By offering the hope and love of God, congregations can walk with families often isolated by the nature of mental illness — an illness that affects one of every four families. Many times families living with mental or emotional illnesses are unable to express their pain, sorrow and spiritual needs. Sometimes, congregations unwittingly perpetuate stigmas associated with mental illness and further silence those who need compassionate care, acceptance and understanding. The Health Promotion Sunday resources will provide congregations with information about mental illness and the church s unique role of offering help to individuals and families.
Church of the Brethren congregations are invited to consider “Offering Hope: The Church’s Role with Mental Illness”. Resources are available here. Printed copies are available upon request at no charge from the Association of Brethren Caregivers at (800) 323-8039.
- Spirituality and Emotional Wellness Go Hand in Hand (web, PDF)
- The Humanity Within Mental Illness (web, PDF)
- Stories of Hope (web, PDF)
- Why Congregations are Called to Care (web, PDF)
- How Congregations Can Show They Care (web, PDF)
- Worship Resources (web, PDF, Anthem PDF)
- What Every Church Should Know About Mental Illness (web, PDF)
- Talking About Suicide Can Save a Life (web, PDF)
- Aging and Mental Health (web, PDF)
- What About Advocacy? (web, PDF)
- Resources (web, PDF)
What We Do
The Voice: Mental Illness Ministry Cabinet plans and provides for training and resources about mental illness. To do this, Voice is:
- Creating a "Called to Care: Beginning a Ministry for People Living with Mental Illness" workshop for use during Annual Conference and various district conferences.
- Offering other workshops on fear, Conversation Cafe (a small group communication style that works at creating safe places to talk about experiences) and forgiveness for use at denominational conferences and congregational events.
- Developing educational materials congregations can use to raise awareness about mental illness. Fliers were created about depression and stigmas of mental illness. The newest flier is about "Making Choices for a Balanced Life."
- Facilitating mutual help groups at Annual Conference for issues such as mental illness and addictions to assist families coping with mental illness.
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