Did you know that 1 in 5 adults in America suffer from mental illness each year? Or that the number one place people go to for help is the church? Chances are high that someone in your small group is suffering with mental health issues or has a close friend or family member who is suffering. This Training Tool is designed to inform you about mental illness, debunk common myths, and equip you to care for small-group members who are struggling with mental illness. The church has historically not done a great job of ministering to people with mental illness, but you—and your small group—can with these practical tips from experts.
If you’re a small-group pastor or coach, this is an excellent resource to pass to group leaders or use as the basis for a training event.
For a sample from this Training Tool, read “Your Small Group Can Help People Affected by Mental Illness.”
Understand the Issue
Mental Illness and the Church
How many lives will be lost before we change?
Gillian Marchenko
Myths about Mental Illness
Rethink these common misconceptions and consider how your group can respond.
Amy Simpson
Offer Practical Help
Your Small Group Can Help People Affected by Mental Illness
Make your small group welcoming and safe for all.
Amy Simpson
How Not to Help Someone with Mental Illness
My own battle with depression showed me the best and worst ways to respond.
Alan Danielson
7 Ways to Help Someone with Depression
Get the facts and learn to offer real help.
Jen Oyama Murphy
When a Group Member Struggles with Anxiety
How to help the 42 million who suffer
Ann Sullivan
Serve the Family and Friends of Those with Mental Illness
How to be a support system for those in a supporting role
Laura Holland
Top 10 Resources for Mental Health Ministry
Books, websites, organizations, and people who can help you help those with mental illness and their families.
Amy Simpson
Resources for Further Exploration
Total number of pages - 35
