Join the Movement.
Become a Caring Presence.
Get The Church Cares Kit
Join our email community and get exclusive access to The Church Cares Kit, which is filled with video trainings, downloads, and resources. Sign up and get instant access. You will also get other updates and helpful resources from us
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What You Get When You Join
The Church Cares
All of the following materials and training are available for free when you sign up. We are constantly adding and modifying content to better assist you. The Church Cares Toolkit is a complete training kit got congregational care for your church and local community.
00. Quick Start
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Quick Start Guide
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Table of Contents
01. Cast the Vision
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Brochure to explain The Church Cares
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How to Advertise the Class
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How to choose a CARE coordinator
02. Launch the Course
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Helper Training Video Access
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Helper Training Workbook + Leaders Guide
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Course Evaluation
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Coordinator's Guide
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Listening Skills Assessment
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Advanced Caregiver Certification Program
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Intake Form
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Screening Tool
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Helper/Listener Agreement
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Oversight Guide
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What Happens After the Class Guide
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Guide for 4-6 Session w/Listener
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How to Create a Local Resource Guide ​
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How to set up a Workflow
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Ideas for Groups
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How to Cultivate Church Wide Care
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Sermon Ideas
Meet Our Team
The Church Cares team is a deeply collaborative, mission-driven community, united by a shared calling: to equip the Church to care well. Each of us brings unique strengths to this work—but together, we serve one purpose: making Christ-centered care possible in every local church.
If you’ve joined us, welcome. We’d love to meet you. Schedule a free introductory call to get to know the heart behind The Church Cares, meet members of our team, and ask any questions you have. If you already know us, reach out to one of our Church Implementation Liaisons by email—we’re here to help.
Dr Jim Sells
Charis Institute Co-founder
Dr. James Sells, a licensed psychologist, holds more than two decades of training and practice in education, counseling, and psychology. He has written books and articles on family therapy, Christian integration, and church ministries. He is Professor of Counseling and the co-director of the Charis Institute at Regent University
Dr. Jennifer Ripley
Charis Institute Co-founder
​Dr. Ripley is a Professor of Psychology at Regent University and the co-director of the Charis Institute, where she consults with churches and conducts research. She is a licensed psychologist and operates a couples training clinic. Dr. RIpley has published dozens of articles, several books, and over 100 presentations.
Stacie Otey Scott PsyD
Church Implementation Liaison & Project Manager
Dr. Stacie Otey-Scott serves as a trusted bridge between diverse faith communities and The Church Cares Team, championing healing-centered partnerships that respect each congregation’s unique cultural identity, spiritual traditions, and communal strengths. Through her thoughtful guidance, churches are equipped to integrate mental wellness practices with spiritual care that reflects the heart of their communities.
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Click play to meet her
Shaunti Feldhahn PhD
Project Partner &
Church Implementation Liaison
Shaunti is a Harvard-trained researcher, best-selling author, and former Wall Street analyst who applies analytical expertise to uncover transformative truths about relationships. A public champion for The Church Cares, she equips churches and leaders with tools for healing and growth, helping individuals thrive in life, love, and faith. Discover more at Shaunti.com
Charny Beck, MSW
Church Implementation Liaison
Charny Beck, LMSW, is the Vice President of Community Ministries at STCH Ministries and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Supervisor. She has a BA in Social Work from Baylor University, MSW from UT Arlington. She is a Ph.D. doctoral candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University. She is also the wife of a pastor and deeply engaged in church ministry based work.
Luan Sy, MA
Church Implementation Liaison
Luan Sy is a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent. With a background in architecture and social work, she is skilled at navigating complex systems and leading multidisciplinary teams with many stakeholders. Having directed care ministries in both small and large churches and launched impactful mental health initiatives, Luan equips churches to develop integrated care strategies that foster whole-person discipleship and cultivate thriving, compassionate communities.
Valter De Souza Jr MDiv
Church Implementation Liaison
Valter De Souza Jr. is a Ph.D. student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Regent University and an ordained minister. As part of The Church Cares team, he focuses on lay counselor training, culturally responsive mental health support in church communities, and supports Spanish-speaking and bilingual congregations. He teaches at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Natalie Renfrow
Director of Program Evaluation
Natalie Renfrow is a doctoral student in the PsyD program at Regent University. She serves as director of program evaluation for The Church Cares. She is passionate about faith integration and active in the Charis Institute, Assessment Psychology and Child Psychology.
Eileen Kirkland
Project Partner
Eileen Kirkland supports The Church Cares by overseeing partner relationships, implementation strategies, and communication resources. A former educator, Eileen now serves as Shaunti Feldhahn’s staff and operations director, using her administrative acumen to keep projects and people on track.
Speaking schedule Dr Sells & Dr Ripley
Dr Shaunti Feldhahns schedule
2026
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March 11. Dr. Jim Sells at a Church conference in Ohio.
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March 26-28. Dr Jim Sells at Christian Association for Psychological Studies
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March 26-28. Dr Jen Ripley at Southeastern Psychological Association
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April 15- 17. Dr Ripley & Dr Sells at Winshape conference, GA.
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April 21-23 Both Docs at Disabilities Conference; KEYS ministry DC
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May 14-15 Global Summit on Spirituality, Religion and Mental Health at Harvard University; Dr Jen presenting.
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June 13. Hope for the Heart Conference, Plano TX- Jim, Jen & Shaunti. https://www.hopefortheheart.org/events/called-to-care
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Sept 26- Jen and Jim marriage conference at Trinity Church VB
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Oct 1-3. Hope Together conference, Plano TX- Jim https://www.hopefortheheart.org/events/hope-together
Why You Should Sign Up
This isn’t just about mental health—it’s about discipleship, hospitality, and evangelism in a hurting world. ​The Church Cares gives you a roadmap that’s spiritual, practical, and sustainable. When you sign up, you’ll:
Equip your church to truly care.
Train lay leaders in biblical, practical skills to walk alongside others in pain—without overwhelming pastors or replacing professional help.
Build a culture of compassion.
Shift from “refer out” to “walk with,” making your church a safe, trusted place where healing happens together.
Reach people on the margins.
Extend love and support to those who feel unseen or unsure about faith, opening doors for gospel-shaped transformation.
Join a movement of hope.
Be part of a growing network of churches committed to coordinated, sustainable care—so no one has to carry their burdens alone.
Care isn’t a program.
It’s people reflecting the heart of Christ.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
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– Galatians 6:2