Dr. Floyd Godfrey, PhD
Mental health is a topic many churches have historically struggled to address. For generations, Christians have leaned into Scripture for strength during times of distress, often assuming that faith alone should be enough to overcome depression, anxiety, or trauma. While spiritual devotion is a vital part of healing, it’s increasingly important for the church to recognize the role that professional mental health support can play in a believer’s journey toward wholeness.
Unfortunately, many Christians still experience shame when facing mental health struggles. They may fear being judged as spiritually weak or being told they simply lack faith. This silence and stigma can keep people from seeking the help they desperately need—and often, it can lead to deeper isolation and spiritual confusion. As a counselor who has served the Body of Christ for over three decades, I’ve seen firsthand how churches can either contribute to the silence or become safe havens of healing and hope.
Understanding the Stigma
Stigma is often rooted in misunderstanding. For example, when someone has a broken arm, we do not tell them to simply “pray harder.” Yet when someone battles clinical depression or chronic anxiety, they may be told that if they truly trusted God, their sadness or fear would go away. These misconceptions have done great harm, both emotionally and spiritually.
Mental health issues are not moral failures or signs of weak faith. They are complex conditions influenced by biology, life experiences, trauma, and spiritual factors. Scripture encourages us to care for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). If we can accept that truth in our churches, we can open doors for deeper healing.
A Biblical Foundation for Mental Wellness
The Bible is filled with examples of godly men and women who faced emotional distress. David cried out in despair, Elijah asked God to take his life, and even Jesus expressed anguish in Gethsemane. These moments do not reflect spiritual weakness—they show the depth of human emotion and our need for both divine and human support.
In Galatians 6:2, Paul urges believers to “carry each other’s burdens.” That includes emotional and psychological burdens. The Church is called to be a place of compassion, not condemnation. We must normalize conversations around mental health and teach that seeking help is not a betrayal of faith but a wise and courageous step.
Practical Ways Churches Can Help
1 Preach and Teach About Mental Health Include mental health topics in sermons, Bible studies, and youth teachings. Normalize discussions around anxiety, grief, depression, and burnout.
2 Partner with Christian Counselors Develop relationships with trained, faith-based mental health professionals. Offer referrals and even host workshops or counseling sessions within the church community.
3 Train Church Leaders and Volunteers Equip pastors, ministry leaders, and small group facilitators to recognize warning signs and respond with compassion and informed guidance.
4 Create a Culture of Safety and Grace When people share their struggles, respond with empathy, not judgment. Ensure that confidentiality and support are available without fear of gossip or shame.
5 Promote Resources for Families and Individuals Provide access to Christian books, support groups, and counseling referrals. Many parents and couples are looking for help but don’t know where to begin.
Integrating Faith and Mental Health
Christian counseling doesn’t replace faith—it enhances it. Professional therapy, when guided by biblical principles, can help individuals reconnect with God, restore relationships, and rediscover purpose. Healing often comes through both prayer and process.
In my years of working with Christian families and churches, I’ve seen people experience freedom—not just from emotional pain, but from the guilt of believing they were somehow failing God by struggling. We are all broken in some way, and healing is a journey. The church can either push people further into the shadows or walk beside them into the light. Let us be the Body of Christ in truth and in practice—embracing those who suffer, equipping them with hope, and pointing them to the God who heals the whole person.
Floyd Godfrey PhD is a Board Certified Christian Counselor and has facilitated groups within different churches and denominations over the past 30 years. He worked as a licensed clinician for 23 years and provided supervision and training for other counselors as they worked toward independent licensure. You can read more about Floyd Godfrey PhD at www.FloydGodfrey.com.
