We are in the midst of a mental health crisis.
No matter which statistics you note, life in America is hard. We face depression, suicide, and a rising number of people with mental health problems.
I live in Saint Tammany Parish, Louisiana, a northern suburb of New Orleans. We have a lot going for us, but we face difficult mental health issues among many other issues.
Recently, Dr. Preston, the St. Tammany Parish (LA) Coroner gave his assessment of mental health in our parish . He noted that 2014 was a record year for suicides in St. Tammany Parish. Last year, 43 people in the parish took their own life.
We face a crisis, and we can make a difference.
Because of what we have seen all around us as well as in the church, our local association of churches has scheduled a day of discussion and help for the crisis we face. This day will be about “Mental Health, Ministry, and the Church.”
This important event is scheduled for this Monday, May 18. The morning session will be highlighted by Matthew Stanford, CEO of The Hope and Healing Center & Institute in Houston and former professor of psychology, neurology, and biology at Baylor University. The morning session (which requires preregistration) will include a panel discussion and break out sessions. The morning session is designed to equip ministers to deal with our mental health crisis.
The evening session is open to the public. Both sessions will be held in the ROC of FBC Covington. You are invited and encouraged to attend the evening session.
The evening session will begin at 6:30 PM and conclude at 8:00 PM. It will feature Stanford and Mike Woods, who has served for more than 30 years as pastor of First Baptist Church, Powder Springs, Georgia.
I hope you will pray for this meeting and pray our churches will be more effective in ministering to people who are struggling with mental issues.
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One Response
Thank you. I pray many will take advantage of the opportunity the Mental Health, Ministry, and the Church Symposium presents this Monday the 18th there at FBC. Matters like suicide and other mental health issues face all of us and the folks lined up to lead this forum are excellent in all matters pertaining to mental health.
Now, a personal note: I am grateful for the partnership the Northshore Baptist Association enjoys with FBC and the other 90+ congregations that make up our family. God bless you and your congregation.