Q&A WITH MATT CHANDLER | PREACHING + TECHNOLOGY | MODERN WORSHIP

Facts &Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 • FACTSANDTRENDS.NET Mental

Health and the Church Tearing down the walls of silence

RETHINKING A PASTOR’S THE CHURCH’S ROLE MENTAL ILLNESS JOURNEY THROUGH IN RECOVERY DEPRESSION Contents COVER SECTION 13 Mental Health and the Church For the most part, churches haven’t talked much about mental illness. Thankfully, that’s beginning to change. The more it’s out in the open, the more understanding and help people suffering with mental illness can receive.

COVER SECTION FEATURES IN EVERY ISSUE 12 Hello, my name is 30 Guard against embezzlement 3 In side F&T not schizophrenia Trading silence for hope. Advice on how to combat this growing By Carol Pipes Dealing openly with mental illness problem. By Bob Smietana can lead to better outcomes for 4 From My Perspective sufferers and create 34 Recovering a healthier church Pastors experience depression, too. environment for everyone. Redemption By Thom S. Rainer How do people change? By Bob Smietana An interview with Matt 5 Insights Chandler. By Matt Erickson Beliefs, issues, 18 Breaking 38 T ime for a check up and trends the silence impacting the Transformational Church church and The church needs Assessment Tool helps the church our world. to respond with remember its mission. understanding and the By Bob Smietana love of Christ to those 28 Groups Matter struggling with mental illness. 40 High-tech homiletics 7 shifts for Bible study groups. By Amy Simpson Three pastors share their thoughts on By Philip Nation the relationship between technology and preaching. By Matt Erickson 29 Technology 22 Finding my way home 5 reasons to consider e-giving. The challenge of dealing with depres- 44 T he song of the redeemed By Matt Morris sion as a church leader. By Art Greco A conversation with Keith Getty about theology, music, 43 Calibrate 26 Rethinking mental illness and old hymns made new. 8 ways to keep college students By John Greco in church. Interview with mental health expert By Amanda Wood Williams Matthew Stanford on the role of the church in recovery. By Lizette Beard 46 On Our Radar Relevant and practical resources for you and your church. 51 The Exchange Isn’t it time we talked about mental health? By Ed Stetzer

2 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Facts&Trends Volume 61 • Number 1 • Dec/Jan/Feb 2015 Facts & Trends is designed to help pastors, church staff, and denominational leaders navigate the issues and trends impacting the church by providing information, INSIDE F&T insights, and resources for effective ministry.

Production Team Editor | Carol Pipes Trading silence for hope Managing Editor | Matt Erickson Senior Writer and Content Editor | Bob Smietana hen we hear the words mental illness, far too often, the Online Editor | Aaron Earls Graphic Designer | Katie Shull images that fill our minds are caricatures created by popular media. What’s reported in the news or portrayed LifeWay Leadership President and Publisher | Thom S. Rainer in television and film doesn’t tell the whole story. Mental Executive Editor | Ed Stetzer W illness is something that affects a significant portion of Americans—1 in Senior Editor | Marty King 4 adults suffer some form of mental health disorder every year. But many Contributors suffer in silence because the enduring stigma of mental illness teaches Lizette Beard, Ben Connelly, Mark Dance, Gary Fong, Art Greco, John Greco, Matt Morris, Philip Nation, Bob Roberts, people to hide the truth about what they’re going through. Amy Simpson, Amanda Wood Williams We probably all know someone who has battled mental illness. And Advertising Christians are certainly not immune. But the church’s silence tells people Rhonda Edge Buescher, director, Media Business Development with mental illness they are not welcome to share their struggles. Scott Hancock, advertising production Send advertising questions/comments to: The evangelical faith community doesn’t have a great record when One LifeWay Plaza, MSN 136, it comes to helping these silent sufferers. People are often blamed for Nashville, TN 37234 bringing the suffering on themselves. Others are ignored or shuffled Email: [email protected] out the door. The church could make a difference if it only had a better Media kits: LifeWay.com/mediaoptions This magazine includes paid advertisements for some products understanding of mental illness. and services not affiliated with LifeWay. The inclusion of the In this issue, Bob Smietana unpacks the findings of LifeWay Research’s paid advertisements does not constitute an endorsement by study on mental health and the church. Amy Simpson candidly discusses LifeWay Christian Resources of the products or services. growing up watching her mother battle schizophrenia and the toll it took Subscriptions For a free print subscription to Facts & Trends, send your name, on her family. She offers a better way for churches to respond to families address, and phone number to [email protected]. who live with mental illness. Pastor Art Greco shares his own journey Permissions through depression. And Thom Rainer offers an encouraging word to Facts & Trends grants permission for any original article (not a pastors who struggle with depression. We also included an interview with reprint) to be photocopied for use in a local church or classroom, provided copies are distributed free and indicate Facts & Trends scholar Matthew Stanford, who trains churches how to minister to those as the source. living with a mental illness. Finally, Ed Stetzer talks frankly about the stigma of mental illness and challenges the church to shape a new, more Contact Us: Facts & Trends, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234-0192 helpful approach to serving the hurting people around us. [email protected] | FactsAndTrends.net In dark and difficult times, hope is essential. Isn’t that what we as a faith Facts & Trends is published quarterly by LifeWay Christian community should offer? The only way to dispel the stereotypes and Resources. shatter the stigma is to openly and compassionately address the topic. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from We pray this issue inspires and challenges you to break the silence in the Holman Christian Standard Bible®, copyright 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. your church.

