We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the mental health of individuals through various initiatives, including pastoral counseling and resources specifically for Black clergy women, focusing on nurturing your mind, body, and spirit.
Community Spotlight
Rev. Dr. Wanda Paulk Holder
Rev. Dr. Wanda K. Paulk Holder is the mother of Franklin and Monita. An ordained minister and pastoral counselor, she currently serves as an Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church East Point (FBCEP), where she leads the Worship & Arts and Prayer Ministry. She has earned a B.S. in Psychology from Georgia Southwestern University in Americus, GA; a Master of Divinity with a Specialty Certificate in Christian Education from Emory University-Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA; and a Doctor of Ministry in Marriage & Family Counseling at Eastern University-Palmer Theological Seminary in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Rev. Dr. Wanda also serves as the Spiritual Care Coordinator with the RISE Together National Mentorship Network for Women of Color in Ministry, which is dedicated to providing essential support for Black clergy women. Previously, she spent 27 years as the Minister of Congregational Life and Support at Greenforest Community Baptist Church in Decatur, GA. With over 40 years of experience in ministry, she is deeply committed to mental health support and pastoral counseling. Rev. Dr. Wanda considers her greatest achievement her Salvation and her role as a Servant-Leader.
Soulful Serenity: Empowering Healing Circle for Black Clergy Women
We are thrilled to announce our current initiative through our community spotlight, made possible through Tidel at Union Seminary. The work and leadership of Rev. Dr. Wanda and Rev. Dr. Myrna, with their combined 48-plus years of experience, aim to create a safe and healing environment for Black clergy women. This initiative focuses on promoting healing, intentional self-care practices, and providing essential mental health support.
The program is designed to integrate elements of spirituality, self-care, and empowerment through education and practical application. It addresses critical aspects of wellness, utilizing a 20-week program that combines education and real-life approaches to support Black clergy women's mental health.
Ultimately, our goal is to expand this program to all women in ministry, developing resources that will help them navigate life challenges impacting their overall mental health. We aim to create balance and foster self-care practices, enabling them to walk out their calling to serve God with confidence and strength, supported by pastoral counseling.
Creating Safe and Sacred Spaces
Rev. Dr. Wanda and Rev. Dr. Myrna have collaborated for over 7 years to create vital holding spaces for Black clergy women through the RISE Together National Mentorship Network for Women of Color in Ministry. These supportive environments nurture, heal, transform, and promote empowerment and liberation, while emphasizing self-care practices that are life-giving. MHT Family Life Center fully endorses their initiative, combining faith and a commitment to God with a strong emphasis on self-care and empowerment. This approach focuses on providing mental health support and pastoral counseling, fostering overall wellness in the lives of Black clergy women.
