Journey Church will launch a mental health series on Sunday, April 7th, highlighting the reality of mental health challenges in church settings and how the teachings of Jesus can help people overcome them. Ta.
Journey pastor Matt Johnson said one in five adults and one in three young people face some kind of mental health problem.
“We have personal experience of how Jesus improves lives and makes our lives better, so it’s easy for people to apply Jesus’ teachings to life’s challenges.” We want to do that,” Johnson said.
Before starting the series, Johnson asked local mental health professionals to review the teaching notes to ensure the content was accurate and helpful. He said Journey is presenting this series with the support of these experts.
This six-week series began last Sunday and concludes on May 12th. The first sermon was an introductory message. Johnson said the coming weeks will include topics such as anxiety, depression, burnout, suicide and supporting families battling mental health issues.
Johnson said Journey’s hope is for it to be a safe place for people to share their struggles, stressing the importance of talking about issues rather than hiding them from others.
“Not talking about it doesn’t work, so our goal is to create healthy conversations where people can find the support, hope and encouragement they need,” he said. “People need to know that God is with them and cares for them in their mental health struggles.”
Johnson also said people need to know that there is a community around them that supports them with mental health issues and wants to carry their burdens with them.
Regarding the stigma surrounding mental health issues in Christian settings, Johnson said the Bible features people who love God but face mental health issues. He said the series will focus on some of those people.
“The stigma that some Christians have created regarding mental health is harmful and does not reflect the teachings of Jesus or the experiences of the people recorded in the Bible,” he said. “We hope to debunk those people with this series.”
Mr Johnson said it was harmful to people to underestimate or “over-spiritualize” mental health issues. He said there are needed solutions beyond more prayer and Bible reading.
“We encourage people facing mental health issues to see a doctor (or) counselor, share their pain with someone they trust, and be honest with God about their pain.” he said.
Johnson said Journey also teaches people how to best support people suffering from mental health issues.
The series continues on Sundays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. at the FOR Center, 2314 Blinn Road. Both the direct message and the short version are available on the Journey YouTube page or at: www.journeycalloway.com
Johnson said people seeking help with their mental health can contact Journey Church or find multiple mental health resources at: www.journeycalloway.com/resources.
