Fearing Social Rejection & Loss of Leadership Credibility

The fear of facing social rejection or losing leadership credibility within the christian community due to the present stigma and the over spiritualisation of mental illness that is often deemed solely as a spiritual condition, is very real.  This raises some concerns for those who might be managing their mental health issues and leadership roles quite well, but are opting to stay silent about it for fear of not being judged on their own merits. Stigma creates barriers to spiritual growth and social inclusion within the church.

Stigma

Stigma is not limited to any particular place, culture or religion. When it happens within church communities it causes division.  We generally hear talk from the pulpit about ‘unity in body of Christ.’ How can we promote unity when those facing mental health issues are judged quickly and harshly as being unfit for duty, weak, unstable, dangerous, untrustworthy or incapable of leadership roles and lacking in spirituality?

A Case of Stigma Present within the Church

In an article for Christianity Today, ‘Is There a Place at the Table for Leaders with a Mental Illness? I Think So,’ Ed Stetzer shared how an effective ministry leader and friend of his, with a passion for serving others, was fired from his role as Church Pastor for “mental instabilities”.  The (anonymous) pastor, who has fought depression, lives with and manages his Bipolar Disorder, has also served on the board of the National Association of Evangelicals of which Ed Stetzer was also a member.

Stetzer made a great point about the situation, “I wonder what would have happened if they worked together to understand his illness, to mutually manage the ups and downs.”   

Gaining Trust Of The People

There’s a growing need for mental health support from within the church.  The equipped church has the potential to connect, become more relevant and influential within the community by caring for its people who are needing mental health support.  The equipped church also gains trust and credibility to love as Christ loves us, to accept and spiritually nurture those affected by mental health problems.

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4:18

“We need to be a refuge for the hurting; a community connected to one another, and engaged servants who actively take roles in the prevention of suicide.” Ed Stetzer

Mental Health Statistics in Australia – The National Church Life Survey

Conducted in partnership with aifc, the survey shows the growing need for church leaders to be adequately equipped to support the mental health of people within their community.  The survey revealed that one in five Australians experience a mental or behavioural condition. That’s 4 million of us!

Mental illness came about as a result of the fall.  Is your church equipped?  Download the Leaders Survey’

Sources:

Is There A Place For Leaders With A Mental Illness: I think So.  Ed Stetzer – Christianity Today

Further reading:

Stigma – A Harsh Way To Look At Mental Health Issues

The growing need for mental health support from within the church

Where to Get Help

Talk to your doctor and see a mental health professional.

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:

1. At The beginning of each year in February.
2. Mid-Year courses commence in July.

Enrolment season opens 2-3 months prior our courses commencing. Enquire now and fill out the form with your details to receive course information by email.  Enrol online here during our enrolment season.

Those living overseas can study aifc’s courses via our Distance Based Program.
The International  Student Program,  enables those with a student visa to Study On Campus in Sydney.

Note: A Master of Counselling course will be commencing in 2018.

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