Transform Your Life with Stronger Together Faith and Mental Wellness
Join us for the 4th Faith & Mental Wellness Action Summit, a high-energy day designed for you, where community, faith, and mental wellness come together to provide a path forward.
Co-hosted by community-rooted organizations
Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.
Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.
Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.
Co-founded by Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson and Elder Anita Richardson in August 2002, Christian Growth Ministries has remained a steadfast pillar in serving and uplifting the community. For over two decades, this ministry has been Christ-centered, Family-focused and Community-concerned. Since 2021, we have been deeply committed to integrating faith and mental wellness, empowering individuals and families to break barriers, silence stigma, and confidently access resources that lead to healing, wholeness, and hope.
Red Oak United Methodist Church
Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.
Christian Growth Ministries, Inc.
Red Oak UMC Stockbridge in Stockbridge, Georgia, is a local Christian congregation serving the Stockbridge community and seeking, engaging, and encouraging others through a life-changing Christian journey. Red Oak UMC is a loving, friendly local community that worships God and serves others. They place a high priority on teaching from the Bible and following the example of Jesus. The vision is to impact and renew Stockbridge locally and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.
About Stronger Together Faith and Mental Wellness
Who We Are
We are a coalition of community members, faith leaders, and organizations focused on amplifying mental wellness in the community.
2026 Faith & mental wellness Action summit
Access
Stigma Reduction
Stigma Reduction
Helping people move from isolation to connection by finding and navigating real support - making sure the language and resources are clear and reachable for everyone.
Stigma Reduction
Stigma Reduction
Stigma Reduction
Helping people move from shame to dignity by normalizing mental wellness and help-seeking - so people can reach out without judgment and without having to disclose more than they are ready to share.
Empowerment
Stigma Reduction
Empowerment
Helping people move from fear to agency by restoring confidence through small, actionable next steps - even when things aren't fully figured out.
wHAT TO EXPECT
Focused Sessions
Choose two breakouts led by experts on trauma-informed care, mental health crisis response, digital wellness, dementia awareness, and stress management.
Direct Access
Meet face-to-face with community organizations and therapy agencies to find real-world services.
Grounded Tools
Learn how to reduce despair without minimizing pain and counter shame without being forced to disclose personal details.
Community Leaders
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, accepted his call to ministry in 1989 and was ordained in 1992. He and his wife co‑founded Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. in 2002 and were consecrated as Bishop and Elder in 2018. He holds degrees from Hampton University, Emory University, and Vanderbilt University, and
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson, a native of Petersburg, Virginia, accepted his call to ministry in 1989 and was ordained in 1992. He and his wife co‑founded Christian Growth Ministries, Inc. in 2002 and were consecrated as Bishop and Elder in 2018. He holds degrees from Hampton University, Emory University, and Vanderbilt University, and served in senior leadership roles at Georgia Piedmont Technical College until retiring in 2017. He is also a certified professional tennis coach and founder of The Balanced Tennis Academy, training youth for college scholarship opportunities. He has been married to Elder Anita Richardson for 39 years, and his life’s mission is to positively impact communities through faith, education, business, and youth development.
Elder Anita Richardson
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Anita is an anointed woman of God with over 40 years of spiritual leadership and 29 years in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree. She is the author of It’s a Heart Matter: Transformation From the Inside Out and the CEO and founder of Transformative Living, LLC.
Anita is an anointed woman of God with over 40 years of spiritual leadership and 29 years in education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Master of Education, and an Educational Specialist Degree. She is the author of It’s a Heart Matter: Transformation From the Inside Out and the CEO and founder of Transformative Living, LLC. A respected pastor, devoted wife of 44 years, and mother of three adult children, she also ministers as a gifted psalmist and songwriter.
Raised in poverty and shaped by significant challenges, Anita leaned on her faith, family, and community to overcome adversity. Her spiritual authority, strong reputation, and extensive partnerships have allowed her to impact countless lives. Her journey and unwavering commitment to service make her a trusted leader and advocate for women seeking restoration and healing.
