Theologically informed pastoral care for young people in the contemporary world
Description
Caring for young people in a complex world
Young people are growing up in a world shaped by digital culture, AI, changing conversations about identity and relationships and increasing concern around mental health and wellbeing.
For parents, ministry leaders, teachers, chaplains, counsellors and others who care for young people, the questions can feel complex.
How do we respond with theological depth, pastoral sensitivity and practical wisdom?
This three-day intensive from the Mental Health Institute and Mary Andrews College is designed to help Christians better understand the world young people are growing up in, and care for them with informed, compassionate and theologically grounded support.
You can attend one day, two days or all three days as Professional Development, either in person or online.
Dates: Monday 12 – Wednesday 14 October
Time: 9.00am – 5.00pm each day
Format: In person and online
Cost: $150 per day
Choose the days that fit your context:
Agenda
- 9:00 am
Monday 12 October – Digital culture, AI and connection
Join us on Monday if you want to think about digital culture, AI, relationships, personhood, independence and spiritual formation. Topics include: • key questions in caring for young people today; • how relationships shape personhood; • supporting growth into independent adulthood; • AI chatbots and what they reveal about connection; • spiritual formation in relational ecosystems.
- 9:00 am
Tuesday 13 October – Created humanity, sexuality and relationships
Join us on Tuesday if you want to think carefully and pastorally about created humanity, sexuality, consent, relationships and online content. Topics include: • theological anthropology and our created humanity; • young people and sexuality; • consent and respectful relationships; • gender dysphoria; • sexualised online content.
- 10:30 am
Wednesday 14 October – Neurodivergence, wellbeing and mental health
Join us on Wednesday if you want to better understand neurodivergence, wellbeing, mental health and the digital native experience. Topics include: • neurodivergence; • the digital native experience and its consequences; • supporting wellbeing in children and young people; • mental health and mental illness in young lives. NOTE: The Spotlight Session with Kate Morris on the Monday evening is part of this content so you can either watch it live (in person or online) on the Monday night OR watch the recording on Wednesday morning before the rest of the content delivery kicks off at 10.30am.
Interested in neurodivergence, wellbeing and young people?
The Neurodivergence, Children and the Church Spotlight forms part of this wider intensive.
If this topic is especially relevant in your family, church, school or ministry, Wednesday 14 October is the most directly related Professional Development day.
You are welcome to attend Wednesday only, or join us for all three days to explore the broader pastoral and theological questions shaping young people today.
Who is this Professional Development for?
These PD days are especially suited to:
children’s, youth and young adult ministry leaders;
pastoral care teams;
teachers, chaplains and school counsellors;
mental health professionals;
parents, grandparents and carers;
anyone concerned for the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of children and young people.
Attend individually, or come with others from your church, school or ministry team.
Ways to attend
You can register for:
one day as Professional Development;
two days as Professional Development;
all three days as Professional Development.
If you would like to go deeper on these issues please book a chat with the Mary Andrews College team who can help you explore the options.
You can also find out about studying through MAC here: https://www.mac.edu.au/our-units
Any questions? Contact mentalhealthinstitute@mac.edu.au
Speakers
Rev Dr Keith Condie
Topic/s: Monday - How relationships shape personhood and supporting growth into independent adulthood Wednesday - Supporting wellbeing in children and young people Biography: Keith teaches some units in the Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health at Mary Andrews College. Keith and his wife Sarah are Co-Directors of the Mental Health Institute at ADM. Keith was previously a lecturer and Dean of Students at Moore Theological College.
Amy Yeung
Topic/s: Monday - Young lives in a complex world - key questions and issues Monday - AI chatbots and what they tell us about the enduring importance of social connection Wednesday - Mental health and mental illness in young lives Biography: Amy teaches in the areas of mental health and wellbeing. For over 15 years she has been studying these two fields and integrating them through her work with young people in Australia and Canada. Prior to joining the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute, she developed The Sanctuary Youth Series, a free youth mental health and faith resource.
Mel Hanger
Topic/s: Monday - Spiritual formation in relational ecosystems Biography: Creating an environment where students can flourish and study well is a priority for Mary Andrews College. Mel contributes to this endeavour through developing and improving vital systems and processes. She welcomes your feedback and loves generally encouraging students during their time here.