@FactsAndTrends FactsAndTrends

Carol Pipes, Editor @CarolPipes | [email protected]

Facts & Trends 3 FROM MY PERSPECTIVE

Pastors experience depression, too

epression was once a topic Congregants are sometimes quick to The demands of ministry can create a reserved for “other people.” express their frustrations toward the pressure-cooker situation for pastors. Christians, especially pas- pastor when expectations aren’t met, While it’s important to care for one’s Dtors, aren’t supposed to feel making the pastor feel like a failure. physical health, it’s also necessary to depressed. Aren’t these servants of God • Greater platforms for critics. In “the guard your mental health. If you are supposed to have their acts together? good old days,” a critic’s complaints struggling with depression or some oth- How could pastors and other ministers were typically limited to telephone, er mental illness, allow me to offer a few experience the dark valley of depression? mail, and in-person meetings. Today, thoughts and words of encouragement. The truth is, pastors are as likely as other critics have the visible and pervasive • You are not alone. To the contrary, Americans to experience mental illness. platforms of email, blogs, and social the problem is widespread. There A recent study by LifeWay Re- media such as Facebook and Twitter. are many in this company of fellow search found nearly 1 in 4 pastors • Failure to take time away from the strugglers. (23 percent) acknowledge they have church or place of ministry. Workahol- • You need not be ashamed. Mental personally struggled with a mental ism leads to burnout, and burnout leads illness is just that—it is an illness. If we illness such as depression, and half of to depression. have cancer, we freely acknowledge our those pastors said the illness had been • Marriage and family problems. Too often physical illness. Pastors shouldn’t be diagnosed. Sadly, many of them are pastors neglect their families as they try ashamed to say they have a mental illness. reticent to say anything about their to care for the larger church family. • Seek help. Find trusted professionals depression or other mental illness lest • Financial strains. Many pastors who can help you. A medical doctor they be viewed as unfaithful to God don’t have sufficient income from the can help determine if there are physio- and unable to help others. churches they serve. That financial logical reasons for your struggle. And So, what are the causes of the stress can lead to depression. Some a good counselor can help you sort depression? A number of factors can pastors don’t know how to manage the through the issues and find hope. increase the chance of depression, and money they do have, leading to further • Make the recommended changes. Once my list of possible triggers is certainly financial strain. struggling pastors seek help from profes- not exhaustive. While not all of these • The comparison game. Every pastor sionals, they will be advised about next pressure points are unique to pastors, knows of a church that is larger and steps. Listen to them. Heed their advice. they are pervasive among them. more effective. Every pastor knows Make the necessary changes. • Spiritual warfare. The Enemy doesn’t of another pastor who seems more • Remain faithful. Mental illness is not an want pastors to be effective in min- successful. The comparison game can automatic end to your ministry. Many istry. He will do whatever it takes to be debilitating to some pastors. pastors continue to serve and thrive in hurt ministers and their ministries. Though triggers can often be de- ministry even though they struggle. • Unrealistic expectations. The expec- termined, this is not always the case. Remember, weaknesses can be occasions tations and demands upon a pastor For some the causes of depression are for God to work in a person. n are enormous and often unrealistic. never known. Thom S. Rainer (@ThomRainer) is president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources.

