Strong Minds, Strong Faith
Pastoral | September 12, 2024 | By: Ben Powers
Fully Embracing Mental Health in the Church
During college, I worked for the Youth Probation Department in Huntington, Indiana, where I encountered young people navigating not just legal trouble or difficult home lives, but deep mental health challenges. One youth I worked with had been diagnosed with depression. His struggles weren’t merely about poor choices but about managing the emotional turmoil within him. This experience opened my eyes to how mental health issues profoundly shape a person’s life and revealed the crucial role the church can play in supporting those who wrestle with these struggles.
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines it as a state of well-being where individuals realize their potential, cope with life's stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities. It’s more than the absence of illness; it’s about thriving in daily life.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) defines mental health conditions as disorders that "affect a person’s thinking, feeling, mood, or behavior." These can range from common struggles like anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder, PTSD, and schizophrenia. Here’s a staggering statistic: 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year. Now, think about that in the context of a typical Sunday morning—if 100 people are gathered, it means 20 of them could be quietly struggling with a mental health issue. These challenges are often invisible, but they profoundly affect how people live, interact, and connect with their communities.
1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness each year.
Historically, mental health has often been misunderstood in church circles, sometimes seen as a lack of faith or spiritual weakness. But mental health affects how we think, handle emotions, manage stress, and connect with others. When churches overlook these challenges or reduce them to spiritual problems, it can lead to shame and isolation, preventing people from seeking help.
The church has an opportunity to change this narrative. Rather than attempting to “fix” mental health issues, we can create spaces where people feel safe to share their struggles, receive prayer, find community, and connect with professional resources. Mental health care, including counseling and therapy, can work hand in hand with spiritual care to provide holistic healing.
Many influential Christian leaders throughout history have openly faced mental health struggles, showing that these challenges are part of the human experience—even for those deeply committed to faith. Charles Spurgeon, known as the “Prince of Preachers,” was deeply affected by depression. He openly admitted, "I could weep by the hour like a child, and yet I knew not what I wept for." Martin Luther, the leader of the Protestant Reformation, frequently battled anxiety and depression, calling these episodes "Anfechtungen," meaning spiritual trial or deep inner struggle. Mother Teresa wrote about her long periods of darkness, doubt, and feelings of abandonment by God. John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, experienced intense doubt, fear, and depression. Henri Nouwen, a prominent Catholic priest and theologian, also struggled with depression, loneliness, and anxiety.
These examples remind us that mental health struggles do not equate to a lack of faith. On the contrary, they reveal the reality that even deeply committed Christian leaders faced profound internal battles.
These challenges are part of the human experience—even for those deeply committed to faith.
The Bible speaks to the reality of mental health by recognizing the emotional and mental burdens people carry. These verses show that God deeply cares about the whole person—body, mind, and soul.
In Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV), Paul addresses the widespread issue of anxiety, which affects both the heart and mind: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Here, God promises to provide His peace, which surpasses our understanding. This peace is not something we create on our own but a divine gift that protects us mentally and emotionally. God takes an active role in guarding our mental well-being, demonstrating that mental health is something He deeply cares about.
In Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV), Jesus offers an invitation, acknowledging that emotional and mental fatigue are real burdens people carry: "Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light."
The "rest" Jesus offers isn’t just physical; it includes emotional and mental relief. He speaks to the whole person, offering restoration for the soul, which encompasses both emotional and mental well-being. This passage shows that God recognizes the weight of these struggles and offers real rest and relief.
Isaiah 26:3 (ESV) gives us another example of God’s care for mental health, promising peace during times of great stress and uncertainty: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You."
Isaiah was a prophet during a time of immense political instability and cultural upheaval for Israel. The nation was surrounded by threats from powerful enemies like Assyria and Babylon, leading to anxiety, fear, and stress among the people. They faced both external pressures from hostile nations and internal struggles with their own faithlessness and sin.
This verse promises "perfect peace" (shalom) to those who remain focused on God. The Hebrew word shalom goes beyond the absence of conflict—it refers to complete well-being, encompassing mental, emotional, and spiritual health. In a time of national crisis and personal turmoil, God offers not just external protection but internal peace that stabilizes the mind and heart. This perfect peace addresses the anxiety and stress caused by the surrounding political and cultural pressures, showing that God cares for the whole person—mind, body, and soul.
Mental health challenges don’t undermine faith—they’re part of the human experience. The Bible offers a compassionate framework for addressing these struggles. As the church, we have a responsibility to respond in ways that help, not harm.
Here are some practical steps we can take to support those facing mental health struggles:
Avoid simplifying the solution: Instead of simply advising "pray more" or "have more faith," acknowledge that mental health challenges often require professional help, such as counseling or medical care. Avoid personalizing their experience by sharing your own stories or unrelated advice. Keep the focus entirely on the individual’s unique struggles, offering empathy, listening carefully, and providing practical support.
Know what to look for: Learn to spot signs of mental health struggles like withdrawal, mood changes, or expressions of hopelessness. Early recognition helps prevent escalation. Create a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles.
Believe their feelings: If someone opens up about mental health struggles, take them seriously. Avoid phrases like "It's all in your head" or "Cheer up." Instead, validate their feelings and offer support.
Walk with them: Everyone's mental health journey is different. Rather than trying to "fix" them, focus on walking alongside them with patience and encouragement. Consistent support like check-ins, small groups, or practical help can make a difference. Set healthy boundaries to avoid burnout while staying present.
Connect with professionals: Churches aren't always equipped to provide specialized mental health care. Partner with counselors, therapists, and doctors who can help. Utilize your pastors to connect people with professionals.
By following these steps, the church can create a supportive and compassionate environment for those facing mental health challenges, reflecting the holistic care God provides for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
Ben Powers
Cactus Men’s, Marriage & Groups Pastor
SBC offers no-fee counseling for youth and adults, support groups, and other mental health resources. Contact us to learn more about ways we can support you or your family.
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