The Importance of Mental Health In The Church with Hope Made Strong Creator Laura Howe
Why do so many leaders feel stretched thin even when they love the work? Laura Howe, founder of Hope Made Strong, helps untangle that question with a blend of honesty and practical insight. She shares her own story of compassion fatigue, the gap she noticed between community care and church culture, and how that tension sparked a global movement toward healthier ministry. Laura offers a grounded vision for sustainable care—one rooted in belonging, clarity, and the simple practices that help people stay well while they serve.
Inter-Mission Experiences: A Panel Discussion
Rev. John Borthwick is joined by ministry leaders Gale Macdonald, Meg Patterson, Matthew Brough, and Matthew Sams to discuss their personal experiences with the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Intermission policy—a 10-week paid leave available every five years for rest and renewal.
Each guest shares how they discovered the policy, what motivated them to take it, how they prepared, and what they experienced during their time away. They reflect on challenges such as feeling guilty, setting boundaries with their congregations, and overcoming the initial difficulty of truly resting. Despite diverse ministry contexts, all found the intermission deeply rejuvenating and ultimately beneficial not just for themselves, but also for their congregations.