4 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 INSIGHTS Beliefs, issues, and trends impacting our world

Mission trip growth: Among Americans who pray: The number of U.S. Christians Percent of my prayers answered

taking part in trips of a year or All of them 25% less leaped from 540 in 1965 Most of them 21% to an estimated more than 1.5 million annually in Some of them 37% 2008, with an estimated $2 None of them 3% billion spent yearly, according to I don’t know 14% Dr. Robert Priest, a missiology professor at Trinity Evangelical Most Americans who pray (83 percent) think at least some of their prayers are an- swered. When they pray, most Americans (82 percent) typically focus on their friends Divinity School. and family or their own problems (74 percent). Just over half (54 percent) pray about Source: Missiology Journal good things happening in their life, while over a third pray for their future prosperity

(36 percent). Source: LifeWay Research How many people of different faiths do you know? The average American person- Percent of Americans who are members of a religious group, ally knows members of at least compared with the percentage who know a member of that group. four of eight religious groups Are... Know someone who is... Evangelical included in a survey by the Pew 32% 70% Christian Research Center. A majority of 22% Catholic 87% Americans (87 percent) say they know someone who is Catholic. 2% Jewish 61% The second-most familiar group 2% Atheist 59% is Evangelicals with 70 percent of Americans saying they know 2% Mormon 44% someone who is an evangelical 1% Muslim 38% Christian. 1% Buddhist 23%

Source: Pew Research <1% Hindu 22%

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 5 Mental health 27% THE FACTS of churches have a plan in place to assist families Prevalence affected by mental Each year depression illness. And only 1 in 4 affects 5-8 percent 21% of family American adults members are of adults in the U.S. experience some aware of a plan kind of mental illness in their church. in a given year.

Depression is the leading 13.6 million adults in the U.S. live with a cause of disability serious mental illness such worldwide and will be the single as schizophrenia, major largest healthcare expense depression, or bipolar disorder. by 2020.

Age of onset 50% by age 14 75% by age 24 50% of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14 4x 75% of all chronic mental illness begins by age 24 Men are 4 times more likely than women to commit suicide. 1 million Sources: National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Mental Health, National Alliance on Mental Illness, American Medical The number of Americans who receive Association, World Health Organization treatment for suicidal thoughts, behaviors or attempts on a yearly basis.

6 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 INSIGHTS Mental health and the church

rs tal illness be en People want to talk about mental illnesss em m h M it ly i w Family members (65%) and those with mental e m l a p F o

e illness (59%) agree their church should talk openly

P about mental illness, so the topic will not be taboo.

Signs of suicide risk 66% of senior pastors seldom speak “Suicide is a national epidemic—40,000 people ended their life in 2013,” says Jared Pingleton, di- to their congregation about mental illness. rector of counseling services at Focus on the Family. He is a licensed psychologist and is trained in both clinical psychology and theology. While Pingleton 53% of regular churchgoers says predicting behavior is difficult, he offered these 13% with a mental illness say their not supportive general warning signs. church has been supportive. 33% About 13% say their church • Talking about wanting to die or kill oneself. was not supportive; 33% don’t know • Discussion or talk of a specific suicidal plan; answered, “don’t know.” making arrangements. 53% • Behavior that would be potentially lethal such supportive Source: LifeWay Research as hoarding medication. • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no Suicide reason to live.

