Wellspring Magazine (FINAL.NOVEMBER)) - Flipbook - Page 14
Mental Health in the Church
Historically, Christians have faced adversity in the world, and the emotional and physical scars are very real.
Since the pandemic, the topic of mental health has gained ground on social platforms, in the workplace, in
homes, and even within churches. Many congregational leaders have raised the issue of mental well-being,
highlighting the challenges of the human experience, and the need to address them both spiritually and
mentally. Some of our local pastors share their thoughts on the topic of mental health as an integral part of
the project of peace and hope that God has for the lives of His children.
“ God tells us to love our neighbor as ourselves. If we don’t like ourselves, and if we are kind
of “wonky”, everything will flow out of that spring and make it hard to love. Most of us do
not feel the abundant life that we are supposed to live, even though it is within our reach.
Loving ourselves as God loves us often requires us to change our thoughts, especially when we
learned to think from our brokenness. Many Christians are wounded and need to speak with
professionals where they do not feel ashamed. I refer to Wellspring because I have seen
that when people work through the big and small stuff, they have better lives. It makes
the community better, their families healthier, and my job easier.”
Robert Porras - Pastor
New Life Community Church
“ Pretending that people in church are not struggling mentally is a mistake. As Christians,
growing will be done through reading our bible and praying, and also by seeking help
when caring for ourselves and others. In the same way people recognize that when they
feel physically ill, they go to a doctor, they should consider professional counseling to
overcome their mental and emotional struggles. During my seminary studies, I learned
that referral is necessary when the need arises. As pastors, we will always find situations
that will go beyond what we can handle and finding a trustworthy professional to refer
to is tremendously important.”
Michael Campbell - Senior Pastor
Old Cutler Presbyterian Church
“ Unfortunately, around some Christian circles, mental health is seen as taboo and something
one should never speak about at church or from the pulpit. Some Christians believe that
those suffering with mental health issues “lack faith” or have “unrepentant sin”. Thankfully,
because of Wellspring Counseling, and Christian organizations like it, we have learned much
about mental health and how to better serve those who are struggling while at the same
time addressing their spiritual needs. As everyone knows, [Christians] are living in some
challenging times, with economic challenges, racial divides, political polarization, drug and
alcohol misuse running rampant, family struggles, and a once in a lifetime pandemic. I feel
so blessed to have Wellspring Counseling as one of my resources for ministry. I see them
as part of my team to help those that are in need in my church and community.”
14 Velasco - Senior Pastor
14 Ruben
Kendall United Methodist Church