
Mental Health & The Church

*The information contained on this website is drawn from a variety of sources about mental illness; however it is not a comprehensive study and the information is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. Through this website you are able to link to other websites - each website is independently operated and is responsible for the information contained on their site. We cannot endorse everything contained on the individual sites, but we hope the information will be useful.
The commitment of Saddleback Church to people living with mental illness greatly increased on April 5, 2013 when Pastor Rick and Kay’s youngest son, Matthew, took his life after a lifelong struggle with mental illness. In the midst of the devastating loss of Matthew, Pastor Rick and Kay along with the Saddleback community, have united together to journey alongside people living with mental illness and their families in a holistic way.
The Hope for Mental Health Ministry extends the radical friendship of Jesus by providing transforming love, support, and hope through the local church. The heart of this ministry comes from three passages of Scripture: “I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you” (John 15:15), “Serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13b), and “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13).
Five life-transforming Scriptural truths that shape our approach to the Mental Health Ministry are illustrated in The Hope Circle. Each truth combats a negative message that holds people back from moving toward hope.
Is there a role for the church in walking alongside people living with mental illness? The answer is a resounding YES! Studies show when people are struggling with mental illness the first place they call is the church. There is hope for mental illness.
Most people understand that mental illness is just that - an illness - and as such, often requires medication and treatment by mental health professionals for management and improved health. But the flip side of that realization can lead us to believe that there is nothing significant the faith community can offer to a person living with mental illness. This is a misperception! In reality, the church is tasked with caring for the whole person - body, mind, and soul - and that means we must recognize and care for a person with an illness. The church can speak into the soul and personhood of the individual in ways that medical professionals cannot.
Your greatest ministry will come out of your greatest pain.
Pastor Rick Warren
Saddleback Church has created a Church-Initiated Mental Health Strategy that can be built over time, adapted, and implemented into all areas of ministry in any church. Start small and gradually expand. It is helpful to look at building a mental health ministry through the stages or crawl, walk, and run.
Crawl steps do not require money, training, resources, or paid staff. They are beginner steps for easing into creating your mental health ministry. All churches can implement crawl steps.
Walk steps require some training and minimal financial support. There is a greater level of commitment, but most churches can take these steps.
Run steps require a higher level of commitment, more extensive training, financial support, and trained church staff. Some churches can take these steps.
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) Toolkit provides information to help faith leaders work with members of their congregations and their families who are facing mental health challenges. Their Quick Reference Guide is a two-page resource that highlights statistics on mental illness, observable signs that someone has a mental illness, communication strategies with someone struggling with mental illness, as well as items for immediate concern to make a referral to a mental health professional.
Faith.Hope.Life. is an initiative of the Faith Communities Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention. This campaign is an opportunity for every faith community in the United States, regardless of creed, to focus on one Sabbath each year on the characteristics common to most faiths that also help prevent suicides.
MentalHealth.gov for Faith and Community Leaders translates and connects SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) resources for faith and community leaders, including a page that goes over mental health facts and myths.
SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) provides community conversations about mental health including briefs, guides, and other resources designed to help people promote mental health awareness as well as access to treatment and recovery services within their communities.
*The information contained on this website is drawn from a variety of sources about mental illness; however it is not a comprehensive study and the information is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. Through this website you are able to link to other websites - each website is independently operated and is responsible for the information contained on their site. We cannot endorse everything contained on the individual sites, but we hope the information will be useful.
Find information about mental health services and resources in your area.