SDA Mantal Health

[Gregory Matthews]

You may find the following article to be of interest.

 

https://spectrummagazine.org/views/compassionately-and-competently-addressing-mental-health-issues-in-the-church/

 

I made the following response to the article:

 

"The SDA response to this issue has a fundamental problem that must be faced. The local pastor is typically the one in overall charge of the congregation. In that role, the pastor has an administrative function related to membership. That pastoral expectation may prevent the pastor from being helpful to the person with mental health issues who is expressing them in an inappropriate lifestyle. A professional counselor cannot have a dual role in relating to the person. An SDA member of one congregation is expected to obtain permission from the local pastor to seek professional help from another SDA pastor who may be in a better position ot help the person. Such may violate professional principles of confidentiality. I have seen a male SDA pastor become personally offended by a female wanting to seek help from a female pastor and express that offense to the woman seeking help. This needs an immediate change and our female pastors need to work to bring this change about."

Gregory Matthews

[Joe Knapp]

Mental health seems to be a growing problem in churches. Churches may attract some people that have serious issues because of their compassion. 

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The survey found that young adults ages 18 to 29 reported the highest crisis prevalence at 15.1 percent, compared to 2.6 percent among those over 60.

Gen Z is clearly struggling. 

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As mental health concerns rise across the general population, the church must develop strategies to meet these needs as we share the love of Christ and support individuals settling into their new church homes.

I agree, but I am not sure that this role should fall on pastors. 

His ideas / plan is wonderful, however it is more suited to a larger church. There are not many churches who could do this.