There's a Critical Need for Mental Health

The global Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many cracks and areas of improvement related to the mental health and wellness. Critical Church Conversations are detrimental to the health of the church. FAMILIES are at stake. LIVES are at stake. We can’t afford to ignore what is in front of us.

To survive and thrive in the future the Black church must be willing to dig deep and have Critical Church Conversations. A Critical Church Conversation is an action oriented collaborative discussion between leaders of the church and congregation members, congregation members and mental health providers and/or a discussion that is open to all church members with a focus on mental health awareness, wellness, education, and resources. 

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• Research suggests that African Americans are least likely to receive help for mental health challenges

• Research suggests that Black people are more likely to first seek support from their pastors when faced with a mental health challenge

• The Black church is a safe space for those seeking refuge from problems in the world

• Research suggests that Pastor’s refer to community mental health dependent on many factors including their own personal views about mental health, personal mental health challenges and literacy around mental health issues

• The number of pastors diagnosed with clinical depression this was double the national average of people diagnosed with depression

• Many ministry leaders neglect exercise, personal devotion, and relaxation to find more time to serve or avoid feeling guilt. 

• Many ministry leaders work 50+ hours a week, take less than 3 days off per month