Christian Counseling Today Vol. 21, Iss. 2

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26 christian counseling today Vol. 21 no. 2
mental health problems. Every church is different; each has a
specific set of needs and available resources. For the Church
to transform the mental healthcare system, it is not necessary
for every congregation to be involved at the same level, but
only for each congregation to become involved. The first step
toward developing an environment within our congregations
that promotes hope and healing in those living with mental
illness is to break the silence. Here are some simple steps for a
congregation to begin:
n As a faith community, pray in a general way each week
for anyone who is struggling with a mental or emotional
disorder.
n Invite congregants living with mental illness or caring
for a mentally ill loved one to write down their particular
spiritual and emotional needs. Read these during the
weekly prayers (ensuring any needed confidentiality).
n Prepare sermons that acknowledge the realities experi-
enced by those with mental illness.
n Invite a member of the church who has struggled
with mental illness to share his or her story with the
congregation.
n Place brochures and other sources of information
regarding mental illness and available resources in the
back of the church or in the pews.
n Invite a mental health professional to speak or offer a
seminar to teach that mental illnesses are brain-based
disorders.
A number of organizations (e.g., National Alliance for the
Mentally Ill and the American Association of Christian
Counselors) offer mental health training that clergy and their
ministry staff can easily access. If a congregation is interested
in going further, a greater level of commitment might include:
Support Groups. Allow organizations that offer mental
health support groups (e.g., National Alliance for the Mentally
Ill, Depression/Bipolar Support Alliance, and Alcoholics/
Narcotics Anonymous) to use the church’s facility to hold
regular weekly meetings. If the faith community is interested
in being more directly involved in the delivery of support
groups, partner with faith-based organizations such as Mental
Health Grace Alliance ,
Celebrate Recovery , or the American
Association of Christian Counselors ) to have congre-
gants trained to lead groups.
Mental Health Coaches. Faith communities may have a
group of congregants trained as mental health coaches. Mental
health coaches help individuals find ways to obtain and main-
tain stability, access resources and services, manage difficult
symptoms, rebuild relationships, and find purpose for living.
Mental health coaches also help those with whom they work
connect with local, professional mental health resources. These
individuals would serve in a voluntary capacity, much like
a pastoral care team, available to receive referrals for mental
health issues from the pastoral staff.
The ultimate goal is to implement a system of holistic
recovery and supportive services in churches using non-profes-
sionals working in collaboration with professional mental
healthcare providers.
The fact that individuals living with mental illness are
seeking assistance and counsel from the Church should prompt
us to rise up and be the hands and feet of Christ to suffering
people. A biblical response to mental illness relieves physical
and psychological suffering while revealing the unconditional
love and limitless grace that is available through a personal rela-
tionship with Christ. This is done through the application of
both biblical truth and mental health resources. God is leading
His hurting children to us. It is time the Church stops abdi-
cating its role in mental health and starts leading. ✠
Matthew S. Stanford, Ph.D., is CEO of
The Hope and Healing Center & Institute (HHCI) in
Houston, Texas, and adjunct professor in the Menninger
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at
Baylor College of Medicine and the Department of
Psychology at the University of Houston. His research on
the interplay between psychology and issues of faith has been featured by the
New York Times, USA Today, Fox, MSNBC, Yahoo, and U.S. News &
World Report. Dr. Stanford is a fellow of the Association for Psychological
Science. As director of HHCI, he writes, conducts training seminars, and
serves individuals living with mental illness and their families. He is the
author of two books, Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical
Perspective on Mental Illness and The Biology of Sin: Grace, Hope and
Healing for Those Who Feel Trapped.
Endnotes
1 Any Mental Illness (AMI) Among Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13,
2015, from
any-mental-illness-ami-among-adults.shtml.
2 Any Disorder Among Children. (n.d.) Retrieved July 13, 2015, from
among-children.shtml.
3 Use of Mental Health Services and Treatment among Children.
(n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2015, from
health/statistics/prevalence/use-of-mental-health-services-and-
treatment-among-children.shtml; Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration, Results from the 2012 National
Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings, NSDUH
Series H-47, HHS Publication No. (SMA) 13-4805. Rockville, MD:
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
(2013). Retrieved July 13, 2015, from
data/sites/default/files/2k12MH_Findings.
4 Stanford, M.S., & Philpott, D. (2011). Baptist senior pastors’
knowledge and perceptions of mental illness. Mental Health,
Religion and Culture, 14, 281-290.