I was listening to a conversation with the Key Ministry writing team, casting vision for 2021. At one point, possible practical applications were identified, to engage the whole Church in mental health and disability ministry. As soon as they started talking about options like Zoom and social media, my mind immediately went to discipleship. Minutes later, Dr. Grcevich started to discuss discipleship, so I wanted to think further about this topic of discipleship with congregation members who may struggle with mental illness.
To be clear, I don't have all the answers; this is more of a stream of thoughts that I'd love to dialogue further about. I did a bit of research, and even organizations like CRU and Navigators, who are very discipleship oriented, do not have much fleshed out on the topic of mental illness.
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In thinking about discipleship, specifically with populations of people who have a mental illness, here are my initial thoughts:
Discipleship Is About Living Life
My own understanding of discipleship is that it goes beyond mentorship, into a formal understanding and raising of an individual in the way of Christ. This is not a “second parent” situation, but is very much about understanding and molding an individual in the walk of Christ. Discipleship is for people who are just baptized, but also for the seasoned Christian as well. It is about reading, praying, worshiping, and serving in all things that we do. It goes beyond talking to someone in the lobby, sitting down with the pastor once or twice a month, or attending a weekly small group. Discipleship inspires deep conversations, challenges from the persons doing the discipling, and understanding where Jesus is every day in life.Stigma and Inclusion
My second thought about discipleship and mental illness is that mental illness comes with stigma; let’s not add to it. I don't want to offer a solution that identifies someone with mental illness as needing "special help." Instead, I'd relate this to having cultural sensitivity. As Dr. Grcevich says in his book, what we do for someone with mental illness should also serve the whole Church. So the solution is not to create a mental illness section of discipleshipPeer Support Discipleship?
A solution that already works well in the secular world are peer support programs. Research shows that someone who has lived experience can help those who have the same experience. I wonder about not just assessing peer support for those with mental illness, but making similar assessments when someone is looking to enter into a discipleship relationship. Someone who loves working out would be great to be discipled by someone who loves to work out. Men are partnered with men. What about having a conversation about mental health peer support as well?
So I want to ask you two things:
1) do you know any models or programs inclusive of mental health needs within discipleship?
2) what other considerations should be fleshed out?
Jeremy Smith is a clinical mental health counselor in Ohio and founder of www.churchandmentalhealth.com.
