In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for this may be that many modern Christians don’t have a clear and accurate picture how the Bible addresses issues of mental health.
While mentors and coaches are not professional counselors and should never take on that role (unless they have been trained in it), it is helpful for them to have a Biblical understanding of mental health so they can better coach their clients in the emotional realm and refer clients to mental health care professionals when appropriate.
That’s why we are so excited to share a nine-part sermon series called “Help and Hope for our Mental Health” from my coach, Pastor Daron Lindemann. We pray that this deep dive into mental health and the gospel encourages you personally and blesses your mentoring.
Pastor Daron’s Recommended Christian Mental Health Books
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Deep as the Sea by Pastor Timothy Bourman
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Carry Your Own Backpack by Holly Schneider
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A Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness by Dr. Jennifer Londgren
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Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
NOTES
Culturally in our homes, neighborhoods, schools, workplaces and social media and news media, and especially in our churches, we function with an unhealthy ignorance about and aversion to mental health.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, spiritual and social well-being.
Mental health affects how we think, feel, and behave, as well as how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Good mental health helps people cope with life’s challenges, work productively, and maintain healthy relationships.
Mental health is influenced by factors such as genetics, social support, life experiences, environment, self-care, spiritual resilience and professional help when needed.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
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As a LifeGroup or gathering of friends, purchase all 4 recommended books about mental health. Commit to at least one person in your group reading each book, and reporting highlights, within the next 8 weeks of the series.
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Find Pastor Daron’s CrossWords blog “10 Parenting Tools for Teaching Mental Health” on the CrossLife website. Which of the 10 are you doing well? Where do you want to improve? Make a plan, clearly articulating your first step with a deadline.
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Read Colossians 3:1-4. What spiritual truths about mental health does this teach?
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Did you catch this in the episode? What danger about mental health is greater than the actual struggles of those afflicted with mental disorders and illnesses or those who are trying to support them? Where have you seen or experienced evidence of this?