All Christians

In recent years, many pastors and Christian leaders have encountered heartbreaking conversations with congregants, youth and adults alike, who are struggling with self-harm. Behind the worship songs, Sunday smiles, and faithful service, some are silently suffering, using self-harm as what they feel is the only viable coping mechanism in the moment for their deep emotional pain. The question often arises in these sacred pastoral moments: Is self-harm a sin?

For many Christians, faith is the cornerstone of life—our anchor in the storm, our source of peace, and our hope for healing. So when emotional struggles arise, some may wonder: “Shouldn’t my faith be enough?” It’s a well-meaning question, but one that can unintentionally add guilt and confusion to an already difficult experience.

The truth is this: faith and therapy are not enemies. In fact, they can be powerful partners in the journey toward mental and emotional wholeness.

If you’re a Christian counselor seeking authentic community, biblical encouragement, and resources that speak to both the heart and mind of your work, I highly recommend taking a look at the Remnant Counselor Collective.

In A Walking Disaster, Dr. Jamie Aten offers a compelling memoir that blends personal testimony, psychological insight, and theological reflection. As both a disaster psychologist and a man who endured two major life crises—surviving Hurricane Katrina and later a battle with stage IV colon cancer—Aten writes not from theory but from lived experience. His journey through physical, emotional, and spiritual devastation makes this book a vital resource for Christian counselors, ministry leaders, and all believers seeking to understand the intersection of faith, suffering, and resilience.

In today’s world, conversations around mental health are more important than ever, especially within the Church. Many pastors, leaders, and congregations seek to understand how to respond with grace, wisdom, and practical support. At Church and Mental Health, we believe the Church has a decisive role to play in offering hope, breaking stigma, and promoting wellness in every area of life, including emotional and mental health.

That’s why we created the Church and Mental Health Newsletter—a curated email designed to keep you informed, encouraged, and equipped for this vital work.

In today’s world, mental health struggles are no longer hidden in the shadows—they’re part of daily life for many in our congregations. Yet, in too many churches, the stigma remains. People suffer in silence, unsure whether their church is a safe place to be honest about their mental health challenges. As pastors and church leaders, we are called to be shepherds—not only of people’s spiritual well-being but their whole person, including their emotional and mental health. Creating safe spaces within the church for these conversations isn’t just compassionate—it’s Christlike.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18

As a Christian counselor, I have sat across from many believers who carry an unbearable weight of sadness, anxiety, and numbness. They often come with a common confession whispered in shame: “I can’t pray.”

For those struggling with depression, the spiritual practices that once brought peace and clarity can feel unreachable. Words dry up. Silence lasts for too long. The heart, once in a deep relationship with God, feels hollow. When this happens, even seasoned spiritual leaders may question their faith, their calling, or their connection to God. It’s crucial that we, as pastors and Christian counselors, understand this intersection between faith and mental health—and learn to minister with compassion when prayer feels impossible.

Church leaders dedicate their lives to serving others, but who ensures they receive the care and support they need? Burnout, stress, and spiritual fatigue are real challenges that can undermine a leader’s effectiveness and well-being. The Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA) recently released valuable resources to help churches and church staff recognize the warning signs of burnout and implement proactive strategies for leader care. Below, we explore three key ECFA resources and how they can benefit your church leadership.

In today’s world, where stress, anxiety, and depression are prevalent, many seek effective ways to support their mental well-being. For pastors and Christian counselors, understanding the relationship between faith and mental health is essential in guiding congregants toward healing and wholeness. Research has increasingly demonstrated that religious practices have profound mental health benefits, affirming what Scripture has long taught. (It should also be noted we have talked about this topic a couple of other times, so this is not the only research that should be cited.)

As a licensed professional clinical counselor over the last nine years, I have worked with many different populations, but two of the most prominent groups I have worked with are people who have been convicted as domestic violence offenders and people who are victims of domestic violence. In the mission of promoting “a healthy approach to mental health in the Church,” I find a specific calling to have the Church make a difference with this vulnerable population. The Church has a unique and powerful role to play in both preventing domestic violence and in ministering to those affected by it. One resource that I have found particularly valuable in equipping churches for this work is ChurchCares.com.

(Note: we previously wrote an article about TheChurchCares.com, a completely different mission and run website)