Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Mental Illness and the Ministry of the Local Church

  • Published:
Pastoral Psychology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Due to the stigma associated with mental illness in America, religious leaders and their congregations might be fearful of caring for and worshipping alongside a person with mental illness. This article recounts some of the challenges encountered by the pastor of a small congregation in attempting to provide care for a church member suffering with schizophrenia. It is proposed here that congregations need to grow in courage as they attempt to serve people who struggle with mental illness, just as people with mental illness exhibit courage in venturing out to participate in church life.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Boisen, A. (1992). The minister as counselor. In G. Asquith (Ed.), Vision from a little known country: A Boisen reader (pp. 97–107). Decatur: Journal of Pastoral Care Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coşkun, M., & Zoroğlu, S. (2008). Very early onset schizophrenia: a case study. Archives of Neuropsychiatry, 45, 142–145.

    Google Scholar 

  • Eastman, F. (1992). Father of the clinical pastoral movement. In G. Asquith (Ed.), Vision from a little known country: A Boisen reader (pp. 131–136). Decatur: Journal of Pastoral Care Publications.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greene-McCreight, K. (2006). Darkness is my only companion. Grand Rapids: Brazos Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mueser, K. T., & Gingerich, S. (2006). The complete family guide to schizophrenia. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (2009). Schizophrenia. Washington, DC: National Institute of Mental Health.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samuels, M., & MacLowry, R. (Writers), & Samuels, M. (Director). (28 April 2002). A brilliant madness [television series episode]. In R. MacLowry (Producer), American experience. Boston: PBS/WGBH Boston.

  • Swinton, J. (2000). Resurrecting the person. Nashville: Abingdon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tillich, P. (1952). The courage to be. New Haven: Yale University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Torrey, E. F., & Miller, J. (2001). The invisible plague: The rise of mental illness from 1750 to the present. New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • von Balthasar, H. U. (2005). Mysterium paschale. San Francisco: Ignatius Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Princeton Theological Seminary, SBN 592, P.O. Box 821, Princeton, NJ, 08542-0803, USA

    Reggie Abraham

Authors
  1. Reggie Abraham
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Reggie Abraham.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Abraham, R. Mental Illness and the Ministry of the Local Church. Pastoral Psychol 63, 525–535 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-013-0590-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-013-0590-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation