WYLL radio show host, Karl Clauson, interviewed me (air date Oct. 15th 1190 am Chicago). He wanted to get to the question, what can churches do about mental illness? But the show went by so fast that he wasn't able to ask my thoughts.
The question is so relevant, I couldn't pass up sharing a few ideas.
1. Get educated. Have some community professionals come in and teach about mental illness.
2. Offer support groups for family members of mentally ill individuals. These folks are often very lonely, sometimes ostracized, and desperate for a support system.
3. Start a Stephen Ministry. Offer the one-on-one care of a Stephen Minister to individuals.
4. Offer Bible studies on outreach ministry to mentally ill and families of the mentally ill.
5. Offer prayer.
6. Get connected with health providers in the community so caring referrals can happen.
7. Offer NAMI meeting space.
8. Offer childcare for families during interventions, regular counseling times, and organized support meeting times.
9. Support frazzled caretakers by providing meals to relieve their stress.
10. Simply ask how you can help. Most family members keep their needs close to the chest for fear of rejection. Offer love and follow through.
I'd also love to hear your thoughts on how our churches can improve in dealing with mentally ill people and their family members. Please share.
3 comments:
Great list, Angela! I would add "Build a community that values people as individuals." People want love and acceptance, not pat answers like "Pray more. Or trust God.", especially when life seems difficult. Building a community of caring people - who ask how you're doing, truly listen, and support you - helps individuals thrive.
Thanks Michelle! I think it's an important note. To add to that, our church leadership needs to model the behavior. But laypeople can too. Walk up and greet everyone no matter what they seem like. Talk to people. Teach the skills of greeting, loving acceptance, and show what that looks like. Many people are dealing with their own fears and don't know what to do. We overcome th
Sorry, finishing that thought... We overcome our fears through education and action.
Angie
Post a Comment