People living with depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, or other mental health issues often turn first to their faith leaders for help. Yet many faith leaders feel they lack sufficient background knowledge, training, and resources in the field of mental health.
Look here for information and resources that can help equip you to meet some of the mental health needs of those in your congregation or community who look to you for guidance, comfort and support.
Practical approaches for the church to help prevent suicides
Learn how the church plays a vital role caring for those with mental illness
Ways that churches can help break the stigma of mental illness
Discovering the Church's unique opportunity to walk alongside people in their mental and emotional struggles
Considerations for congregations as they contemplate starting a mental health ministry
This article explores 5 practical ways the Church can be a better place of support for those living with the experience of a mental diagnosis.
We are battling a national illness that has no simple remedy. Church planting is one key to attacking the problem of addiction.
Discover a compilation of FREE toolkits and other resources for planning and implementing a mental health ministry.
Click here for a list of national resources to assist you in developing a mental health ministry focus.
This handbook covers topics relating to COVID-19 and mental health.
5 ways churches can support individuals recently diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health condition.
Be courageous enough to talk about depression...
How is the church supporting the mental health of its congregations?
How can churches help families impacted by depression to experience the love of Christ?
A brief guide for faith community leaders and other community leaders that provides background information, suggests ways to care for and support survivors, and offers recommendations for planning a memorial observance.
Key steps to take to help someone who may be at risk for suicide
The church must take a holistic approach to how we serve our members.
I was addicted to drugs at 18 years old. I started developing an addiction at 14 and had a daily habit by 15.
What are the barriers keeping teens with common mental health conditions from connecting at church?
Practical advice on caring for self and others during the pandemic
Learn signs of anxiety in children and how to address it
This new resource, informed by faith community leaders and suicide prevention experts, aims to help equip faith leaders with the capabilities needed to prevent suicide and provide care and comfort for those affected by suicide.
Mental Health Counselor Kathy Wyant provides information for parents, youth workers, and others about teens and depression.
Understanding youth mental health will help prepare you to extend care to a teen who is struggling
Like a tree deeply rooted, youth who understand their Baptismal faith have a strong base from which to grow as Lutheran Chri...
Help for teens as they navigate the pandemic
A Bible-based resource for parents and children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helping youth develop a strong identity in Christ as they manage a mental health struggle.
A God-centered approach for long-term recovery for teens dealing with anxiety issues
Key steps to take to help someone who may be at risk for suicide
Suicide is not something anyone wants to think about, let alone talk about. I have spoken often with despondent parents whose worst nightmare has become reality—their child has expressed thoughts of suicide.
Are your youth involved with alcohol? In this study, you will explore the problem of alcohol abuse among teenagers. Youth will gain understanding for the reasons that people may begin to use or abuse alcohol and will seek alternative sources of support.
It's your worst nightmare as a church youth professional - students using substances at a church event. What do you do?
This global crisis will likely be the defining event for today’s youth. Find statistics and approaches to help them.
I was addicted to drugs at 18 years old. I started developing an addiction at 14 and had a daily habit by 15.
Depression, like other illnesses, was not part of God’s original plan. Instead it is the result of sin entering the world th...
http://www.youthesource.com/20...Pastors and youth leaders, click here for tips to help youth cope after a suicide. ...
Ways for pastors to overcome mental health barriers
This article helps leaders reflect upon personal mental health and professional limits to care for parishioners with mental health needs.
To move to clarity and action, leaders need self-compassion.
Guidance for recognizing when you are at risk of burning out
Steven Cuss has a heart for ministry leaders and understands the pressures they experience when it comes to dealing with anxiety.
There are few vocations that can engender burnout like the pastorate. The demands on a pastor’s time, emotions, and energy can be overwhelming.
Pastor Brad Hoefs pours out his heart about his struggles and personal journey with mental health and ministry.
The final two of four major threats to church worker wellbeing
The first two of four major threats to church worker wellbeing
Caregivers often neglect their own needs or feel guilty for practicing self-care. These print-at-home cards can help you car...
Help and support for caregivers during the pandemic
A tool for clergy to assess wellness and find ways to support a healthy life while serving.
Pastor Brad Hoefs pours his heart out about his own struggles with mental health and ministry
A Bible study to guide pastors through a biblical reflection on their ministerial well-being and show God's care for them
FREE COURSE: Faith-Based and Research-Based Approaches to Building Resilience
Find care and resources through these organizations.
It is can be difficult to admit you have depression when you are a pastor. Here is one pastor's story.
Downloadable resources to help communicate about the Faith.Hope.Life campaign.
Scripture ideas with short commentaries about Biblical characters in their most discouraging times...
Bulletin Inserts on Mental Wellness from The Center for Faith and Community Health Transformation, Advocate Aurora Health
How can a preacher best address suicide from the pulpit?
Find a variety of resources to support your church's mental health ministry
Practical advice for church workers
Being vulnerable to admit you have depression is difficult enough, but it is often more difficult when you are a pastor. Rev. Gabe Kasper, LCMS pastor in Ann Arbor, MI, shares his personal story of depression and offers a sermon on mental illness pointing us to the hope we have in Christ.
One pastor's venture into broaching the topic of mental health from the pulpit.
Litanies, blessings and prayers for those contemplating suicide.
This resource presents litanies directly addressing the issue of suicide and the desire to end or take one's life.
Click here to download sermon....
This study will help individuals and churches broaden their perspective about mental health, and use that perspective to help themselves and others.
Are your youth involved with alcohol? In this study, you will explore the problem of alcohol abuse among teenagers. Youth will gain understanding for the reasons that people may begin to use or abuse alcohol and will seek alternative sources of support.
Let this study be the beginning of opening up to one another in a safe environment about the issues that plague many people in our congregations.
Click here for a list of national resources to assist you in developing a mental health ministry focus.
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