All Christians

We are excited to announce our newest ebook, Church Liaison, a resource for churches and communities. For those following our website, we have been sharing recent data about concerns about a national behavioral health workforce shortage that only appears to be worsening. Further, some churches are starting to see shortages in their pastoral staff. This has led to our concerns about the scarcity of mental health services and pastoral care from churches and counseling agencies.

Our solutions? The church liaison position.

[This article is part of a series of books we have reviewed over the years. Click the link to check out all the other books we’ve reviewed here.]

As a Christian counselor, I am always on the lookout for insightful books that not only offer practical guidance but also align with a Christian worldview. Kobe Campbell’s “Why Am I Like This?” is a profound and enriching read that I believe can be a significant resource for Christians struggling with questions about their identity, emotional health, and faith. Campbell, a licensed trauma therapist and mental health expert, brings a unique blend of personal experience, professional insight, and biblical wisdom to her readers.

In the realm of Christian ministry and mental health, pastors and Christian clinical counselors play vital roles in supporting the well-being of individuals. While their objectives often intersect, there are significant differences in how they approach the issues they handle. Christian pastors primarily focus on spiritual guidance and moral development, emphasizing living in accordance with Christian teachings. In contrast, Christian clinical counselors, although informed by their faith, concentrate more on addressing emotional and behavioral problems using psychological methods and evidence-based practices.

Guiding Morality and Spiritual Growth

Christian pastors are spiritual leaders who aim to guide their congregation in matters of faith, ethics, and morality. Their primary responsibility is to shepherd their flock toward a deeper relationship with God and to encourage them to live out Christian values in their daily lives. Pastors draw heavily on the teachings of the Bible to instruct and correct moral behavior. They often address issues such as honesty, integrity, forgiveness, and sexual morality, helping individuals to align their actions with scriptural teachings.

Pastors might provide moral guidance by:

1. Preaching and Teaching: Pastors deliver sermons and Bible studies that illuminate moral lessons. They interpret biblical texts to provide direction on what is considered righteous living according to Christian principles.
2. Counseling Sessions: While pastors are not typically trained therapists, they offer counseling that focuses on moral and spiritual concerns. For example, they might counsel a congregant struggling with sin or a moral dilemma, using scripture as a guide to correct behavior and encourage repentance.
3. Spiritual Discipline: Pastors may encourage practices like prayer, fasting, and meditation on scripture to foster spiritual growth. These practices are seen as ways to build moral character and resist temptation.
4. Community Accountability: Within a church community, pastors may facilitate accountability groups or mentoring relationships where members encourage one another to live according to Christian ethics.

In all these roles, the ultimate goal of a pastor is to lead individuals toward a life that reflects the love, compassion, and holiness of Christ, emphasizing repentance, forgiveness, and moral transformation.

Addressing Emotional and Behavioral Health

Christian clinical counselors, on the other hand, are professionals trained in psychology and counseling who integrate their Christian faith into their therapeutic practices. Their focus is less on moral instruction and more on helping individuals manage and overcome psychological, emotional, and behavioral challenges. While they may share the same faith as pastors, their methods and goals can differ significantly.

Christian clinical counselors focus on:

1. Mental Health Diagnosis and Treatment: These counselors are equipped to diagnose and treat a range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and other modalities.
2. Emotional Support: Counselors provide a safe space for clients to express their feelings and work through emotional pain. They help individuals understand the root causes of their issues, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience.
3. Behavioral Change: Unlike pastors, who might emphasize changing behavior to align with moral principles, clinical counselors focus on behavior modification techniques that can improve mental health and well-being. This might include helping clients develop healthier habits, manage stress, or improve interpersonal relationships.
4. Integration of Faith: While clinical counselors may draw on Christian principles, their approach is more nuanced. They might incorporate prayer, scripture, or discussions about faith into their sessions, but only if it aligns with the client’s beliefs and therapeutic goals. Their primary focus remains on the client’s psychological health, with spirituality serving as a supportive framework.
5. Collaboration with Other Health Professionals: Christian clinical counselors often work in collaboration with other healthcare providers, including psychiatrists and general practitioners, to ensure a comprehensive approach to a client’s mental health. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of a person’s well-being are considered.

A Harmonious Approach

Although the roles of Christian pastors and clinical counselors are distinct, they can complement each other. A pastor may refer a congregant to a clinical counselor when they recognize that the individual’s challenges go beyond spiritual or moral issues and require professional mental health intervention. Conversely, a Christian counselor may encourage clients to engage in their faith community and seek pastoral support as part of their holistic healing process.

