{"id":24782,"date":"2020-02-05T04:30:15","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T11:30:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/?p=24782"},"modified":"2023-08-29T11:24:30","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T17:24:30","slug":"how-do-we-foster-mental-wellness-among-christian-leaders-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/how-do-we-foster-mental-wellness-among-christian-leaders-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do We Foster Mental Wellness Among Christian Leaders? Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Forming a network of support and accountability<\/h3>\n

As we transition into the next decade, there is no time to waver between the world and the Kingdom. Those of us who have taken on the mantle of \u201cChristian Leader\u201d must be good stewards of the commission that has been bestowed upon us.<\/a> The responsibility for being ambassadors of God\u2019s Word is not to be taken lightly. None of us are perfect, but we must strive for perfection in carrying out the duties that have been given us. [bctt tweet=”Having a sound mind is essential to assure that we do no harm to those who are following our lead.”] Let us work together to form a network of support and accountability for each other as we gear up for the battle to win souls for Christ.<\/a><\/p>\n

[bctt tweet=”Because of the associated stigma, many of us do not want to admit to struggling with any kind of mental or emotional breakdown.”] It is especially difficult for those who are in the position of leadership. To many believers within the Christian community, such a revelation would be a lack of faith or an admission of a sin.<\/a> Pastors, ministers, youth and worship leaders, elders, deacons \u2013 all are human, and all are subject to burnout, depression, addictions, etc.; it is prideful to think otherwise.<\/p>\n

We must strive to be in top form in all areas of our lives<\/h3>\n

[bctt tweet=”Many Christian leaders are so focused on taking care of others that we sometimes neglect to tend to our own physical, mental and emotional needs.”] In order to set good examples for those that we serve, we must become open to caring for our mental and emotional health as much as, hopefully, we do for our physical and spiritual wellbeing.<\/a> Our country, indeed, our world, is under a tremendous spiritual attack. To continue with the mission that Jesus assigned to His original disciples, we must strive to be in top form in all areas of our lives.\u00a0 This includes taking whatever measures that are needed to ensure that we maintain our mental wellness.<\/p>\n

While working towards a certificate in Family Ministry through LifeSpring School of Ministry, now known as Artios Christian College, I engaged in an online discussion with one of my classmates during the Mental Health<\/em> semester of the course. As a result of that conversation, I started an initiative to facilitate the coming together of mental-health providers and congregations to end the stigma of mental illness and to promote mental wellness in our communities.<\/a><\/p>\n

The church can be a crucial component in the effort to assist those who are struggling<\/h3>\n

I have attended various workshops, seminars and training sessions since then, and at each one, I have heard that the church can be a crucial component in the effort to assist those who are struggling with mental and emotional health issues.<\/a> I have also heard that many people are not getting the help that they need from their local churches because of the attitude that some places of worship have about addressing mental and emotional illness. [bctt tweet=”The fact that the General Conference of the Church of God (Seventh Day) recognizes the importance of including courses about mental health in the curriculum that leaders are encouraged to take should not be overlooked or taken lightly.”]<\/p>\n

Where other denominations might be lacking, the Church of God (Seventh Day) is in the perfect position to serve as an example by acknowledging that there should not be a disconnect between \u201cmental\u201d and \u201cphysical\u201d when it comes to promoting wellness within our congregations. If we are to carry forth the \u201cVision of a Vibrant 21-st Century Church of God (Seventh Day)\u201d that Bro. Whaid Rose wrote about in Dream in Progress <\/em>[1]<\/a>, then we must recognize that we will not be able to fully serve those who are in need of spiritual guidance if we cling to outdated methods of dealing with those who have a mental or emotional disorder. That acknowledgment must start with the leaders.<\/p>\n

Churches and mental illness<\/h3>\n

According to a study of 1000 pastors by \u201cLifeWay Research\u201d: [2]<\/a><\/p>\n