The relationship between mental health and making disciples is deeply intertwined, emphasizing holistic care, community, and authentic walking alongside people in their spiritual and emotional journeys.

Key points on this relationship include:

• Discipleship involves whole-person care: Making disciples is not just about imparting biblical knowledge but engaging every aspect of a person’s life—including mental and emotional health. True discipleship addresses physical, social, intellectual, and emotional dimensions, inviting Jesus to transform all these areas8.
• Community support is critical: Individuals with mental health challenges need a supportive community, as modeled in Scripture (e.g., Romans’ “one-another” commands). Discipleship flourishes in circles of faithful friends who pray, encourage, and listen, rather than relying on one person alone1.
• Mental health challenges do not disqualify discipleship: Those navigating mental illnesses like bipolar disorder or depression can still grow as disciples. The journey may look different, with varying growth rates and experiences of God’s presence, but the call to follow Jesus remains central12.
• Relational discipleship involves compassion and understanding: The church must avoid judgment or simplistic “toughen up” attitudes and instead recognize mental health struggles as part of the human condition resulting from the fallen world. Referrals to Christian counselors and use of medicine can be part of caring alongside3.
• Following Jesus includes hope amidst suffering: Discipleship is about trusting Jesus even during times when His presence feels elusive, as Jesus himself experienced on the cross. Mental health challenges can highlight the need for ongoing hope and reliance on God2.
• Mental health ministry can be a form of evangelism: Coming alongside those with mental health struggles with trusted friendship and support opens the door to deeper gospel engagement and church participation, enriching the community overall7.

In summary, making disciples with attention to mental health involves nurturing authentic, compassionate relationships that support spiritual growth alongside emotional well-being. It requires a communal approach that respects individual struggles while encouraging full participation in the life of faith and following Jesus138.

More information:

1. https://wmu.com/discipling-people-with-mental-health-challenges/
2. https://www.plough.com/en/topics/faith/discipleship/a-more-christian-approach-to-mental-health-challenges
3. https://cornerstone-coc.com/blog/2021/04/30/relational-discipleship-and-mental-health
4. https://www.summit.org/resources/articles/mental-health-he-way-of-jesus/
5. https://keyministry.org/2021/01/12/2021-1-12-mental-illness-and-discipleship/
6. https://www.beaconoflightmh.org/resources/the-relationship-between-christianity-and-mental-health
7. https://wheatonbillygraham.com/mental-health-ministry-as-an-evangelism-and-outreach-strategy/
8. https://discipleship.org/blog/why-emotional-health-is-important-in-disciple-making/
9. https://imitatingjesus.org/2023/05/mental-health-and-making-disciples-of-jesus/
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZC6_Qb8WfE

Categories: Articles, Mental Health in the Church

Tags: Church, Disciple Making, Discipleship, Mental health