The soul is a complex thing. Our intellect, emotions, and will are all wound up together in the psyche, the soul. And this pretty amazing engine called a brain drives the soul. But sometimes, our engine needs a tune-up.
I am often concerned that we don’t understand the power of a brain driving a soul out of control. A survey once found that while most Americans feel comfortable going to church while struggling with mental illness (68%), a majority of Christians also believe that prayer and greater faith is the route to go to find healing from mental illness.
That’s one of the reasons I get excited every year when the Church Mental Health Summit happens. It’s coming up on October 10. It’s all online and it’s free to attend.
Many people of faith assume that if you’re really right with God, you don’t need medication. The truth for many people is that medication is the mechanism that allows them to rediscover who they really are by clearing away the irrational thinking that clouds their minds.
Does taking medication or seeking out therapy imply a lack of faith? Not at all. It’s a recognition that we live in a world in which our bodies have inherent flaws for which there are medicinal solutions. It’s also a recognition that science isn’t a threat or something to be feared.
Whether you’re one who struggles with mental health issues or know someone who does, here are a few thoughts for you…
- Pray for healing, but take your medicine.
- Pray for deliverance, but see a counselor.
- Ask God for the miraculous, but commit to the long-term hard work He often uses to heal and restore.
- Offer support, not shame, to those who struggle.
- If you struggle with irrational or persistently self-defeating thoughts, talk to someone. Get help today. You matter too much!
I think we’re making progress as a church. We have a long way to go in our understanding, but we seem to be more open to talking about mental health issues than ever before. Let’s keep moving in the direction of really making room in God’s family for people who struggle with mental health issues.
Register for the Church Mental Health Summit Here!
And keep on growing!
Brandon
This Week’s Big Sermon Ideas
How to Overcome Evil with Good
A sermon idea based on Romans 12:9-21.
When we live counter-culturally, cultivating love and shining our light in the darkness, more people experience the goodness of God through us. And the more people experience God’s goodness through us, the more we’re able to share the story of Jesus, which is why we live this way to begin with.
Read and Share the Full Article »
Creative Sermon Series Ideas from MinistryPass
My favorite resource for sermon series and message ideas, complete series graphics, and video bumpers (but NOT full notes) to get you started is MinistryPass! Each week, I’ll feature a series I would recommend checking out for the upcoming season of the church year. This week:
From the Description:
This three-week series looks at the difference between the people who accepted the call and followed Jesus and those who admired him from a distance but ultimately abandoned him. We will discuss the difference between fans and followers and how our culture has made it easy to just be a fan.
Check Out This Sermon Series »
Links for Leaders
BOOK: I’ve known Brian Moss a long time now and I know he has a heart to help pastors lead their churches into healthy growth. His story is pretty neat, having moved into a traditional, established church and helping it transition into something beautiful. He’s just dropped his new book, The D.R.E.A.M. Church: Five Proven Strategies for Growing a Healthy, Disciple-Making Church.
- Moss, Brian (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 226 Pages - 07/26/2023 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
INSIGHT: Sojourners online shared a story this week written by Bekah McNeel about What Families With Disabled Kids Need From the Church. It’s a timely issue that shouldn’t be overlooked.
ICYMI: A throwback to one of the foundational articles I’ve written here at Preaching for Change about three ways preaching really does change the world: The Point of Preaching Is Effecting Change.
TIP: Gibson Brueher offers some pretty great advice for churches looking to use technology to reach people with the gospel in his article at ChurchCommunications.com entitled The Power Of Short Form Content: Reaching People In The Digital Age. Incidentally, I think he’s spot on.
Which is why I’m such a big fan of Sermon Shots!…
The Latest from Walk Humble
Walk Humble is where I host an ongoing conversation about life, faith, and relationships among people brave enough to admit they don’t have life all figured out yet. Here’s the latest if you’re interested…
Miss an Issue? Read The Reflectionary Archives!
A Coaching Community for Church Leaders
My friend, Jacob Schmelzer, hosts one of the best coaching communities for pastors and leaders of growing churches. UpLevel Leader Church Growth Coaching comes value-packed with
- A weekly coaching session
- Church marketing masterclass
- Facebook invitation system
- The 50 to 500 growth plan
- A library of courses on church growth and leadership
And more. Jacob is a leader who walks both confidently and humbly and has figured out how to lead well in a culture that offers plenty of challenges. Check out UpLevel Leader Church Growth Coaching today!
This newsletter is powered by ConvertKit, which I highly recommend for launching your own online newsletter, email list, platform, etc.
Photo by Jack Sharp on Unsplash.
