A Biblical Perspective On Mental Illness & The Role Of The Church

The bible is the greatest resource a Christian can possess for spiritual growth.  According to the bible, after the fall of man, all human beings are affected by sin. We use to live in the perfect human and spiritual condition in the presence of God which the bible discribes as, “The Garden of Eden.” Sin separates us from God, so after the all we began to think differently.  Sin affected every part of our lives.   As a result we began to get physical ailments like colds and the flu, rashes, headaches and other illnesses that weren’t around before sin entered the world.  Since we live in this fallen world our minds are also affect and as a result the mind can get sick.

 A lot of Christians believe that mental health issues are solely a spiritual condition.

Mental illness also came about as part of the fall. Depression and anxiety didn’t exist in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve walked with God in their perfect physical and spiritual state.  Sin has corrupted our minds and our bodies so we no longer have that physical or mental perfection. Our minds get sick.

Children of Wrath

Ephesians 2:1-3 – And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.

The Hope We Have In Jesus

Romans 5:12-19 – Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification.

The Role of The Church

As Christians we really need to consider our wellbeing on a holistic level by regard the flesh, mind and spirit as affected by the fall.  People come to the church seeking help in times of crisis. They also visit doctors when they’re unwell but when there are mental health issues they may confide in untrained counsellors who can run the risk of hurting those they’re trying to help through lack of skill and understanding.

Doctors are a wonderful gift from God.  They are trained, equipped and able professionals who help those with physical ailments.   Mental health workers need to be considered in the same regard.

People with a brain disorder have a need to connect with those who understand what they’re going through. The best way to view mental illness is to see it as illness of the mind and treat it as such. Having an understanding of mental health issues can help church leaders and pastoral care staff to help those within their congregations.

The church is the place that the faithful run to in times of need.  As a church we need to understand that there is a biblical connection with mental illness that came about when sin entered the world. Learning about mental health issues lessen the chance us of hurting and pushing away those of us within the community who are sick with some mental health issue and want to belong and connect.

Admin.

Where to Get Help in Australia

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

Equip yourself with counselling skills for life at aifc.

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.

Introducing a Master of Counselling course commencing in 2018

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