Mental Health and the Church: A Call to Compassion and Action

June 2025

"The Church can become a beacon of God’s peace and healing for those struggling with mental health challenges."

Mental health challenges affect millions, shaping lives regardless of faith. The Church has a role to play in addressing this need. Although we have sometimes struggled to respond effectively, this is not necessarily out of indifference; it is often due to an uncertainty about what to say or how to help. This hesitation can often lead to missed opportunities to provide support, wisdom, care and compassion to those in need.

Mental health goes beyond the presence or absence of illness. It encompasses holistic wellbeing across biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions (World Health Organisation, 2022). As believers, we are called to reflect Christ’s ministry (Isaiah 61) by fostering environments of understanding and support, integrating pastoral care, community involvement, and an informed discipleship approach.

Failing to engage with mental health not only limits the Church’s impact, but can lead to marginalisation within Christian communities. Instead, we have an opportunity to demonstrate God’s love in tangible ways as we help to support the vulnerable among us (Matthew 28:19; Galatians 5:22–23). What is more, research has shown that healthier religious practices contribute to improved mental health outcomes (Koenig, 2012), making mental well-being an integral part of discipleship.

Harmful theology or misplaced pressures within Christian circles can exacerbate struggles rather than offer healing. A Church committed to God’s peace can actively address mental health with grace, understanding and structured support.

Destigmatising mental health is an essential first step. For example, individuals experiencing anxiety or depression are sometimes told they 'simply lack faith,' an approach that deepens suffering rather than helping to foster recovery. Instead, the Church could offer acceptance, hope and encouragement to enable believers to flourish in their spiritual journeys.

A holistic approach to discipleship places people above programmes, ensuring that ministry does not prioritise vision or goals at the expense of wellbeing. Studies show that excessive service expectations can lead to burnout among faith leaders and congregants alike (Tan, 2021). Recognising this helps churches create a culture where mental health is protected, not ignored.

Faithful and Compassionate Responses to Mental Health

To help churches navigate mental health effectively, the Lausanne Movement (2024) has proposed seven key strategies:

1. Defining the Church’s Role: Churches should complement professional mental health services rather than attempt to replace them. Their primary role is to be a "community of persistent, patient love" (Swinton, 2020), offering relational and spiritual care alongside clinical support.
2. Educating Leaders on Mental Health: Pastors and lay leaders should aim to cultivate a nuanced understanding of mental health issues. Reducing struggles to 'weakness' or 'lack of faith' perpetuates stigma, whereas a well-grounded theology enables effective, compassionate ministry.
3. Emphasising a Holistic Approach: Mental health is influenced by biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors. Churches can encourage a balanced lifestyle, healthy relationships, and active community engagement alongside pastoral guidance.
4. Safeguarding Against Harmful Practices: Misidentifying mental health struggles as some form of demonic possession can lead to damaging interventions. Thoughtful safeguarding policies ensure that care is rooted in biblical wisdom and informed by contemporary psychological insights (Tan, 2019).
5. Raising Congregational Awareness: Open discussions on mental health through sermons, Bible studies, and education initiatives help dismantle stigma around the topic. Programmes like Help for Christians with Anxiety and Depression can provide valuable resources for fostering informed conversations.
6. Conducting Mental Health Audits: Churches can periodically assess their culture and discipleship programmes to gauge their impact on mental well-being. Regular evaluations help maintain a ministry approach that prioritises care and avoids neglect.
7. Providing First Responder and Referral Support: Churches can train      designated first responders to offer support and guide individuals toward professional care when necessary. These services should be carefully structured and accredited to ensure safe and effective assistance. Support should also extend to church leaders, who often face significant mental health challenges.

By adopting these strategies, the Church can become a beacon of God’s peace and healing for those struggling with mental health challenges. 

Conclusion: The Church’s Call to Mental Well-being

Mental wellbeing is a defining concern of our time, and the Church has a wonderful opportunity to respond with care, compassion and practical action. Implementing structured support, promoting informed theological perspectives, and signposting individuals toward professional care are all vital aspects of this mission.

Just as Jesus calls His followers to serve the least, the last and the lost, so churches can stand alongside those navigating mental health challenges. By fostering spaces of healing and hope, we can reflect Christ’s love and offer meaningful transformation in the lives of those who need it most.

A Helpful Resource

If you would like to explore a helpful resource, take a look at the online workshop we offer called Help for Christians with Anxiety and Depression: A Faith-Based CBT Approach. It is an 8 week online workshop with downloadable models and accompanying videos.

 

References

Koenig, H.G. (2012). Religion and Mental Health: Research and Clinical Applications. Academic Press.

Lausanne Movement (2024). Mental Health and the Church: Strategies for Faithful and Compassionate Ministry.

Tan, K. (2021). Mental Health in Asian Church Communities. Singapore Institute of Pastoral Care.

Tan, K. (2019). Safeguarding Mental Health in Christian Communities. Asia Theological Press.

The Sanctuary Course (2022). A Resource for Churches on Faith and Mental Health. Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries.

Swinton, J. (2020). Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with Mental Health Challenges. Eerdmans.

World Health Organisation (2022). Mental health: Strengthening our response.