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christian counseling today
Vol. 21 no. 2
67
Stigma in the Church
Churches, even those that want to help, frequently exacerbate
the crisis by perpetuating a sense of shame. Here are some of
the ways churches stigmatize mental illness:
n
They send the message that Christians do not have
serious problems.
Some churches embrace this idea
as part of their core teaching; others suggest it without
meaning to.
n
They perpetuate a misunderstanding and mistrust of
psychology.
There are outdated notions of psychology
and the belief it leads people away from God because it
is based on scientific research rather than pure biblical
teaching—never acknowledging that every other field of
medicine is also scientifically based.
n
They refer and forget.
While it is appropriate for
churches to refer people to mental health professionals,
abandoning them without proper spiritual care commu-
nicates that the Church has nothing to offer in times of
real darkness.
n
They stay silent.
When failing to address mental illness
as reality, we reinforce loneliness and marginalization and
send a message that God offers no help or hope.
n
They assume all mental illness is caused by
demons.
This faulty belief undermines legitimate treat-
ment and isolates people who need help.
n
They claim mental illness is evidence of weak faith
or flagrant sin.
Some blame people for their suffering,
suggesting they are less spiritual and/or more sinful than
the rest of us and withhold the grace and hope Christ
gives freely.
n
They propose purely spiritual solutions to medical
problems.
Some discourage people from seeking medical
help and, instead, suggest religious activity or interven-
tion as the solution.
The Church’s Response
How, then, should churches be engaged? Considering the
frequency of mental illness—it affects one in five American
adults in any given year
1
—failing to respond is not an
option. Since clergy members are the first place people go
for help,
2
it is a ministry responsibility we must embrace.
Churches can assist in a number of ways:
n
Teach about suffering from a theological perspec-
tive.
People need to know that illness does not indicate
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