When the Rev Ken Noakes discovered that one in four people in his area were living with a physical or mental disability, he wanted to make sure his parish was ready to minister to them.
“Lots of our church members work in care industries, including mental health support,” says Mr Noakes, the senior minister of Lower Mountains Anglican Parish (LMAP). “They’ve been saying, ‘There are ways to do things differently to help those who are dealing with challenges’. We looked at our congregation and thought, how do we reach our neighbours and how do we make sure we’re ministering to those who live with mental health matters?”
What do the stats say?
Research from Anglicare Sydney, in partnership with the Mental Health and Pastoral Care Institute and the Sydney Diocese, has revealed that many parishes desire to do more to support those in church and the wider community experiencing mental health challenges.
“We know mental health is an increasingly prevalent issue in church and local communities,” says Mike Sheedy, Anglicare’s Head of Mental Health. “Churches have a great need and opportunity to step into this challenge and provide the personal, pastoral and community support required to help people as they face these challenges, alongside professional counselling, health and other supportive services.”
The survey, conducted with almost 1000 participants in 90 churches, showed that:
- 75% consider mental ill health to be common among church attendees
- Just over half of people believe their church to be supportive of people experiencing mental ill-health
- 44% recognise pastoral team support as the main support offered, followed closely by topical sermon series
- Four in five respondents consider it a priority to equip church members to provide care and support
“People have a great need for communities offering people, place and purpose,” Mr Sheedy says. “Churches can provide loving communities to walk hand in hand toward eternity in a way that complements support provided by mental health professionals.”
What can churches do?
To empower Christians in this area, churches can:
- Respond with care: Use pastoral structures already in place and encourage practical supports such as meals, transportation, child care, financial relief where appropriate, cards and flowers, prayer support and visits.
- Train church members: Equip church members in areas such as relationship and friendship building, listening and empathy as they support those struggling.
- Provide clear Information: Communicate about support available. Signs in toilets, PowerPoint slides, and information in the newsletter or on the church website help create an open and safe environment for people to be welcomed and accepted.
- Plan teaching series and workshops: Help reduce stigma, offer hope and help sufferers explore the fullness of life in Christ.
Gospel truth meets good support
“What are we doing as a church? Hopefully keeping the gospel front and centre,” Mr Noakes says. “We need to do business with what the gospel does to redeem fallen people and the fallen world.”
Since participating in their own research and Anglicare’s survey, LMAP ran several training sessions to help equip people and has seen the confidence of congregation members grow.
“We identified there are some areas in mental health that we should be looking at more closely so our leaders can walk alongside those who might be struggling,” Mr Noakes says. “We want our leaders to know there is a gospel answer for those who say their lives aren’t worth living. I think there are now more voices speaking into the spaces where there is an issue.
“Does that mean the training has been so profound they can remember it all? No, but our leaders are better resourced and they know they can talk to others and get help to support people living with mental health matters. We’re not a perfect church, we’re just working hard [to help].”
Adds Mr Sheedy: “This is a gospel opportunity, to show the love of Jesus by walking side by side with those facing the challenges of life. I encourage all churches and all Christians to step into these challenges with love, care and openness to listen and learn.”
Anyone experiencing suicidal distress or needing urgent support can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14.
Main photo: Anglicare