The key is understanding the boundary lines of each role:

• Pastors should be aware of their limitations in handling psychological issues and recognize when a referral to a clinical counselor is necessary. Their focus on moral and spiritual development should be complemented by an awareness of mental health concerns.
• Christian Clinical Counselors should respect the importance of an individual’s spiritual life and be sensitive to integrating faith into the therapeutic process without imposing moral judgments. Their role is to facilitate healing and provide support, focusing on the mental and emotional aspects of their client’s lives.

Conclusion

There certainly are outliers where Christian counselors have their MDIV (or in my case Masters in Family Ministry) and pastors who are/were licensed counselors. But these tend to be much more the exception than the rule.

The difference between the roles of Christian pastors and Christian clinical counselors highlights the necessity for a balanced approach to personal development, one that respects the importance of both moral integrity and psychological well-being. By recognizing their distinct contributions, both pastors and counselors can work together to provide comprehensive support that addresses the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This collaboration ensures that individuals receive the full range of care they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives that honor both their faith and their mental health.

We are huge fans of KeyMinistry and their resources and services for churches. In fact, the reason I have the approach with integration with mental health and the Church because of Dr. Grcevich’s Mental Health and the Church book. Their newest adventure is the Mental Health and the Church Conference happening September 26-27, 2024 in Cleveland, OH.

[This article is part of a series of books we have reviewed over the years. Click the link to check out all the other books we’ve reviewed here.]

Jim Sells, Amy Trout, and Heather Sells collaborated to bring together a book out of necessity in seeing some of the shortcomings within the mental health profession. It is no secret as we have shared about the national shortage of counselors, so this book looks at how the Church can and has an obligation to come alongside those with mental illness to serve them better. Why this important, how you go about it, and concerns you should be aware of is the structure of Beyond the Clinical Hour.

This week Grace Alliance made a significant commitment to helping the Church with mental health. On August 1, 2024, ALL of their digital group workbooks will be free to download, print, and use. If you want a printed version, you will still need to pay, but if you want to view what they have, you can get it right away.

This includes Thrive, Living Grace, Family Grace, and Redefined Grace workbooks. (If you want to see them, check them out on their website here) Why would they do this? They shared this on their latest newsletter:

With today’s growing mental health need, we feel Christ-centered mental health recovery should be accessible to everyone without barriers … especially through the Body of Christ. 

Our team and board reviewed many reasons why, but one of them was the several requests from remote areas in Africa where shipping and affordability issues … but they were ready to launch groups for their growing community needs.

Instead of a price, people will have the option to make a donation and join us as a monthly partner to continue making mental health recovery and thriving free and accessible worldwide.

If not, no worries, let the resources be fully used for anyone, anywhere!

In sharing this, I encourage you to go sign up for their newsletter (at the bottom of their website) and go give them a like on Facebook! We are huge fans of Grace Alliance and you should be too.

I recently had a conversation with an old ministry friend who is looking to start up a ministry initiative for ministering to youth ministry teens and leaders who have disabilities. His name is Don Talley. A veteran of 36 years in youth ministry, he is looking to bring awareness through speaking, coaching, and conducting research about youth/student ministry and disability. You can find his information at Access Youth Ministry.

Today’s article comes from a different location than normal at a different pace. We tell you guys all the time to rest, take time to recovery, relax with the ones you love, and find renewal in God’s plan for your life. This week’s article is going to start a little more personable as I am doing the same for myself right now.

We are at the end of our time at the beach, a thousand miles from home, not worried about the diet I’ve been on because calories don’t count on vacation, going to bed earlier than normal, and quieting the time. I have stopped client work for the week, supervision and managing my counseling program has taken a significant backseat, and very little website work for this site has been done for a bit. Coffee is extra appreciated in the morning, steaks are enjoyed in the evening, and building castles in the sand or splashing in the ocean waves have been fun.

Of course, not everything can be set aside completely. Parenting is still needed in this time, I’m not an extrovert by default but I do try to socialize as best as possible, and I still need to get my workouts in as best as possible. Even now, I’m writing an article for this website.

So where is the balance?

Finding Balance

In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of peace and rest. The demands of work, family, and daily responsibilities can leave us feeling drained, both mentally and spiritually. As Christians, we are called to live lives of balance and rest, drawing from the eternal well of God’s love and wisdom. In this article, we will explore ways to find rest and refresh our mental health and soul, guided by the timeless truths of Scripture.

