In gospel-centered mentoring, we aim to help mentees become wholehearted followers of Jesus in four different realms: the spiritual, physical, emotional, and social/vocational. Generally, it seems the most difficult realm to address is the emotional. One reason for this may be that many modern Christians don’t have a clear and accurate picture how the Bible addresses issues of mental health.
While mentors and coaches are not professional counselors and should never take on that role (unless they have been trained in it), it is helpful for them to have a Biblical understanding of mental health so they can better coach their clients in the emotional realm and refer clients to mental health care professionals when appropriate.
That’s why we are so excited to share a nine-part sermon series called “Help and Hope for our Mental Health” from my coach, Pastor Daron Lindemann. We pray that this deep dive into mental health and the gospel encourages you personally and blesses your mentoring.
Pastor Daron’s Recommended Christian Mental Health Books
Deep as the Sea by Pastor Timothy Bourman
Carry Your Own Backpack by Holly Schneider
A Guide to Mental and Emotional Wellness by Dr. Jennifer Londgren
Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
NOTES
Status quo is attractive to mental unwellness.
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind,’ and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Luke 10:27)
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, spiritual and social well-being.
It affects how we think, feel, and behave, handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Good mental health helps us cope with life’s challenges, work productively, and maintain healthy relationships.
It is influenced by factors including spiritual resilience, professional help when needed, and self-care.
Mental Health Myth #1—Self-care is selfish.
Even Jesus needed help. Even Jesus needed to take care of himself.
Mental Health Myth #2—Self-talk is crazy.
“You don’t deserve to be healthy.”
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus … The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (Romans 8:1,6)
Mental Health Myth #3—I self-identify is my best self.
Your best self is an identity you don’t choose
SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP
Explore the “One Minute Pause” app (link here) for healthier self-care, self-talk and identifying as your best self. It guides users to relax, enjoy peace in God, and spend 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes in biblical meditation. Try it for a week. How is it helping you? Report back to your group.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Explore the “One Minute Pause” app for healthier self-care, self-talk and identifying as your best self. It guides users to relax, enjoy peace in God, and spend 1, 3, 5 or 10 minutes in biblical meditation. Try it for a week. How is it helping you? Report back to your group.
Read the following verses, and for each verse answer this question: “How does this help me love my best self God’s way?” Psalm 139:13,14; Isaiah 43:1; Romans 8:17; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 12:27; 1 Peter 2:9.
As a LifeGroup or gathering of friends, purchase all 4 recommended books about mental health. Commit to at least one person in your group reading each book, and reporting highlights, within the next 7 weeks of the series.
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