Each year suicide claims approximately • Acting irritable, agitated, or enraged. 40,000 lives in America. • Sleeping too little or too much. • Loss of interest in things one cares about. Suicide is the 10th leading cause • Withdrawal from pleasurable activities.

of death in the U.S. (more common than • Isolation from relationships, withdrawing from homicide). friends and family.

Among young people aged 15 to 24 suicide Visit Focus on the Family’s ThrivingPastor.com/MentalHealth for a is the third leading cause of death. free guide to serving those with mental illness.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 7 Suicides rise in middle-aged men, MAJORITY STILL SAYS and older men remain at risk RELIGION CAN ANSWER en have historically been more likely to commit suicide than TODAY’S PROBLEMS women, but a new, vulnerable group is emerging from their ranks: hile an increasing middle-aged men. The rate for middle-aged men now eclipses number of Americans older men, who historically have had the highest rate of suicide. say religion is out of MIn 2011, 39,518 people committed suicide—a rate of 12.7 per 100,000 and the Wdate, most Americans highest in the last 12 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and still believe there’s a place for Prevention. The middle-aged—people 45 to 64 years—had the highest rate, the religion in our society. Fifty-seven result of an upward trend since 1999. In particular, death rates percent of Americans say religion for middle-aged men have increased since 2000 from 21.3 can answer all or most of today’s to 29.2 in 2010, more than women in the same age problems, while 30 percent say group. The rising rate of suicide in middle-aged religion is largely old-fashioned men, and the fact that older men continue and out-of-date. Americans have, to have a high rate of suicide, points in recent decades, become to the need for more suicide gradually less likely to say that prevention efforts aimed at men, religion can answer today’s the CDC says. problems and more likely to

Source: NPR.org believe religion is out of date.

Source: Gallup

for Study. for Everyday Life.

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DISCOVER MORE AT HCSB.org. INSIGHTS The good news for depressed people is that God is gentle HEAVEN IS REAL, BUT YOU with us in the very places HAVE TO WORK TO GET THERE “where we are often hardest on That’s the consensus from Americans, accord- 67% ing to a recent study by LifeWay Research. ourselves. In fact, He promises agree Sixty-seven percent of Americans say heaven not to break a reed that is badly heaven is a is a real place, not just a concept. However, real place bruised (Isaiah 42:3), but instead 71 percent of Americans say an individual to gently restore it until it is must contribute his or her own effort for person- strong enough to stand again. al salvation. If depression is like a bruise, AMERICANS NOT AS HOT ON HELL then God’s love is like a balm, Sixty-one percent of Americans agree Hell is a real which soothes and restores. 61% place, not just a concept. Another 22 percent It’s not a quick fix, but agree disagree and 18 percent are not sure. hell is a something you gently apply real place over the course of a lifetime.” Source: LifeWay Research — Sammy Rhodes (SammyRhodes.co) Want to remember what you read? Switch to paper. Going digital might be good for Study. for Everyday Life. Excuse me, could you for trees, but it’s bad for please pass the plate? The HOLMAN CHRISTIAN STANDARD BIBLE is a clear, contemporary memory, suggests new English translation that’s faithful to the original languages of the Bible. findings from researchers in In a recent study of large churches (1,000 to more than Whether you use it in preaching, group study, memorization, discipleship, 30,000 attendees), researchers found donations are slightly Norway. Studies show digi- private devotions, or corporate worship, you’ll find the faithfulness and higher at churches that pass an offering plate. All churches in clarity of the Holman Christian Standard Bible consistently bring God’s tal readers are significantly the study offered more than one option for giving: 81 percent transforming Truth to life, making it easier to understand, apply, and worse at comprehending and provide online giving options; 80 percent pass a collection plate; share with others. remembering what they’ve 37 percent have a donation box in the lobby; and 25 percent DISCOVER MORE AT HCSB.org. read compared to hard copy have an electronic kiosk in the lobby. The study examined readers. 727 churches in the U.S. and Canada. Source: Leadership Network and Vanderbloemen Search Group Source: Inc.com

