{"id":24804,"date":"2020-02-10T04:30:59","date_gmt":"2020-02-10T11:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/?p=24804"},"modified":"2023-08-29T11:24:32","modified_gmt":"2023-08-29T17:24:32","slug":"how-do-we-foster-mental-wellness-among-christian-leaders-part-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/baonline.cog7engage.net\/how-do-we-foster-mental-wellness-among-christian-leaders-part-3\/","title":{"rendered":"How Do We Foster Mental Wellness Among Christian Leaders? Part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are various ways that all of us, including our international brethren, can go about implementing plans of action to promote mental wellness among our congregations:<\/a><\/p>\n

Leadership Assessment, Care and Accountability<\/h4>\n
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    1. Every leader who desires to do so can take some form of self-assessment evaluation, such as the one found in The Emotionally Healthy Leader<\/em>.[1]<\/a> This would pave the way for each of them to determine if there are areas in their lives that could benefit from special attention. But before that, they should take the time and effort to seek God\u2019s counsel, not just a few minutes, but real, quality time spent in prayer, meditation, and reflection.<\/a> One-on-one time with God causes us to start to see ourselves as He sees us, and this leads to a desire for a pure and healthy lifestyle.<\/a> In Face-to-Face: Praying the Scriptures for Spiritual Growth<\/em>, there is a simple yet powerful prayer referencing 2 Chronicles 31:20-21. This prayer appeals to God: \u201cLike Hezekiah, I want to do what is good and right before You, Lord my God, by seeking you with all my heart.\u201d[2]<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Outside consultation could reveal hidden factors<\/h3>\n

      If after devoted prayer and a legitimate self-assessment the leader still experiences mental or emotional challenges, it should not be considered a sign of weakness or a lack of faith to seek professional assistance.<\/a> Outside consultation could reveal hidden factors such as fatigue, chemical disorders, or dietary deficiencies. It would also be helpful to confide in one or two trusted peers. It is comforting to be able to open up to someone who will not judge you and who has your best interest in mind. Other leaders understand because they might be dealing with some of the same issues. Therefore, a group of leaders helping other leaders can be a way to provide confidential support while at the same time holding each other accountable.<\/p>\n

      Congregation Assessment and Assistance<\/h4>\n
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        1. The leaders of each congregation can devise a survey to determine if there are any training or workshops that the members might be interested in attending, such as marriage, parenting, relationships, loss & grief, depression, anger management, addictions, etc.<\/a> This will allow congregants to seek help in a comfortable, guilt-free manner. It will also give the leaders a chance to see the needs of those they serve.<\/a> The survey could also include a question that would identify any members of the congregation that are certified, licensed, or degreed in any field of healthcare.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Leaders of the congregation can decide what steps to take next<\/h3>\n

          Depending on the results of the survey, leaders of the congregation can decide what steps to take next. Some suggestions are:<\/p>\n