Five Ways the Church Can Do More Than Pray for People Who Suffer from Mental Illness

Today’s post was written by a friend I made through Hope Made Strong’s Church Mental Health group. Corine graciously exchanged posts with me to share on each other’s blogs. You can check out the post I wrote for her TherapyforChristians.com site here. I’m so thankful for her sharing this practical article with us.

Most people understand that mental illness is just that: a disease. . . a disease that may require treatment by mental health professionals and medication management. On the other hand, this awareness may lead us to believe that the church community has nothing to offer a sick person other than prayer.

This is a miscommunication!

In reality, the church is charged with caring for the whole person — body, mind, and soul — which includes recognizing and caring for mentally ill persons. In fact, research indicated that the church may be the first place people call when they suffer from mental illness.

Due to their position and resources, the church has the ability to speak into an individual’s soul and personhood in ways that medical practitioners cannot. Apart from prayer support a church has to do several other things for the people affected with mental illness.

1. Show Love

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Because we have a divine duty to care for people’s bodily, spiritual, and emotional needs, the church must become purposeful about ministering to those suffering from mental illness in concrete ways.

The “no casserole” ailment is a term used to describe mental illness. Most congregations provide the practical needs of people and families who are dealing with continuous medical concerns or who are going through life transitions such as moving, job loss, pregnancy, or the death of a loved one.

Similarly, church volunteers can make a difference in the lives of persons suffering from mental illness by delivering meals, assisting with domestic tasks, and providing rides to doctor’s appointments. Meeting practical needs does not have to be expensive. These actions say volumes to folks who frequently feel lonely and forgotten by donating a little spare time and dedication.

2. Understand

Psalm 34:17-20

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.

Congregations should analyze their congregation’s mental health needs. This is an important second step in helping congregations understand their own perceptions of mental illness and substance use disorders. A congregational evaluation aids in determining the need for a mental health ministry as well as what trainings the community may require to improve their abilities to support and care for those in need.

This could include forming a local interfaith mental health training coalition, a congregational mental health committee, or a companionship care team to help those members who are performing outreach to others who are battling with mental health or drug use issues.

3. Maintain confidentiality and compassion

Proverbs 11:13

A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of a faithful spirit concealeth the matter.

Even as you open the lines of communication, keep an eye out for anything that could be misconstrued as gossip or hate speech. Never divulge anything that has been given to you in confidence. Mental illness is devastating and frequently causes embarrassment. Be mindful about how specifics are discussed in public, even among family and friends.

4. Create an open dialogue

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

Use the term “mentally ill” with confidence. Discuss mental illness openly in services. If you have a personal experience to offer, please do so. Knowing that someone else understands can be the catalyst for starting a conversation. Ask specifically, “Are there any mental illness issues that we need to pray about?” while requesting prayer concerns because we know being a Christians does not make you immune from mental illness. Make certain that your church is not frightened to discuss mental illness.

5. Support families and friends

1 Corinthians 16:14

Do everything in love.

Mental illness causes a terrible sense of isolation, not only for the person who is ill but also for family and friends.

Children are perplexed as to why their “abnormal” father picks them up from school in his bathrobe.

Teenagers become enraged when their mother spends days lying on the couch.

Friends are humiliated by the one individual in the group who says the most inappropriate things in the loudest voice imaginable at the worst possible times.

Parents often struggle to deal with a child that is always misbehaving and are unsure of how to support them (check out this article on how parents can support an adult child with mental illness).

It might be difficult for families to obtain assistance for individuals they care about. These families and friends require the church’s compassion, assistance, and support. They have various requirements, much like families with physically ill members.

Conclusion

People with mental illnesses were once shunned, alienated, and often abused. Most people today agree that mental illness is better understood and treated. However, some of the past’s scorn and harshness have given way to silence and apathy in the present. It is time for the church to step up and make a difference, break down barriers, and reach out to those suffering from mental illness.

About the Author: Corine Williams, Ph.D. is the founder of www.therapyforchristians.com a website designed to increase mental health awareness in the Christian community. There you will find resources on mental health topics from a Christian perspective, a database of Christian Mental Health Providers and much more.