Description
411: Psychiatry and Missions
Sarah Neely, M.D.
Ethnē Health Clinic
4122 E Ponce de Leon Ave., Ste. 5
Clarkston, GA 30021
Summary
Historically, mission-minded medical students have been strongly encouraged to pursue a career in primary care. Why is that? In part, this has to do with practicality, but what if God has bigger ideas than we do about how we may join in His kingdom work? On the other hand, Christians in the medical field have been strongly discouraged from pursuing psychiatry, which has led to a severe shortage of Christian psychiatrists, and even fewer who have not had their hearts for missions dampened. What is behind these sentiments, and how can people who are drawn to psychiatry and mental health pursue our call to honor God and share His love with all nations? This workshop will attempt to explore these questions and, perhaps, begin to reveal some answers.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Recognize the history of fear and misunderstanding of mental health in the Church and explore paths to progress
• Describe how God has used, and will continue to use, those serving in the mental health field in both local and global missions
• Analyze various opportunities for psychiatry on the mission field