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 9 INSIGHTS Morning person or night owl? HOW NON-CHRISTIANS Recent research indicates that morning people tend VIEW THE BIBLE to be less ethical at night and night owls less ethical during the day. “The important organizational takeaway • 1 in 10 believe the Bible is the from these findings is that individuals may be more likely to act “actual word of God” and should unethically when they are ‘mismatched’—that is, making a decision at the wrong time be “taken literally, word for of day for their own chronotype. Leaders should try to learn the chronotype (lark, owl, word.” or in between) of their staff members and make sure • 3 in 10 believe the Bible is to respect it when deciding how to structure the “inspired word of God,” but their work. Leaders who ask a lark to make should not be taken literally. ethics-testing decisions at night, or an owl to make such decisions in the morning, run the risk of encouraging rather than discouraging unethical behavior.” Source: Gallup Source: Blogs.HBR.org Believers skeptical about some scientific claims eligious identity—particularly evangelical Protestant—is one of the sharpest indicators of skepticism toward key issues in science, according to a survey by The Associated Press. Fifty-one percent of U.S. adults overall (including 77 percent of people who say they are born-again or evangelical) have little or no confidence that R“the universe began 13.8 billion years ago with a big bang.”

BIG BANG THEORY EXPLAINED

77% of born-again or evangelical Christians

have little or no confidence . “the universe began 13.8 billion years ago with a big bang.”

Source: ReligionNews.com

10 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 COVER SECTION Mental

Health and the 12 Hello, my name is not schizophrenia Church Dealing openly with mental illness can lead to better outcomes for sufferers and create a healthier Tearing down church environment for everyone.

18 the walls of silence Breaking the silence ith the recent suicide death of Robin Williams, Amy Simpson shares the story of her mom’s mental illness and suggests depression and mental health has become a ways the church can help those greater part of the cultural conversation lately. affected by mental illness. And to some extent, it has for the church, too. 22 WOn April 5, 2013, Rick and Kay Warren’s son, Matthew, took his own Finding my way home life. He was only 27 years old, but had struggled with depression all Pastor Art Greco talks about how his life. The Warrens have been very open about their son’s death he has learned to fight depression.

and the need for the church to help people who struggle with mental 26 illness. For the most part, churches haven’t talked much about mental Rethinking mental illness illness. There’s often been a stigma attached to it—as if having faith Lizette Beard interviews mental health expert Matthew Stanford on in Jesus makes you immune from suffering from mental illness. The the role of the church in recovery. truth is, Christians get depressed, too. And thankfully, more of us are willing to talk about it and support each other.

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 11 Getting beyond the stigma of mental illness

By Bob Smietana

12 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Mental

Health COVER SECTION and the Church

ven Christian counselors mental health and faith, co-sponsored members of the mentally ill. sometimes forget their mentally by LifeWay Research and Focus on the They surveyed 1,000 senior Protes- ill patients still have souls. Family. The study found that minister- tant pastors about how their church E Just ask Michael Lyles. ing to those with mental illness remains approaches mental illness. Then they Lyles, a clinical psychiatrist, has a a challenge. surveyed 355 Americans diagnosed practice in Atlanta, where most of That’s partly because dealing with with a serious mental illness—in this his clients are evangelical Christians. mental illness, like other chronic case moderate or severe depression, But not all them. Some have no faith, conditions, can feel overwhelming. bipolar, or schizophrenia. Among them including a man who was schizophrenic Patients often feel as if their diagnosis were 200 church-going Protestants. and beset with hallucinations. This defines their life, while counselors and A third survey polled 207 family patient was a bit of a hermit, spending even pastors can forget that people with members of people with mental illness. most of his time sitting at home watch- mental illness still have a spiritual life. LifeWay Research also conducted ing television. As a result, churches sometimes miss in-depth interviews with Lyle and more But after his condition stabilized, his life started returning to normal. He made some new friends, and one Because of the way we have ignored of them shared the gospel with him. mental illness, we are hurting people. Coming to faith in Christ didn’t take away his hallucinations or cure his We have created a stigma.” schizophrenia. But it led him to a “ — Ed Stetzer church, a new group of friends, and a the chance to minister to those with than a dozen experts on spirituality and better life. mental illness. mental health. One day the patient came into Lyle’s “Because of the way we have ignored The study found that pastors and office with a question: “Why didn’t mental illness, we are hurting people,” churches want to help those who you ever tell me about Jesus?” He then says Ed Stetzer, executive director of experience mental illness. But those shared with Lyle how his church and his LifeWay Research. “We’ve created a good intentions don’t always lead to new faith in Christ had changed his life. stigma.” effective ministry. “I would have never found this if no Among the study’s findings: one had told me about the gospel,” the ADDRESSING THE STIGMA • Most Protestant senior pastors (66 patient told Lyle. The LifeWay Research study was percent) seldom speak to their con- Lyle says he sat there for a minute designed to address that stigma and gregation about mental illness. That and then admitted his guilt. “I was just to help churches better assist those includes the almost half (49 percent) happy you weren’t psychotic anymore; affected by mental illness. who “rarely” (39 percent) or “never” I forgot you were a person.” Researchers focused on three groups: (10 percent) speak about mental illness. That kind of response isn’t uncom- Protestant pastors, Americans diag- About 1 in 6 pastors (16 percent) speak mon, according to a new study on nosed with mental illness, and family about mental illness once a year.

