Christian Counseling Today Vol. 21, Iss. 2

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christian counseling today Vol. 21 no. 2 37
were reluctant to become involved with those suffering from
acute mental illness (41% strongly disagreed). Ninety percent
believed the Church has a moral and spiritual responsibility to
provide resources and support to those with mental illness and
their families. Over half (56%) strongly agreed. Only 15% of
pastors said their churches did not have any levels of care that
congregations typically provide in this regard. Finally, just 7%
said they had not used any of the common resources available
on how to better care for those affected by mental illness.
A Gap in Communication. In spite of the statistics
shared above, pastors still do not speak to their congregations
about mental illness on any kind of regular basis. Nearly half
(49%) said they rarely, or never, speak on the subject to their
churches in sermons or large group messages. Only a third
(33%) spoke to their church bodies more than once a year.
This may highlight the disconnect felt between what pastors
say their churches offer and what family members, and those
suffering with mental illness, express they actually experience
in their local congregations.
Family Members’ Views on Mental Illness and the
Church. While 75% of those with a family member suffering
with acute mental illness said their churches had been
supportive, they also wanted to see additional resources. When
asked if they believed local churches should offer more to assist
families who are facing mental illness, at least half of the family
members said “yes” in six of the seven areas questioned. At least
60% said local churches should provide support groups for
family members, help families find local resources for care, and
simply talk about it openly so the topic is not so taboo.
A Gap in Awareness. There was a significant gap in
what pastors said their churches provided and what family
members said was available. In six of the nine typical types
of care referenced in the survey, fewer family members than
pastors believed their churches offered such help. This was
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My challenge to the Church is that we might move beyond the whispering, the
silence, the shame, and the stigma. Instead, let us understand and show others that
Jesus came seeking, saving, and serving the lost and broken people around Him.