Mental Illness. What does it have to do with the Church? How do we care for those that suffer from it? What does it have to do with me (if anything)?
We sometimes think of it as something someone else has. It can be a taboo subject in families. A secret not to be let out of families.( Of which I know very well.) Something far removed from us. Something rare.
And yet it estimated that more than 25 % of the American population suffers from some kind of it. From depression to schizophrenia. From anxiety to bipolar disorder. And everything in between.
Many people that have some kind of mental disorder will seek answers from the church. And many churches are not equipped to know how to care for them. And yet caring for them is what we as the church needs to learn to do. But how? Following are some ideas that can get us there.
The best way to minister to someone is through a small group bible study where there is a leader of just a few people that can help the group to understand mental illness better. Deciding what a group can do help someone can be beneficial to a person with someone that is suffering with it. They can be a group that would help the person through a crisis to provide practical ways of help by bringing meals, caring for the children or visiting them at home or in the hospital. By praying with them. And by just loving them.
Perhaps a group could contribute money to help by them buy groceries or medications that they need. Because of the illness, it makes it hard for some to hold down a job and helping to supply their needs is a way that we can demonstrate Christ's love to them.
Treat them with the same respect and dignity as anyone that does not have an illness. Do not be shocked or get upset. Be patient and do not judge them. Without sharing confidential information, we might share with them, someone we know that is also struggling with an illness, and perhaps how that person is coping with it, may be helpful.
Deciding on what behaviors will and will not be tolerated in a group and sticking to them should be discussed within it for all members to follow, always being kind and gracious to them. Is there someone within the group that would allow calls, perhaps visits from someone that has a mental illness. Anyone taking on this responsibility especially taking time apart from the group should establish boundaries and make them clear to everyone in the group is essential.
Working from a bible study on the subject or reading and discussing a Christian book on the matter can go a long way in knowing how to help someone that needs it.
Mental illness. It affects so many and many may not even realize it. As a Church, we can do much to help alleviate their fears and anxieties to a degree at least. It boils done to knowing how. How do we as the Church do it? More on this important study on Thursday, October 35th.
Today's source: Is Mental Illness Actually Biblical? - Stephen Altrogge
Up tomorrow: It's another "Happy Fall" Day!
Hi Everyone! Thanks for coming by today. Have a wonderfully blessed day!
No comments:
Post a Comment