Library / The Convergence Conference…

The State of American Mental Health (Critical Conversations Plenary Session 1)

Part I: U. S. Behavioral Health: Disaster… or Revolution?!
The gap between those who need Behavioral Health services and Behavioral Health clinicians has dramatically widened the last 40 years. We’ve gone from drug epidemic of the 60’s and 70’s to depression epidemic in the 80’s, anxiety disorders and eating disorders in the 90’s, ADHD and Autism Spectrum in the 00’s. The opioid epidemic frequented the headlines as overdoses climbed to unfathomable levels. Social media, loads of caffeine, increased substances and then COVID pushed the Behavioral Health crisis into a disaster that will have ripples for at least a couple generations. The biggest contributor is societal “progression” to a post-modern worldview. Dr. Karl Benzio has both lived it and successfully brought many patients through this Behavioral Health Disaster by using a unique spirit/mind/body integrated lens to navigate this disaster. Success hinged on understanding humanity’s psychological design, the impact of spirituality on our design and function, understanding and individual’s own Practical Neurotheology, and then practically implementing this into everyday decision-making for neuroplasticity to renew our mind and deliver healing. Dr. Karl touches on how we got into this mess, some of the overwhelming stats, and then he pulls back the curtain on a couple psychological and spiritual principles to reveal a clear and promising Lighthouse to guide us out of these stormy times into peace, healing, and lasting transformation.

Part II: Looking to the Hills: Integrating Theological and Psychological Perspectives to Address Today’s Demand for Mental Health Services
In a post-Covid, politically divisive, globally chaotic, and economically uncertain climate, we have witnessed an increased awareness around the subject of mental illness in America and throughout the world. In this post-pandemic period specifically, more individuals from diverse backgrounds are palatable to addressing current life adjustments, day-to-day anxieties, and past trauma than ever before. However, accessing services to address these concerns is problematic in that most mental health professionals are booked and working waiting lists in response. How might we respond? This critical conversation encourages the conference participants to consider ways in which Faith-based healthcare professionals might collaborate to address this ecclesiastically by integrating a theological perspective as a way to respond to this crisis.

Darrell L. Bock

Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author or editor of over 45 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and works in cultural engagement as host of the seminary’s Table Podcast. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) from 2000–2001, has served as a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College, Chosen People Ministries, the Hope Center, Christians in Public Service, and the Institute for Global Engagement. His articles appear in leading publications, and he often is an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction; serves as a staff consultant for Bent Tree Fellowship Church in Carrollton, TX; and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for 49 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather of five.

Josh Winn

Josh Winn serves as Executive Assistant to the President and Director of Institutional Initiatives and Research. In addition to supporting the president, he helps coordinate the Seminary’s strategic planning efforts, serves as an extension of the president to the Board and DTS employees, and develops and oversees a wide range of projects of the Office of the President. Josh joined the DTS team in 2005. Before assuming his current role, he served in several areas at DTS, including Web Development, Communications, and the Office of Academic Affairs. For nearly 25 years, Josh has been active in theological education, preaching, local church leadership, and missions. His parents, particularly his pastor-professor father (himself a DTS grad), fostered this love for ministry. Josh holds a BS in Speech Communication from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is currently a PhD candidate in Theological Studies at DTS. His research interests include the history of biblical interpretation, theological method, and bibliology. Aside from knowing and being known by Jesus Christ, the highlight of Josh’s life is his family. He has been married to Ariella for nearly twenty years. They have four teenage children—Eden, Ruby, Judah, and Asher—and three dogs. They reside in Rowlett, Texas.

Karl Benzio

Karl Benzio, M.D., a board-certified Christian psychiatrist, has held various health system clinical and leadership positions. Currently, he is Medical Director and Cofounder of the Honey Lake Clinic and Medical Director of the American Association of Christian Counselors. He uniquely implements a faith-informed, Jesus-centered application of cutting edge psychiatric science to successfully treat patients, equip ministries, teach, write, and serve as a frequent media guest expert and conference speaker to provide expert social policy testimony. He holds a B.S.E. in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and an M.D. from Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School; his Psychiatric Residency was at UC-Irvine. His expertise is integrating brain physiology, psychological science, and spiritual truths to teach decision-making processes, mechanics, and neuroplasticity with endless application to every facet of psychospiritual health and functioning. He loves Jesus and the Bible; has been married to his best friend, Martine, for over thirty years; and is a father to three incredible daughters: Dominique (husband Adam), Nicole (husband Connor), and Gigi.

Milyce Pipkin

Milyce Kenny Pipkin (A.K.A., Dee Dee Sharp) is a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina. She is a student at DTS, earning a master’s degree in Christian Education/Ministry to Women (2023) and an intern at the Hendricks Center under the Cultural Engagement Department. She holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Faulkner Christian University in Montgomery, Alabama. Pipkin/Sharp is a 30-year veteran news anchor, reporter, and Public Broadcast System talk-show host (The Aware Show with Dee Dee Sharp). Her accomplishments include working in various markets along the east coast including Charlotte, North Carolina, Columbia and Charleston, South Carolina as well as Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida. She also worked as a public representative for the former Alabama Governor, (Don Siegelman), House Ways and Means Chairman, (Representative John Knight) and the Mobile County Personnel Board. Pipkin/Sharp has received several broadcasting news awards throughout her career in the secular world but is now fully committed to the rewards of sharing the Gospel. She is happily married to the love of her life (Roy Pipkin, Retired Army). Together they have five children and ten grandchildren. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and seeing God’s glory in her story along the way in the things she does, the people she meets and the places she goes.

Robert C. Duckworth

Robert Duckworth is a licensed professional counselor and a board approved supervisor in the State of Texas, and he serves as the Director of Counseling Services at DTS and an adjunct faculty member in the Counseling Ministries department. In addition to the leadership he provides to Seminary wellness initiatives, he also enjoys launching new counselors when teaching practicum courses for at DTS. Robert has as vast amount of experience working with youth in the juvenile justice system who have been challenged with delinquency, behavioral concerns, family crisis, and substance use. He is enthusiastic about the restoration of families negatively impacted by socioeconomic challenges and the criminal justice system. Specifically, his clinical approach encompasses narrative and cognitive behavioral therapies. He enjoys presenting pertinent content related to mental health and wellness at state and national conferences. Robert is a member of the American Counseling Association, Association for Counselor Education & Supervision (ACES), and the Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS). Robert and his family are active members of North Dallas Community Bible Fellowship. He is married to Asara, and they have three children: Asher, Leah, and Jack.

Contributors