From Isolation to Belonging: Practical Tools for Faith Communities to Heal the Loneliness Epidemic

From Isolation to Belonging:
Practical Tools for Faith Communities to
Heal the Loneliness Epidemic
Presenter: Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter 
Sponsored by the Lutheran Faith Community Nurse Association

DATE: November 10, 2026
TIME: 3-5 pm AKT, 4-6 pm PT, 5-7 pm MT, 6-8 pm CT, 7-9 pm ET         
Registration fee: $30 for LFCNA members/$50 for non-members

Contact Hours: 2.0 (see below)

Course description: Loneliness has become a public health crisis with measurable consequences — for the teenager scrolling alone, the caregiver stretched thin, and the homebound elder whose world has narrowed to four walls. Faith community nurses and other in ministry sit at the intersection of physical, emotional, and spiritual health, which makes them uniquely positioned to respond.

In this interactive session, Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter explores why loneliness has intensified across generations and what the research reveals about the surprising protective power of weak social ties — the everyday connections congregations create better than almost any other institution. Participants will examine where their own congregations excel at connection, where people quietly fall through the cracks, and how to move members from casual belonging to genuine relationship. Attendees leave with practical, Spirit-led strategies they can implement immediately in visitation, ministry teamwork, and congregational life.

Learning objectives: Participants will be able to:

1. Describe the health consequences of loneliness and social isolation across the lifespan, including their effect on chronic illness, recovery, and mental health.
2. Explain the role of weak social ties in building resilience and belonging, and identify at least three existing points of connection within their own congregation.
3. Apply at least two practical strategies for moving congregants from isolation to meaningful relationship in their faith community nursing practice.

Our Speaker: The Rev. Rebekah Simon-Peter is the creator of Creating a Culture of Renewal^®, a group coaching program for church leaders that she has led for nearly two decades, working with thousands of individuals and congregations.

An ordained minister in the Mountain Sky Conference of the United Methodist Church since 1995, Rebekah is the author of seven books, including Believe Like Jesus, Forging a New Path, and Dream Like Jesus. Her work focuses on helping people deepen their faith and lead with clarity, courage, and purpose.

Rebekah holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont, an M.Div. and an M.A.R. from the Iliff School of Theology, and has extensive training in leadership coaching and consulting. She speaks and leads workshops with church leaders and faith communities on spiritual growth, apostolic leadership, and navigating change.

 Rebekah lives near Casper Mountain in Wyoming, where she hikes and skis. She is a devoted daughter, sister, friend, and part-time dog mom.

This nursing activity has been submitted to the Montana Nurses Association for approval to award contact hours. Montana Nurses Association is accredited with distinction as an approver of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation. To receive contact hours for this event, attendees must attend the entire event and submit a completed evaluation form.