Practical Help for Pastors, Ministry Teams, Volunteer Leaders, and Ministry Students
Friday, October 9, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Forefront Church | 2520 Holland Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23453
Doors open at 8:30 AM for check-in, complimentary breakfast, and local resources.
When someone in your church is overwhelmed, in distress, or facing a mental health emergency, they may turn first to a pastor, staff member, elder, small-group leader, youth leader, or another trusted volunteer. That trust matters—but it can also leave ministry leaders wondering what to say, what to do, and when to bring in additional help.
This free morning training brings pastoral care and mental health expertise into the same room. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize when a situation may be a crisis, respond with calm and compassion, understand the boundaries of your role, involve professional or emergency support when needed, and connect people and families with helpful local resources.
Churches are encouraged to bring multiple members of their ministry and care teams. Space is limited to 100 attendees, and advance registration is required. Please complete one registration per attendee. If you register and later find that you are unable to attend, please let us know so we can make your spot available to someone else. Ministry students preparing for pastoral or other church leadership roles are warmly welcome.
Featuring
CARE in a Crisis: A Practical Framework for Responding to Mental Health Emergencies
Chris Conley, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor & Former Pastor
Chris Conley is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director at Turning Point Counseling and Consulting in Virginia Beach. A former pastor and founder of Open Harbor Consulting, Chris brings together experience in clinical mental health, ministry, counselor education, and community training.
Beyond the Pulpit: Knowing When to Seek Help in a Mental Health Crisis
Pastor Lamar Slade
Pastor, Newmarket Baptist Church & Mobile Crisis Worker
Pastor Lamar Slade serves as pastor of Newmarket Baptist Church in Hampton, Virginia, and as a mobile crisis worker for the City of Norfolk. A graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and former professional football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lamar brings together experience in pastoral ministry, counseling, Christian education, and community-based crisis response.
Morning Schedule
8:30 AM — Doors open, complimentary breakfast, check-in, and local resources
9:00 AM — Welcome & Opening
9:10–10:00 AM — CARE in a Crisis — Chris Conley
10:00 AM — Break, local resources
10:20–11:10 AM — Beyond the Pulpit — Pastor Lamar Slade
11:10 AM — Break, local resources
11:25–11:50 AM — Q&A with Chris & Lamar
11:50 AM — Closing
12:00 PM — Event concludes, local resources
Connect With Local Resources
Local mental health and community resource organizations will be available throughout the morning, including breakfast and check-in, breaks, and after the program.
Representatives from these organizations are scheduled to join us:
Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center
Kempsville Center for Behavioral Health
Turning Point Counseling and Consulting
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
This event is for pastors, church staff, elders and board members, and volunteer leaders who have a hands-on role caring for people. That includes leaders serving in youth ministry, small groups, pastoral care, prayer and care teams, recovery ministries, and similar roles. Churches are encouraged to bring several members of their team. Ministry students preparing for pastoral or other church leadership roles are also encouraged to attend.
Do I need to be a pastor or paid church staff member?
Not at all. If you are a trusted ministry leader who regularly supports people in your church, this training is for you. Volunteer leaders are welcome, and you do not need to be ordained or employed by a church to attend. Ministry students are welcome, too.
Is there a cost to attend?
No. The training and breakfast are complimentary. Space is limited, so we simply ask that everyone register in advance and let us know if their plans change.
What’s for breakfast?
We’re still putting the breakfast menu together and will share the details here and by email once everything is confirmed. Because breakfast is being provided for a group, we may not be able to accommodate every food allergy or dietary restriction. If you have questions about the menu, feel free to reach out so you can plan accordingly.
Can I submit a question for the speakers?
Absolutely. You’ll have the opportunity to include an optional question when you register. We’ll respond to as many questions as time allows during the Q&A with Chris and Lamar.
What should I expect from the morning?
You can expect practical guidance, honest conversation, time to ask questions, and opportunities to connect with local mental-health and community resources. Our goal is for you to leave feeling more prepared, supported, and confident about how to respond when someone turns to you for help.
I’d like to bring a training like this to my church or organization. Who should I contact?
We’d love to talk with you about what your church or organization needs and whether there may be an opportunity to work together. Email Chris at chris@openharborconsulting.com, and we’ll start with a conversation.
Event updates will be sent by email to the address used at registration.
Questions? Email chris@openharborconsulting.com.
This training is educational and is not a substitute for professional mental health assessment, formal training, treatment, or emergency services.