Christopher Epperson

Christopher Epperson is a faith-based suicide prevention leader, public speaker, and Executive Director of Soul Shop Movement. His work focuses on helping churches, clergy, and communities respond to suicidal desperation with compassion, connection, and practical tools for care. Drawing from lived experience, public health, theology of desperation, and pastoral ministry, Christopher helps faith communities understand that suicide prevention is not only a clinical issue, but more importantly, a community, relational, and spiritual one.

Christopher has served in several state and national leadership roles with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, including Board Chair of the Arkansas Chapter, member of the National Leadership Council, and member of the National Board of Directors. He was appointed by Governor Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Suicide Prevention Council and has also served on the SAMSA’S Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Lived Experience Committee. In 2020, he received AFSP’s Distinguished Chapter Leadership Award for his leadership and service in suicide prevention across the nation.

Through his devout leadership Soul Shop Movement, Christopher equips faith leaders and communities to recognize signs of suicidal and desperation, ask in a direct and caring way, listen without judgment, and connect people to life-saving support, which always encompasses the community at large. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, where his academic focus includes the theology of desperation, pastoral care, social connection, and the role of the church in suicide prevention, healing, and hope.

Please contact Christopher with the link below.