Reverend Dr. L.K. Pendleton
Bishop Dr. Terry G. Richardson
Reverend Dr. L.K. Pendleton
Rev. L. K. Pendleton, affectionately known as Pastor K, serves as pastor of Red Oak United Methodist Church and is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Columbia Theological Seminary. She has led multiple congregations—including founding Redemption Community Church—and has ministered nati
Rev. L. K. Pendleton, affectionately known as Pastor K, serves as pastor of Red Oak United Methodist Church and is a graduate of Clark Atlanta University, the Interdenominational Theological Center, and Columbia Theological Seminary. She has led multiple congregations—including founding Redemption Community Church—and has ministered nationally and internationally. A committed advocate for civic engagement, she has served as President of the Columbus NAACP, Faith Director for the New Georgia Project, and currently sits on the board of the League of Women Voters. She has also advised women in theological leadership at Emory and ITC and served on several United Methodist boards and teaching faculties. A pastor, bestselling author, and motivational speaker, she is devoted to teaching the truth of Jesus Christ and empowering people to live with purpose.
Meet the Speakers
Breakout Leaders and Sessions
Our speakers are experienced faith leaders, mental health professionals, and community experts who will be leading breakout sessions at the Faith and Mental Wellness Action Summit. Each session is designed to provide grounded insight, practical tools, and clear next steps that participants can carry forward into their lives, families, and communities.
This page is for information only. Breakout selections take place during registration.
How Breakout Sessions Work
As part of the summit, participants attend two breakout sessions. Each breakout is led by an expert speaker and focused on real-world application, not theory.
During registration, attendees select their top three breakout preferences. We do our best to assign each participant to their top two choices based on space and accessibility.
Summit Speakers and Presentors
Minister Martalyn Copeland
Minister Martalyn Copeland
Minister Martalyn Copeland
LPC, NCC, CPCS
Founder, Counseling Pros
Break Out Session
Becoming a Trauma Informed Faith Community
Explore practical ways churches can support healing and wholeness through trauma informed care.
Focus Areas
- Trauma informed care
- Faith leadership
- Mental health support
Dr. Maestro Evans
Minister Martalyn Copeland
Minister Martalyn Copeland
Founder, Barnabas International, Inc.
Breakout Session
Helping Faith Leaders Deal with Mental Health Crises
Gain tools to respond with wisdom and compassion when your congregation faces a mental health emergency.
Focus Areas
- Crisis response
- Faith leadership
- Community care
Rachel Murphy
Minister Martalyn Copeland
Rachel Murphy
MPM, C-MHC
Digital Empowerment
Founder, Optimizing Futures
Breakout Session
Mental Health in an Online World
Learn how digital habits and online culture affect our mental wellness and what we can do to protect it.
Focus Areas
- Digital wellness
- Mental health education
- Empowerment
Dr. Tiney Ray
Rachel Murphy
PhD, DNP, FNP-BC
Founder, Lyght Bulb Moments and Telemedicine Essentials of America
Breakout Session
Hidden Face of Dementia
Understand the lesser known signs of dementia and how to support those impacted in your community.
Focus Areas
- Dementia awareness
- Health education
- Community support
Shevander Dykes
LPC, NCC, CPCS
CEO, Surviving Transitions Counseling
Breakout Session (Limited Seats)
Just Breathe: Guided Discussion Group
Join a restorative conversation space centered around faith, self care, and mental clarity.
Focus Areas
- Stress management
- Self care
- Faith-based reflection
Aquila Arceneaux
LPC, NCC
CEO, Virtual Private Practice (SonderMind)
Breakout Session (Limited Seats)
“Hacking Happiness”
Simple Tools to Feel Better, Starting Today
Focus Areas
- Understanding the Science of Happiness
- Everyday Mood-Boosting Tools
- Creating a Personalized Happiness Rhythm
Become a Vendor
Throughout the summit, participants will have direct access to trusted community organizations and service providers offering tangible support and resources. This is real, reachable help. Click below for more information:
Meet our vendors
Who We Are
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Chaplain Bernell Wesley
A New Praxis for Jail and Prison Ministry offers a solution to anyone concerned with the incarcerated, returning citizens, reentry, or prison reform, a set of practical tools that will change the way one thinks about problem-solving based on biblical principles.
Transformative Living
Transformative Living
In "It’s A Heart Matter: Transformation From the Inside Out, author Anita Richardson shares prophetic words and prayers from God that highlight the various aspects of the human heart, as seen through biblical prototypes. As you read this book, I pray you will relate to or desire to be in alignment with the healthy, transformative spiritu
In "It’s A Heart Matter: Transformation From the Inside Out, author Anita Richardson shares prophetic words and prayers from God that highlight the various aspects of the human heart, as seen through biblical prototypes. As you read this book, I pray you will relate to or desire to be in alignment with the healthy, transformative spiritual heart descriptions and allow the Holy Spirit to renew and refresh you.