I genuinely believe in the prospect of working hard and resting even harder. I do not work to rest by any means, my mission is still to fulfill the calling God has given me through my mental health work and ministry. But it is not possible to work well without rest and renewal.

The Importance of Rest

Rest is not just a physical necessity; it is a spiritual practice that God himself instituted. In Genesis 2:2-3, we read, “By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”

God’s rest after creation sets a precedent for us. It highlights the importance of taking time to cease from our labors and reflect on the goodness of what has been accomplished. This principle of rest, embodied in the Sabbath, is a gift meant to restore our souls and refresh our spirits.

Some work-life balance entrepreneurs would even say this is something you should consider not just weekly, but daily and even hourly. In a single hour, I’ll see a client, but when I’m done, I hope to have my clinical note completed, walk the client out, get a fresh glass of water, and do a quick lap around the agency to clear my head. Then it’s on to the next one.

Within the day, I have a drive to work that is 30 minutes long and typically am not listening to audiobooks about counseling, allowing for a buffer between home and work and vice versa. Within the week, hopefully there is a time of Sabbath. Jesus underscores the significance of Sabbath rest in Mark 2:27, saying, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” I certainly could do better myself, but hope that I am taking that time to rest, reconnect with God, and be prepared to head back out.

Within the vacation of a year, it does not always include a beach. In fact, I would say I’m not a beach person myself, but it is a time of unplugging for an extended amount of time. From readings of Richard Foster and Dallas Willard, I have pushed myself to take those small moments of breath prayers I do between counseling sessions and practice them as best I can within myself during a vacation. Quiet my mind, listen more, and rest. It has been my own experience that when we practice extended times of these practices where it feels daunting, it makes it easier to do in the little moments of a busy day.

Refreshing Your Mental Health

Mental health is an integral part of our overall well-being. Just as we care for our physical bodies, we must also tend to our minds. Philippians 4:6-7 offers profound wisdom for maintaining mental peace: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Prayer is a powerful tool for managing anxiety and stress. When we bring our worries and fears before God, we invite His peace into our hearts. Stillness within the moments of coffee brewing or listening to waves splash while kids are running around finding seashells is renewing of our mind. Practicing gratitude shifts our focus from our problems to the blessings we have, as we practice this within ourselves and teaching it to those we love. Keeping a gratitude journal or simply taking a few moments each day to thank God for His goodness can have a transformative impact on our mental health.

Cultivating a Lifestyle of Rest

Rest and refreshment are not just occasional practices to be done for a week or two during an annual vacation, but should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Here are some practical tips for cultivating a lifestyle of rest:

1. Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you are getting adequate rest each night. A well-rested body is more resilient and better equipped to handle stress.
2. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to activities and commitments that drain your energy. Protect your time and prioritize activities that rejuvenate you.
3. Practice Mindfulness: Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as prayer, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. These practices help center your mind and spirit.
4. Connect with Community: Surround yourself with supportive and encouraging people. Family, friends, and church family are always great. Fellowship with other believers can provide emotional and spiritual support.
5. Engage in Creative Activities: Find hobbies and activities that bring you joy and allow you to express yourself creatively. This can be a powerful way to relax and refresh your mind.

Finding rest and renewing your mental health and soul is a vital part of living a balanced and fulfilling Christian life. By embracing the gift of Sabbath, practicing gratitude, and integrating restful practices into our daily routines, we can experience the peace and restoration that God desires for us. Remember Jesus’ invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” As we draw near to Him, we find true rest for our souls.

May you find the rest and refreshment you need, and may your soul be restored in the loving presence of our Savior.

For those that do not know, Barna has been doing a “State of …” series with their surveying of churches to include State of Your Church, State of Pastors, Volume 1, State of Discipleship, and now the newest one, State of Pastors, Volume 2. If you haven’t been keeping up with them, I do not think you need to purchase all of the old documents, but this newest report is worth buying the physical copy or downloading digitally. From a mental health perspective within the Church, we want to share some essential highlights you need to see.

Recently Joni and Friends shared a very powerful video on the topic of changing Church culture. From the standpoint of ministering to the world, I think it is easy to witness to those who want to hear, to those that look like us, and to those who the Church receives blessings of time and tithes.

• But what about those who the Church has to put lots of support into that are wheelchair bound or severely cognitively delayed?
• What about serving those who do not look like us or act like us and have made morally irreprehensible choices before they accepted Jesus and continue to suffer the earthly consequences of these decisions?
• What about those who we do not understand because of hidden disabilities like PTSD or developmental disabilities that make us uncomfortable like Autism?