Churches Addressing Mental Health Issues Offer Grace & Hope

Many Australian Christians can develop depression & anxiety amongst other mental health conditions. Some of us are born with a chemical imbalance or a disorder of some kind.  As Christians we aren’t an exception because of our faith.  Mental illness can affect anyone and often does.

Humans are a threefold being of mind, body and spirit needing to look after all three parts to be at our peak health.  We need to understand any one of the three parts can become sick.

Being diagnosed with a mental illness doesn’t mean that we are no longer a Christian as it can raise many questions about the strength and authenticity of our faith within the church.

Christians with mental health issues face huge challenges.  Most of them believe that God can heal them yet there are many whom within their despair take their own lives. Such was the case of Rick Warren’s son Matthew.  As a result, Rick Warren now addresses mental health issues within his church.  His efforts have raised awareness and churches are slowly recognising the value of counselling training.

With the right bible based skills in Christian counselling the church stands to become more effective within their communities.  We Christians wait faithfully for our healings believing that God can heal and rightly so. He can!  However in the meantime, helping those who look for answers, comfort, support and grace is not out of the question.

There’s a myriad of mental health conditions that present themselves at a counselling practice needing to be recognised within the church.  With sound knowledge and understanding we can make a difference answering the many questions raised within the community about mental health.

In an article on Christianity Today, Ed Stetzer stated,
“I wrestled with these questions as a young pastor, and literally had no idea how to deal with them. I learned through on-the-job training the level of deficiency in my understanding of mental illness.”

A church trained to become involved in the treatment and healing process of their congregation extends God’s grace and hope to those who are mentally unwell.

 Source:

Ed Stetzer – Christianity Today – A New Approach To Mental Illness In The Church

Where to Find Help

Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.

Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.

Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.

Free 24/7 Counselling Services

Lifeline on 13 11 14

Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800

MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978

Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36

Headspace on 1800 650 890

Studying at aifc

Have you thought about counselling?   It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God’s love and grace to the hurting out in the community.

For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:

At The beginning of each year in February.

Mid-Year courses commence in July.

Enrolments open approximately 3 months prior the courses commencing. Enquire now by filling out the form with your details to receive course information by email.

Note: A Masters course in Christian counselling will be introduced in 2018.

Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397