I'm working on a project over the next week or two and I'd like to extend an invitation to our readers to lend your ideas and input.
I've been invited to teach during the Sunday morning worship services on October 21st at Fredericktown United Methodist Church in Fredericktown, Ohio. A group of leaders at the church have been working through our ministry's book on mental health inclusion as part of their strategy to better serve persons with disabilities. I'm planning to tie together their study by addressing the topic - Discovering God's Purposes in Mental Illness. I'm planning to start by using John 9:1-3 as Scripture text and supplementing with other references.
What teaching or reading have you come across that's been helpful to you in better understanding the topic? Are there sermons or blog posts that have been particularly impactful that you'd like to share? If you're an individual with mental illness, or a parent or spouse of someone with mental illness, what do you think the people of the church need to hear on this subject?
Please post your ideas, links and references in the comments section below so that all of our readers might benefit.
I'm planning to share my teaching on the blog as an extended post on the evening of the 21st. Fredericktown is approximately 50 miles northeast of Columbus. I'd be delighted to see you in person.
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Are you a pastor or ministry leader searching for resources to better understand how to support children, adults or families affected by mental illness in your church or in your community? Check out Key Ministry's Mental Health Resources page, containing links to video, articles and topical blog series designed to help you minister with persons with common mental health conditions. Also available through the website are a free, downloadable mental health ministry planning tool designed to accompany Mental Health and the Church, along with links to recommended books, like-minded mental health ministry organizations, relevant research, sermons addressing mental illness, social media resources and a compilation of stories from families affected by mental illness.
