Breaking the Stigma: Connecting Faith & Mental Health in the Church

Hey there Church Leader!

Have you ever felt the weight of balancing your faith with your mental health? You are not alone. There is a vital connection between faith and mental health, and we have to confront the stigma that mental health struggles may suggest a lack of faith. This month over on the Space & Grace Podcast we are talking about just that. 

Let's explore the TOP THREE Ways Faith & Mental Health intertwine beautifully...

1. You Have a Biblical Call to Care for Your Mind.

The Bible gives us a clear mandate to care for our minds. In Matthew 22:37, Jesus reminds us:

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind."

Jesus teaches us to love God holistically—with every part of our being. This includes our minds, which means treating mental health as a vital aspect of our spiritual journey. When our minds are struggling, it’s a signal that we need to seek change, as mental well-being is an essential part of our spiritual health and can either impact it negatively or positively. Which is why we are told to "...take every thought captive..." in 2 Corinthians 10:5

Clinical Insight: Mental Flexibility in Leadership

Does this mean if you are struggling with your thoughts and emotions you are failing and if you aren't you are doing things right? Not at all, in fact we are promised hard times in John 16:33- “... I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world...”

A better way to look at mental health is through a lens of "flexibility". Mental flexibility means having a healthy range of emotions and the ability to regulate them. It involves being okay with not being okay for a season and demonstrating resilience. According to a 2022 survey of over a thousand church leaders and churchgoers, 43% of Christians had experienced a mental health issue. Yet, more than half reported that their church community was unsupportive or neutral toward their mental health struggles.

Case Study Highlight

A peer-reviewed study published in the "Journal of Religion and Health" supports this, highlighting that “leaders who prioritize mental flexibility are better equipped to support their congregation effectively.” 

2. Authenticity in Relationship.

Addressing mental health and faith together offers the opportunity to show up authentically in relationships—with God, oneself, and others. Embracing mental health can deepen relationships because it means understanding and presenting your true self with God and those you lead.

Embracing Authenticity

While often feeling isolated, mental health struggles are common. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that 1 in 5 adults experience mental health issues yearly. Acknowledging these struggles breaks the isolation and connects us more deeply with our faith and community.

Case Study Highlight

My personal journey shared at a church in Texas, showed that vulnerability in leadership could resonate profoundly. Many church leaders expressed they silently struggled with similar issues, resonating with the fact that leaders often feel they can’t show their humanity. According to a study in "Pastoral Psychology," fostering authenticity in leadership can significantly improve community connections and support.

3. Building Resilience Through Faith.

Our faith can significantly build resilience and improve mental health. Throughout scripture, God calls us to rely on Him, especially in our struggles. Faith can be a source of hope and meaning, aiding us in navigating life’s challenges with a positive outlook.

Church Hurt

Luke 10:38-42 We read the story of Martha and Mary hosting Jesus. Martha was so busy serving and was actually getting angry with her sister Mary for taking time to visit and listen to Jesus instead of serving Him.

Raise your hand if you have ever been a Martha? *raises hand

Serving in ministry or as a volunteer can have some seasons that are more difficult than others. For many, church hurt is a real and painful experience. Recognizing this pain and seeking healing can actually boost mental health. Faith practices such as prayer and worship provide grounding and can be powerful tools for resilience. 

Practical Application: Mindful Prayer

I had a hard time applying this principles into a tangible plan and I couldn't find existing options that connected faith and mental health to help my prayer life. I knew I needed to align with Paul’s guidance about taking those thoughts captive to make them obedient to Christ, but I need practice. So out of sheer desperation I connected my tools from the mental health field and developed a Mindful Prayer Journal to help connect faith and mental health in practical ways. If you want to try out my 7 day challenge to practice Mindful Prayer, here's a link to my FREE 7 day Mindful Prayer Journal that I made. Now you can sign up try it for yourself and get a daily encouragement all straight to your inbox.

Wrapping It Up

Church leaders, embracing the journey of integrating faith and mental health is not just beneficial; it’s essential for effective ministry. By addressing mental health openly and authentically, you pave the way for a healthier, more resilient community.

Next time someone asks how you're doing, take a moment to answer truthfully.

Embrace the support systems around you, including therapy and community connections. My challenge to you is to connect your faith with your mental health intentionally.

If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow join me over here on IG,  for more talks on topics like this!

As always, I look forward to our next conversation. Until next time!

References:

• Journal of Religion and Health. (Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10943-020-01104-2)
• National Institute of Mental Health, 2021. (Link: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness)
• Survey data from 2022 church leaders and goers.