discipling youth, serving at Rock Church, and One Conference.
Glen Berry is Associate Professor of Pastoral Psychology at Acadia Divinity College and Director of the Taylor Centre, equipping pastors in mental health and care
Dr. Christopher Lively is a forensic psychology professor who helps churches build mental health literacy with practical, research-informed insight.
Brent Haas co-leads Encounter Church, creating spaces where faith and mental health are explored with honesty, grace, and practical support.
Melissa Haas co-leads Encounter Church, creating worshipful spaces where people encounter Jesus, community, healing, and hope.
Chris Ivany leads Rock Church with a passion for sharing hope, developing leaders, and strengthening communities across Nova Scotia.
Colin Wallace leads the recovery ministry at Deep Water Church, creating safe spaces for mental wellness, healing, and practical community support.
Amanda Leo Hodgins co-leads Journey Toward Hope, helping others explore healing, belonging, purpose, and hope through honest reflection.
☆Full Summit☆
Truro Church Mental Health Summit
Price includes Thursday & Friday Events
REGISTER NOW
☆Leader Luncheon☆
Free Luncheon For Pastors & Leaders
Registration for Pastors and Leaders only
REGISTER NOW
Who Should Attend?
Whether you're leading from the pulpit, supporting behind the scenes, or serving in your community, this Summit is for you.
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Pastors and church leaders supporting mental health in their congregations
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Care ministry teams and volunteers seeking practical tools and encouragement
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Mental health professionals and providers collaborating with faith communities
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Anyone passionate about faith-based mental health support
If you believe the Church has a role in mental wellness, you’re in the right place.
Here's what you can expect:
Thursday, June 11, 2026
12noon - 2 pm
Pastor/Leaders Lucheon
7 pm
Community Event
What does it look like when faith communities make space not just for information about mental health, but for the full texture of human experience?
This evening, We invite you into a different kind of conversation - one told through film, music, and story. We'll screen short films from people whose lived experience of mental health struggle has become a source of witness.
And we'll explore why Sanctuary has made the arts central to its mission: because sometimes the truest things resist being said plainly. The arts create space for lament, for connection, for the kind of recognition that heals. In the middle of a struggle, beauty is not a distraction. It is a path toward Shalom.
Come ready to feel something. This is an evening for yourself.
Friday, June 12, 2026
8:30 am - Registration
9:00 am - Welcome/Worship
9:20 am - Plenary Session
10:00 am - Break
10:15 am - Workshop A
11:15 am - Workshop B
12:15 pm - Lunch
1:15 pm - Panel Discussion
2:15 pm - Break
2:30 pm - Workshop C
3:30 pm - Closing Plenary
Meet the Hosts
Hello!
As the host of this Church Mental Health Summit, we’re grateful for the opportunity to gather with church leaders, ministry teams, and mental health professionals for open conversations about faith and mental wellness as a lifestyle.
Our team is excited to begin this journey of equipping churches with practical tools and insights to make mental wellness a natural part of everyday life. When faith and well-being go hand in hand, they create a lifestyle that encourages strength, resilience, and deeper connections within our church families and communities.
We can’t wait to welcome you into this conversation, learn from one another, and grow together toward the image of Christ, encouraging a healthier, stronger Church.
– The Archway Counselling Association Team
Rachel Quirt, Maryann Skinner, and Brian Schrock
What you should know:
📆
WHEN
June 11-12, 2026
Thursday @ 7pm
Friday @ 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
🎥
PRESENTATIONS
1 Community Event
2 Keynote Sessions
5 Workshop Options
1 Panel Discussion
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COMMUNITY EVENT
A fantastic experience with our Keynote speaker, Daniel Whitehead of Sanctuary Mental Health.
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Pastor & Leaders Luncheon
Dedicated time for Pastors and Leaders to connect with Daniel Whitehead.
🍽️
LUNCH INCLUDED
Registration includes access to all sessions, snacks, including lunch
WHAT HAVE PEOPLE SAID?
Previous Participant
"Thank you for planning, organizing, and leading the church in this important conversation. It truly was a remarkable day"
Previous Participant
"It was a lot of information but glad to be talking about Mental Health and how we as a church can help. Thank you for providing this opportunity"
Previous Participant
"Great day! Thanks to all who worked to make it happen and look forward to attending the next one!
