Hope Made Strong: Bridging Mental Health, Church, and Social Work

What if your burnout isn’t proof you’re failing—but a signal you’ve been caring deeply for too long?

In this episode of God on the Move, Laura Howe shares how 20 years as a social worker serving people facing trauma, addiction, homelessness, and severe mental illness led her into compassion fatigue—and how God met her in that breaking point with a new vision. You’ll hear why she believes the local church can become a community of support, belonging, and hope alongside professional care, and how Hope Made Strong was born to equip churches with language and practical tools for mental health. Laura also explains the growth of the Church Mental Health Summit—from a free online event to thousands of registrations across 120 countries—and her next step: partnering with local churches to host community-based “pop-up” summits that build trust and real relationships.

Links from the Interview

Hope Made Strong Website
The Care Ministry Podcast
Church Mental Health Summit Website
Wen-Pin Leow: Mental Health and the Church

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Guests in This Episode

Laura Howe

Laura Howe is a registered social worker, ministry leader, and the founder of Hope Made Strong. With over 20 years of experience in mental health and addictions, Laura is passionate about helping the local church become a place of hope, belonging, and purpose. Through the Care Ministry Podcast, online courses, coaching, and the global Church Mental Health Summit, Laura has supported thousands of leaders around the world.

She knows firsthand the weight of caregiving and the risks of burnout, which is why her heart is to see leaders strengthened and equipped to serve well, without losing themselves in the process. Laura’s teaching is practical, faith-filled, and always rooted in real-life ministry experiences. Whether she’s training volunteers or speaking at large events, Laura helps churches build sustainable care ministries that truly make a difference.