The problems of mental/emotional/relational and spiritual health are a major challenge in our country and world. The treatment of these problems should include an emphasis on education, prevention, as well as biblically informed care.
An article by Faithward, “Mental Health Challenges and the Church,” affirms
“Both faith and science are necessary and should complement each other as we learn to live with mental health challenges. Medications may stabilize symptoms, but the experience of love in relationships and our connection with God and other people leads toward genuine healing. Family members, friends, and a supportive faith community can model God’s unconditional love by assuring the person they are not alone in the midst of personal darkness. Reassuring scripture passages include Isaiah 43:1-4; Psalm 139:7-12; and 1 John 4:16b, 18a.” [1]
Christ’s mission included physical, spiritual and heart healing:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Luke 4:18,19; Isa 61:1–2
And the Lord’s ministry should continue through Great Commission churches. “Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you’” (John 20:21).
An example of equipping believers for holistic care is Stephen Ministries. This non-profit Christian educational organization trains “Stephen Leaders” who then train others in their congregation to be “Stephen Ministers.” These mean and women have a ministry of accompanying those who are facing some crisis in life, such as illness, death of a loved one, divorce, relocation, or financial setback.
This year Stephen Ministries is celebrating their 50th anniversary. They are presenting one day seminars in cities across the U.S. An important part of that day is a presentation on “How Your Congregation Can Help Combat the Mental Health Crisis.” One of our Grace Fellowship Guides attended this event and passed on the notice that this module is now available as an online slideshow.[2] The presentation is online here:
Sensitive care is a basic discipleship responsibility: “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).
May pastors take the opportunity to equip the saints (Eph. 4:12) to help combat the mental health crisis.
JBW
Revitalizing Pastors 