In May of last year, I got remarried to my current wife (Faith), having been divorced from my first wife - my son’s mom, several years ago. Following the divorce, I became a single parent to my disabled son Chris. While I doubted that new love could find me, I met...
193: Mental Health Ministry Isn’t Just for Big Churches
October 07, 2026
193: Mental Health Ministry Isn’t Just for Big Churches
Dr. Steve Grcevich
with guest Matthew Stanford, Ph.D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph.D., LCSW-S
193: Mental Health Ministry Isn’t Just for Big Churches
193: Mental Health Ministry Isn’t Just for Big Churches
193: Mental Health Ministry Isn’t Just for Big Churches
How can your church support people experiencing mental illness—and where do you begin? In this episode explore how churches can respond to mental health needs through trained volunteers, support groups, and connections to professional care. We address harmful misconceptions about mental illness, the importance of supporting families, and how churches of every size can make a meaningful difference—even with limited funding.
Pastors, ministry leaders, and volunteers will learn how to identify a starting point for their congregation, equip laypeople to offer support, build a referral network, and create space for people navigating mental illness and trauma. With real examples from small and large churches, this episode offers practical next steps for starting or strengthening a mental health ministry.
How can your church support people experiencing mental illness—and where do you begin? Steve Grcevich, Ph.D., welcomes Matthew Stanford, Ph.D., and Madeline Stiers, Ph.D., LCSW-S from Houston’s Hope and Healing Center & Institute for a practical conversation about mental health ministry, faith, and belonging.
Together, they explore how churches can respond to mental health needs through trained volunteers, support groups, and connections to professional care. They also address harmful misconceptions about mental health, the importance of supporting families, and how churches of every size can make a meaningful difference—even with limited funding.
What Church Leaders Will Learn
- How to identify a starting point for mental health ministry in your congregation.
- How to equip volunteers to offer compassionate, practical support.
- How to build a referral network that connects people with professional care.
- How to support families navigating mental illness and trauma.
- How to start or strengthen a ministry with the resources your church already has.
Resources Mentioned
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