Depression and the Church Leader, Rev. Kurt Ebert and Dan Nommensen

Presentation Description

Mental health challenges are on the rise. Being a church leader doesn’t mean you are immune. Some studies have indicated that the rate of depression for clergy is close to double the rate in the average population. Sin and its consequences impact our physical, spiritual and emotional lives. Pastor Kurt Ebert of Christ Alone Lutheran and Dan Nommensen of Christian Family Solutions, the WELS-affiliated agency for Christian counseling, will be discussing depression within the church, including among church leadership.

You will hear firsthand how a leader in the church can be impacted, recognize the lies of depression, and appreciate how joy can once again be experienced in ministry. Dan and Kurt will describe important resources available for leaders and those they serve. You will learn how to get started on a grace-based approach to encouraging and loving people who struggle with mental health and wellness.

This breakout is not just for church leaders who might be struggling with some level of depression. It is for church leaders who want to learn how to help others with depression, so that we can heed St. Paul’s direction. “Encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

Speaker Bio

Rev. Kurt Ebert

Pastor Ebert currently serves as one of the pastors at Christ Alone in Thiensville, Wis. Kurt actually grew up close to there, in nearby Glendale. He received a Christian education at North Trinity Lutheran. He is a 1985 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary. Upon graduation Kurt was assigned to a mission congregation in Omaha, Nebr. He has also served congregations in Fond du Lac, Wis. and Highlands Ranch, Colo.

In addition to his responsiblities at Christ Alone, Kurt serves as a circuit pastor and as a chaplain in the Thiensville police department.

Kurt and his wife Connie have four children and four grandchildren. Together, Kurt and Connie conduct a monthly grief group called “Wings of Hope.”

Dan Nommensen

Dan Nommensen joined Christian Family Solutions in 1999. He received his BA from Wisconsin Lutheran College and his MA in Counseling Psychology from Trinity International University. Dan has provided mental health services for called workers and has been involved in developing and presenting numerous educational presentations/programs on topics related to called worker care.

He is currently the director of Community and Congregational Services. Dan is a licensed professional counselor in Wisconsin and Minnesota. He is a nationally certified counselor, a board certified telemental health provider, and a board certified professional Christian counselor. He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors and the Employee Assistance Professionals Association.