When Hurting People Come to Church

People are hurting at a scale we’ve never seen. They’re dealing with an onslaught of issues like anxiety, grief, mental illness, family troubles, and hopelessness. Pastors and counselors can’t see everyone in need. This book can help.

Based on national research with more than 2,000 church leaders, social researcher and bestselling author Shaunti Feldhahn and psychologist and professor Dr. James Sells show how this is the church’s moment –and present a tested vision that is already thriving in churches of every size across the country!

We have an incredible opportunity to bring healing to the hurting, take the load off of the already-too-busy pastor and counselor, and grow healthy church communities of care―for now and many years to come.

Today, we face a dramatic rise in every psychological and spiritual need, just as affordable counseling solutions are more difficult to find. For perspective, 25 million people―more than the population of Florida―are not getting help for severe anxiety alone. Enter the church and millions of Christian lay people who understand brokenness, grace, and the power of relationship.

In every community, the church has the opportunity to be a key place people go for help. In fact, church growth experts describe this type of church care ministry as the evangelism, discipleship, and church growth method of the 21st century.

This book will share how this works, and equip you as a busy leader to:

understand the mental health crisis in your community raise up motivated lay people within the church to help address the spiritual and emotional needs of the hurting partner with counselors and other mental health professionals most effectively organize the church’s time and resources to reach the most people, while freeing you to step in where you are most needed grow your outreach to your community Don’t miss this opportunity to meet people’s needs, grow your people, and grow your church.

1. Opening Credits
2. Dedication
3. Foreword by Carey Nieuwhof
4. Part 1: A New Model of Care | Chapter 1: A New Way Through | How the Church Can Stand in the Gap for Mental Health
5. Chapter 2: Five Churches That Are Doing It Well | Creative Models from Others That Might Spark Your Own
6. Chapter 3: The State of the Church | Identifying Current Trends and Perspectives Around Mental Health
7. Chapter 4: Building a Caring Church Ministry | A Map to This New World
8. Chapter 5: "But What About . . .?" | Answers Common Concerns
9. Chapter 6: Best Practices in Mental Health Ministry | Legal, Ethical, and Leadership Guidelines for Churches
10. Part 2: Preparing People for Mental Health Ministry | Part 2 Introduction
11. Chapter 7: The Necessary People | Getting the Right Team Prepared and in Place
12. Conclusion: Equipping the Church to Transform the World
13. Chapter 8: Listening | Learning the Power of Presence
14. Chapter 9: Managing Emotions | Helping Feelings Be a Teacher, Not a Tyrant
15. Chapter 10: Healing Relationships | Being Present in the Space Between People
16. Chapter 11: Addressing Addictions | Relying on God’s Power When We Are Powerless
17. Chapter 12: Addressing Trauma and Grief | Walking with Others Through Mourning to Meaning
18. Appendix 1: Legal Considerations for a Mental Health Ministry
19. Appendix 2: Resources for Churches Building a Mental Health Ministry
20. Appendix 3: How to Make a Referral
21. Closing Credits