Author of, “The Purpose Driven Life” and mega church pastor Rick Warren who founded Saddleback Church with his wife Kay in 1980, told CNN that he hoped to reduce stigma about mental illness after the tragic death of their son. Matthew Warren, who reportedly had a personality disorder, sadly took his own life on April 5, 2013. Worldwide news coverage of this story sparked conversation that raised serious questions within the church about mental illness.
A Sense of Urgency For Equipping The Church
Rick Warren expressed his view on the role of Church in helping those with mental health issues, “But the church has a role to play. Christ followers have to be in those conversations, and we have not. And we must. “ He went on to say, “When you realise that a large portion of people go to either their priest or their pastor or their rabbi first before they even go to a healthcare professional, it makes equipping faith leaders more urgent than ever. Most are not well equipped. Pastors are dealing with people with mental health issues every day.” Saddle Back Church has ministry to help people who have a mental illness. Their webpage is titled, “Hope for Mental Health”. http://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/mental-health-ministry/lake-forest
Mental Health
Mental illness can strike any family member at any given time. Church members, clergy and pastors are no exception. Many Christians don’t hesitate to visit a doctor for physical ailments; however they can be really apprehensive about going to a mental health professional. Other Christians are more open to seeking help for their mental illness when they feel they need it.
Mental Health Training
More and more pastors are seeking mental health training in order to help the members of their congregation, and within their communities.
At aifc we have courses available with flexible full -time or part-time study options.
Further reading
Blog – Why Choose aifc for Christian Counselling Training? https://www.aifc.com.au/why-choose-aifc-for-christian-counselling-training/
Pastor Jude Crank talks about Studying with aifc
Sources: Christianity Today – The Year of Grieving Dangerously – http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2014/march-web-only/kay-warren-grieving-mental-illness-suicide-saddleback.html Saddleback Church: http://saddleback.com/connect/ministry/mental-health-ministry/lake-forest
Where to Get Help in Australia
Talk to your doctor who can point you in the right direction.
Visit CCAA to search for a Christian counsellor near you.
Visit ACA to search for a counsellor near you.
Free 24/7 Counselling Services
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
Headspace on 1800 650 890
Studying at aifc
Equip yourself with counselling skills for life at aifc.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
- At The beginning of each year in February.
- Mid-Year courses commence in July.
Enrolments open approximately 3 months prior the courses commencing. Enquire now by filling out the form with your details to receive course information by email.
Introducing a Master of Counselling course commencing in 2018
Contact aifc Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm with your enquiries on 6242 5111 or toll free on 1300 721 397
Have you thought about becoming a qualified counsellor? It’s a great opportunity to learn how you can extend God's love and grace to the hurting out in the community.
For those who would like to enrol in aifc’s accredited Christian counselling courses we have two intakes per year for courses commencing around the following months:
Enrolment Season - opens approximately 2 months prior to our courses commencing. Enrol online here during our enrolment season.
We also offer two modes of study:
A Master of Counselling course was introduced in 2018.