Across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area of The United Methodist Church, a consistent theme has been emerging in conversations with clergy and laity alike: the growing need for deeper support around mental and emotional health. From rural communities to larger towns, across every age group, leaders are naming the same reality—people are carrying more, and the Church is being called to respond in meaningful, faithful ways.

In response, the Dakotas and Minnesota Conferences are taking an important step forward by recruiting for a new Area Mental Health Connector—a role that reflects both careful listening and bold imagination for what it means to be the Church today.

This new position builds on the Conferences’ evolving “Connector” model for ministry. In the Dakotas, Connectors already serve in areas such as Renewal, Call & Development, and Justice & Advocacy. In Minnesota, Connectors are supporting work in the areas of Rural/Town & Country ministry, Faith Formation & Evangelism, Urban & Suburban ministry, Climate Care & Disaster Response, and Generosity and Stewardship.

Each Connector cultivates relationships, amplifies best practices, and encourages innovation—helping congregations live more fully into our shared, connectional identity. Together, these roles support the conference’s purpose to REACH: Resource, Equip, Align, Connect, and Herald in the Wesleyan Way.

The Area Mental Health Connector will extend this work by focusing specifically on holistic well-being—an emphasis that has been growing across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. This includes a commitment to developing trauma-informed leaders and equipping local churches to care for the real and immediate needs in their communities.

As Bishop Lanette Plambeck describes, “We are called to cultivate a culture where well-being is not an afterthought, but a shared and sacred commitment. The Area Mental Health Connector is meant to be a connector for well-being and flourishing. They will serve as a guide along that path – gathering trusted resources, weaving together relationships, and opening doors to care that is both accessible and life-giving.”

(Stock photo from Unsplash)

“This role does not replace the work of our Clergy Well-being Director nor the work of clinicians or professionals, but supports our churches and conferences in this important holistic work,” she added.

At its heart, this role is about connection. The Mental Health Connector will help local churches develop ministries and access resources that support emotional and mental health awareness. This includes identifying and sharing existing mental health ministries within our congregations, creating and maintaining resource-rich webpages for both conferences, and curating helpful information on key topics for churches to use in their own contexts.

This Connector will also build bridges beyond the church, cultivating partnerships with organizations engaged in mental health work, and offering learning opportunities such as webinars and workshops for both clergy and laity. In addition, the role will help develop practical guides—equipping churches to connect people with local mental health services and to create new ministries grounded in Wesleyan theology.

Collaboration will be essential. The Area Mental Health Connector will work alongside conference staff, other connectors, and the Area Office of Clergy Well-being to ensure that efforts are aligned and mutually supportive. Through occasional blog contributions and storytelling, they will also help raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health, fostering communities where people feel seen, supported, and valued.

“We have focused on supporting the well-being of our clergy, knowing whole, healthy leaders are essential to the mission of The United Methodist church. Providing similar support for our congregations and their communities is the natural next step in our efforts. The Area Mental Health Connector will be instrumental in this endeavor,” said Diane Owen, Area Director for Clergy Well-being.

The creation of this position is not only strategic—it is deeply theological. John Wesley himself understood that faith is not separate from physical and mental well-being. His ministry reflected a commitment to caring for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—as an essential part of discipleship. In that same spirit, this role embodies a Wesleyan vision of a Church that is attentive, responsive, and actively engaged in healing work.

Whole & Holy blogs are one Area resource for well-being.

“Our daily lives are filled with stressors. I believe God wants us to be whole and healthy and to nurture our emotional and mental well-being. We often do not know how to do this,” shared Owen. “My hope for the Mental Health Connector is to help us learn and discover practices that will improve the mental health of ourselves and those around us, so needed at this time in our world.”

The ideal candidate for this position will recognize the intersection of emotional health and spiritual maturity. Experience or training in social work, mental health, or healthcare is especially valuable, as is active engagement in a local congregation and a passion for outward-focused ministry.

This is a contract position (approximately 25 hours per month) and is funded by grant dollars rather than apportioned budgets. It offers flexible, remote work and the opportunity to collaborate across the Dakotas-Minnesota Area. More than a job, it is an invitation to help shape how our church responds to one of the most pressing needs of our time.

“Through REACH - resourcing,  equipping, aligning, connecting, and heralding, this connector nurtures an ecosystem where individuals and communities can truly flourish—spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally, vocationally, and communally,” emphasized Bishop Lanette.

As we continue to listen for where God is leading, the creation of the Area Mental Health Connector is a sign of hope—an expression of our commitment to care, connection, and the flourishing of all God’s people.

Access full position and application information for the Area Mental Health Connector role. Please consider applying or share this with someone who would be a good fit for the position."