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 13 • About a quarter of pastors (22 per- Step one is talking about mental struggle with these issues and there’s cent) admit to being reluctant to help illness, so people know help is avail- not an easy answer.” those who suffer from acute mental able. Researchers found two-thirds of Pingleton says pastors and church illness because it takes too much time. pastors (68 percent) say their church members alike can find solace in the • Meanwhile, family members (65 maintains a list of local mental health Scriptures. He points out that many percent) and those with mental illness resources for church members. But biblical characters suffered from emo- (59 percent) want their church to talk few families (28 percent) are aware tional struggles. And some, were they openly about mental illness, so the those resources exist, and so don’t take alive today, would likely be diagnosed topic will not be taboo. advantage of them. with mental illness. The silence from the pulpit and “The Bible is filled with people who churches can leave people feeling PASTORS AWARE OF NEED struggled with suicide, or were majorly ashamed about mental illness, says Most pastors in the survey said they depressed or bi-polar,” he says. “They Jared Pingleton, director of counseling know people who have been diagnosed are not remembered for those things. services at Focus on the Family. Those with mental illness. Nearly 6 in 10 (59 They are remembered for their faith.” with mental illness can feel left out, as if percent) have counseled someone who Pingleton says ministry to those with the church doesn’t care. Or worse, they was later diagnosed. mental illness is a delicate balance. can feel as if mental illness is sign of And pastors themselves aren’t Churches have to show care and spiritual failure. immune from mental illness. About a concern. But church leaders also need “We can talk about diabetes and Aunt quarter (23 percent) say they’ve expe- to know when to refer someone to a Mable’s lumbago in church—those are rienced some kind of mental illness, mental health professional or doctor, seen as medical conditions,” he says. while 12 percent say they’ve received a especially when in cases of serious “But mental illness—that’s somehow diagnosis for a mental health condition. mental illness. seen as a lack of faith.” But those pastors are often reluctant Pastors, he says, walk a fine line when Stetzer says pastors should challenge to share their struggles, says Chuck making a referral. Church members the idea that someone is a bad Christian Hannaford, a clinical psychologist and may feel rejected if their pastor passes because they struggle with mental president of HeartLife Professional them off to someone else. But the illness. Instead, he says, they should Soul-Care in Germantown, Tennessee. pastor may not have the right skills to offer friendship and care to those with Hannaford, another of the experts in help them. mental illness. the LifeWay Research study, counsels The important thing to do is stay con- “We’ve sent the message that there’s pastors as part of his practice. Many, he nected even after a referral, he says. something wrong with you if you’re a says, keep their mental illness hidden Christian with mental illness,” he says. from their congregation. COMMUNITY MATTERS “The truth is there is something wrong “You know it’s a shame we can’t be Christians are supposed to bear one with you—you’re ill and you need more open about it,” he told research- another’s burdens. Those burdens can help. And the church can be part of the ers. “What I’m talking about is an include mental illness, says Warren healing process.” openness from the pulpit that people Kinghorn, assistant professor of

14 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Mental

Health COVER SECTION and the Church 66% How often pastors speak to the church 26% in sermons or large group messages about mental illness. 3% 4%

Several times About once Several times Once a year, a month a month a year Rarely, or Never

1% Don’t know.

of pastors say they’ve experienced 23% some kind of mental illness. of pastors say they’ve received a 12% diagnosis of a mental health condition.

