The Church and Counselling

What should the church be doing differently to remove the stigma of seeking mental help. The first step is the church must make it known that mental health exists and not be afraid to talk about it. There must be open dialogue about mental health issues and let the congregation know it is nothing to be ashamed of. The church should have resources to help those struggling. Some people will not omit it openly, therefore they should offer a private setting if needed. The church could have options to call in or submit form for an appointment online or by mail for a counselling session. Most importantly let them know you are there for them and they should not feel ashamed or feel their faith is weak because they are struggling with a mental illness. We all have issues we are dealing with because we are human. Even Paul admitted having a thorn in his flesh 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 (KJV). Satan comes to attack because we are the children of God. Things to follow us from generational curses and things we may have open the door to knowing and unknowingly. Dr Riley mentioned in class there are some wounds you can see and there are wounds that are hidden within. It makes me think of well- known entertainers and business Icon such as Kate Spade and Robin Williams that committed suicide. Some wounds you will never see because they are hidden within unless the Holy Spirit reveals.
As a Christian pursuing a degree in Christian Counseling, I believe the church is a place of refuge and support for everyone. We must realize that counselling must happen in the church. We cannot go and think because you have accepted Christ that the person is not struggling. We have to staff our church with counselors. We can ensure resources are especially offered to the clergy, chaplains and everyday Christians. We cannot think a person faith is weak because they may be dealing with mental illness. I think about how Christain Science thought if you did not receive healing your faith was weak but that is not true. We can be in the Word but yet have struggles. I believe we all should be studying the Word of God wholeheartedly and seeking God's face that when we encounter people dealing with mental health that we know how to address it and recognize the devices of the enemy because the scriptures says For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12 (KJV). Ephesians 1:21(KJV) says that Jesus is Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. Jesus has given us the same power and authority. Every individual that name the Name of Christ could recieve training on how to recognize, discern and cope with individuals that are having challenges dealing with mental illness. We cannot be afraid or shy to address this issue. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV). We must not have the spirit of fear when we encounter someone with a mental illness, we must know God has given us the authority to help. We must make them feel welcome when they arrived at the church whether the illness is recognizable or not. We must have resources available, and trained Christians and have the anointing of God operating in our lives to help everyone that we may encounter. It takes the anointing and the wisdom of God to help anyone deal with mental illness. We must use the Word of God to help transform them unto salvation which will lead to deliverance and healing.

Marilyn, you made the comment, We must not have the spirit of fear when we encounter someone with a mental illness, we must know GOD has given us the authority to help. This is so true! I feel many times in the church when we see a fellow member struggling, we may not know how to approach them. Fear is one of the main reasons many avoid these types of encounters. As HOLY SPIRIT filled Believers must trust in the power CHRIST has given us. No matter what we face, we must walk in faith and not fear, knowing HOLY SPIRIT is our helper and has equipped us with what we need to help those who are hurting. HE is the Spirit of truth, and HE will guide us into all truth (John 16:13).

Marilyn I really how simple you laid out the facts. I also love that you started out with the number thing that is needed and that is raising an awareness. Then you went on to say that people need to know that they do not have to be ashamed. That was a powerful statement especially knowing that the enemy is in the business of bringing shame upon the people of God. But we must stay encouraged in remembering that the blood of Jesus speaks a better thing concerning us, (Hebrews 12:24). I like the idea that you suggested of having an anonymous way to reach out for help. Many times, we don't see the mess as a message or the test as a testimony, so we prefer to keep things secretive and that place of being anonymous is motivating to those that is not ready yet to make their situations public. One thing I mentioned on the live and Dr. Riley backed up is the need for transparency. If there was more transparency especially in leadership, I believe there would be more hope for those sitting in the congregation. There is a lack of hope in the churches today, and I believe it comes from people especially leaders not sharing their struggles and how they overcame. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death (Rev 12:11).

Shekina Bible School of Ministry. Online Live Session. Https://www.shekinahglobalministries.org

Hebrew-Greek Keyword Study Bible Key insights into God's word KJV version, Edited by Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D. & Warren Baker, D.R.E., AMG Publishers, 1984,1990, 2008

Marilyn, I agree with you when you say the church have to make it known that mental health exists, and not be afraid to talk about it. We can not possess the spirit of fear for that does not come from the Lord. People look for the church to have it put together but the church is the one that is suffering the most. We have leaders and ministers who are battling with depression, anxiety, and oppression because no one wants to talk because they are afraid of being judge and ridicule. I believe if the church would begin to speak more about these issues more people would be open to coming to church and not relying on friends or other outlets that they use to get relief.