Chris Morris Speaks
Chris connects mental health and the church in practical ways. He shows congregations how to implement ministry guidelines that will not only make people feel welcomed, but loved. From a lived experience, Chris addresses theological and practical barriers to a healthy mental health ministry, and shows that God is not done with someone due to a diagnosis.
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About Chris Morris
Chris Morris is a powerful speaker on mental health and the church. He’s been a respected speaker at a number of churches, universities, and regional conferences. He doesn’t come as a psychologist or counselor, but instead brings his own experience as a battle-tested Jesus-loving veteran of mental illnesses. He brings a unique combination of theological insight, tested strategies and compassion for those you’re ministering to. He is able to break down the barriers between leader and sufferer because he is both.
Chris tackles the questions most people are afraid to ask. He brings hard-won wisdom from the trenches of both ministry and mental illness, and isn’t shy about sharing it. His topics include the absence of God in dark times, what the Scriptures have to say about mental illness, why a person is so much more than their diagnosis, and how to develop a multi-pronged mental illness ministry that helps those who suffer to be noticed, loved, and known.
Chris has a Bachelor of Science in Biblical Studies from Arizona Christian University and is a current student at Northern Seminary, where he’s pursuing a Master of Arts in Theology and Mission.
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Chris’ speaking topics
How to Perform a Mental Illness Check Up:
Pastors and lay leaders aren’t professional psychologists or counselors, and they can often feel overwhelmed when confronted with what could be a mental health crisis. In this session, Chris teaches leaders how to perform a mental health check up that is within their abilities, and coaches them on what to do next.
Where is God in the Darkness?:
This is the first and biggest question that many people have when faced with a mental health diagnosis or crisis. Why is this happening to me? Did I do something to deserve this? Chris addresses these sensitive questions with wisdom and tenderness. He speaks to the biblical history of God in the midst of dark times, and underscores the affection that God has for His people, even when things go awry.
What Does God Think about Mental Illness?:
This session is a hard-hitting walk through the Scriptures, showing examples of prominent people in the Old and New Testament who had mental illnesses. It highlights the profound fact that God doesn’t write off the mentally ill, but rather He uses them to accomplish His purposes.
Resilience & Other Skills I Learned in the Psych Ward:
Resilience & Other Skills I Learned in the Psych Ward: In his most personal talk, Chris talks about his experiences in two different psychiatric wards. He talks about how he learned resilience and many other things from his fellow patients, and how he continues to think back on those visits today.
You Can Have a Mental Illness Ministry:
Chris breaks down the different elements of an effective mental illness ministry in this ultra-practical session. He describes the roles of lay leaders, pastoral staff, and external community resources while demonstrating the love and acceptance of Christ across all involved.
Book Chris to speak
Get started booking Chris by getting in touch with Chris with details about your upcoming event. Fill out the form below and Chris will get back to you by email as soon as possible.