Dr Rachel O’Brien
Topic/s: Tuesday - Young people and sexuality: consent and respectful relationships Biography: Rachel is an Education Consultant working to lift learning in NSW Independent schools in partnership with teachers & leaders. Educator with experience in tertiary teacher education and secondary education focusing in 7-10 PDHPE, HSC PDHPE and IB Sports Exercise and Health Science. Skilled in Lecturing, Curriculum Development, Health Education, Nutrition Education, and Research. As as educator Rachel is energetic and innovative. She applies her research skills and knowledge to engage in critical pedagogy and practice. Rachel has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from the University of Sydney for her research on Masculinities in Elite Boys' Schools.
Kate Morris
Topic/s: Monday night Spotlight: Neurodivergence, family, and faith. Creating welcoming spaces. (Followed up by discussion of Spotlight content led by Amy Yeung on Wednesday morning) Biography: Kate is a writer, speaker, podcast host, and Honorary Research Fellow at Mary Andrews College. She has lived experience as a mother of neurodivergent children. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Education (specialising in Gifted Education, UNSW), a Diploma of Bible and Missions (Moore Theological College), and a Graduate Certificate in Autism and Neurodivergent Studies (University of Wollongong). She has also engaged in long-term cross-cultural mission in France with CMS, working with children and young people. Kate equips families and churches with practical, Bible-shaped resources about neurodiversity. (Kate's Spotlight Session will be hosted in person and online on Monday evening. For those PD students who can't attend on Monday evening, there will be time on Wednesday morning to watch the Session before Amy Yeung leads the discussion of Spotlight content)
Emma Argall
Topic/s: Tuesday - Essential conversations to have with young people navigating sexualised online content Biography: Before joining ADM, Emma worked as a high school teacher for over twenty years and is mum to three teenagers. She cares deeply about young people and is both fascinated and daunted by the opportunities and challenges of this cultural moment. Her particular interest lies in relationship, sex and consent education in an increasingly online world. She hopes to play a small part in equipping and encouraging fellow adults—whether they know Jesus or not—to become the kind of people our young people need us to be.
Trinette Stanley
Topic/s: Wednesday - Tecchnology and young people Biography: Trinette serves as a Pastoral Care Liaison at Macarthur Anglican School, where walks alongside students to support their mental health and overall wellbeing. She is passionate about providing early support in a safe and welcoming environment, empowering students in both their personal and academic pursuits. She has an extensive background in parish ministry, training young adults through the Year 13 Gap Year program, as well as providing local churches with theologically informed mental health training. Trinette holds a Bachelor of Theology and a Graduate Certificate of Pastoral Care for Mental Health from the Australian College of Theology, and is currently completing a Master of Social Work through Charles Sturt University.
FAQs
- Can I attend just one day?
Yes. You can attend one day, two days or all three days as Professional Development.
- Is this available online?
Yes. The intensive is available both in person and online.
- Which day should I choose if I am interested in neurodivergence?
Wednesday 14 October is the most directly related day. It will explore neurodivergence, the digital native experience, wellbeing, mental health and mental illness in young lives.
The Spotlight event is part of this content so you can either watch it live (in person or online) on the Monday night OR watch the recording on Wednesday morning before the rest of the content delivery kicks off at 10.30am.
- Who is this for?
This intensive is for ministry workers, teachers, chaplains, school counsellors, mental health professionals, parents, grandparents, carers and others caring for young people.
- Is this the same as the Neurodivergence Spotlight?
The Spotlight event is connected to the wider intensive. If you are especially interested in neurodivergence, Wednesday 14 October is the most directly related PD day.
- Can I come with my ministry team?
Yes. This could be a helpful opportunity for children’s, youth, young adult or pastoral care teams to learn and reflect together.
- How much does it cost?
Professional Development tickets are $150 per day. If you have already bought a ticket to the spotlight event, please contact us to receive a discount on the Wednesday PD day.
- Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact:
mentalhealthinstitute@mac.edu.au
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
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