Last month, Live Tampa Bay welcomed faith leaders from across the region to our sold-out Faith Leaders Gathering at the Franciscan Center, a day dedicated to strengthening the role of faith communities in supporting behavioral health, recovery, and community wellbeing.
Faith leaders are often among the first people individuals and families turn to during life’s most difficult moments. Whether someone is experiencing a mental health challenge, navigating substance use, grieving a loss, or searching for hope, places of worship serve as trusted spaces where healing and connection begin. The Faith Leaders Gathering was created to equip faith leaders with practical knowledge, meaningful partnerships, and evidence-based resources to better serve their congregations and communities.
The day began with an inspiring opening led by Rev. JC Pritchett II, Chaplain Clete Sutton, and Live Tampa Bay CEO Jennifer Webb, followed by a powerful morning plenary presentation from Dr. Lawrence Bryant, who shared his expertise on substance use disorders, behavioral health, and the importance of collaborative community responses. In the afternoon, attendees heard from Dusty Pye, Chief of Faith & Community Initiatives at LSF Health Systems and Pastor of the Recovery Church Movement, whose message reinforced the critical role faith communities play in creating welcoming pathways to recovery.
A highlight of the gathering was the series of interactive breakout workshops, where participants engaged in honest conversations, shared experiences, and explored practical strategies they can immediately apply within their own ministries and organizations.
Our sincere thanks go to each of our outstanding breakout facilitators:
- Rev. Christian Frazier, D.Min., who led Recognizing Substance Use Disorder and later returned to facilitate Bringing People Together, helping participants better understand the signs of substance use disorders while encouraging collaboration across faith communities.
- Rev. Thurston Smith, D.Min., MPA, LAC/S, CCS, CAADAC, who presented Responding to Substance Use Disorder as a Disease, offering valuable insight into approaching substance use through a compassionate, evidence-based lens.
- Karen Davis-Pritchett, M.Ed., who facilitated Reflecting on Our Biases, encouraging thoughtful self-reflection and conversations about reducing stigma within our communities.
- Rev. Sharon Barber, MSW, LCSW, MCAP, who led Breaking Down Barriers, exploring ways faith communities can reduce obstacles that prevent individuals and families from seeking support.
- Rev. Sam Picard, M.Div., MHA, who presented Before the Crisis, emphasizing the importance of prevention, early intervention, and creating supportive environments before challenges become emergencies.
These workshops sparked meaningful dialogue and demonstrated that every faith community (regardless of size or denomination) has an important role to play in promoting hope, reducing stigma, and connecting people to life-saving resources.
We also extend our gratitude to Rabbi Jen Goldberg for offering The Blessing, Rev. Stephen Pasquale for closing the day, and to every volunteer, planning committee member, sponsor, and community partner whose dedication made this event possible. Your commitment continues to strengthen the network of support available throughout the Tampa Bay region.
Most importantly, thank you to every faith leader who attended. Your willingness to learn, collaborate, and lead these conversations demonstrates the incredible impact faith communities can have in advancing behavioral health, supporting recovery, and building stronger, healthier neighborhoods.
The conversations that began at this year’s Faith Leaders Gathering will continue long after the event itself. New partnerships were formed, ideas were exchanged, and relationships were strengthened, all with a shared commitment to ensuring that individuals and families know they are not alone.
At Live Tampa Bay, we believe lasting change happens when communities come together. Thank you for making this year’s Faith Leaders Gathering an overwhelming success. We look forward to continuing this important work with you throughout the year.