Among pastors: Mental health resources I am reluctant to get involved need to be communicated with those with acute mental 74% and made available. illness because it takes too much time and resources. Church maintains 68% of a list of local mental pastors agree health resources for church members 22%

28% of Families are aware families resources for agree mentally ill exist in their church Agree Disagree 4% Don’t know.

Source: LifeWay Research

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 15 More than 3 out of 4 of those with mental illness had received therapy. 79 percent said therapy was effective. — LifeWay Research

psychiatry and pastoral and moral theology at Duke Divinity School. People who are depressed might have trouble praying or coming to church, and may lose hope, says Kinghorn, an- other one of the experts in the LifeWay study. In those moments of despair, a church community can offer reassurance and comfort. In some ways, they can keep the faith for people who are really struggling. DIG DEEPER “What can happen is that others can come alongside you and say, ‘I know • ThrivingPastor.com/MentalHealth you can’t hope right now, but we believe • Ministry in the Face of Mental Illness Bible Study FactsAndTrends.net/MentalHealth (free download) that hope is real and that God is real,’” • Melissa: A Father’s Lessons from a Daughter’s Suicide he says. Frank Page, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist One of the complications for Chris- Convention Executive Committee, learned firsthand the tians with mental illness is that they feel pain of losing a loved one to suicide when he and his wife, pressure to still grow spiritually. Dayle, lost their daughter, Melissa, to suicide in 2009. LifeWay Research found that most Writing from personal experience, he examines pastors (76 percent) and family members the biblical truths that carried him through such a (74 percent) felt a Christian with acute painful time and that minister to him on dark days mental illness could thrive spiritually, still known to come around. even if their condition was not stable. • The Anxiety Cure Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of people Panic anxiety is the number one mental health with mental illness also believe that problem for women and second only to drug abuse someone could thrive spiritually even if among men. The Anxiety Cure provides proven, their condition wasn’t stable. natural strategies for overcoming panic disorder The experts in the LifeWay study, and finding an emotional balance in today’s fast-paced however, cautioned that stabilizing a world. person’s mental health should come first. • The Minirth Guide for Christian Counselors Christians can feel God’s presence and A comprehensive resource for those who counsel from the comfort in the midst of their struggles Scriptures from a leading Christian counselor. with mental illness. But it’s difficult to thrive spiritually if someone’s mental illness is not stable.

16 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Mental

Health COVER SECTION and the Church

That’s especially true for an illness mental illness said medication should problem and forget about the spiritual like schizophrenia. be used in moderation. needs to those who are mentally ill. “In schizophrenia, there is such a Among pastors, 40 percent said medi- “I’m concerned that some Christians strong biological component that med- cation should be used anytime to relieve say, let the doctors take care of every- ications are a must,” says Eric Achtyes, symptoms, while 47 percent said medica- thing,” he says. “We can’t outsource staff psychiatrist at Pine Rest Christian tion should be used in moderation. spiritual care.” Mental Health Services in Grand There were some differences over Dealing openly with mental illness Rapids, Michigan. “You really can’t do when it was best to use therapy versus can lead to better outcomes for those anything else until somebody is stable when to give spiritual counsel to those who struggle with depression or other with a good medication regime. It’s with mental illness. About half of pas- conditions, says Achtyes. difficult to do anything else.” tors (51 percent) said therapy should be But it also can lead to a healthier used after sharing spiritual principles. church environment for everyone. THERAPY AND MEDICATION But only a quarter of those with “The reality is that we all know LifeWay Research found broad consen- mental illness said spiritual principles people who have had mental illness, sus among pastors, those with mental illness, and family members when it comes to psychological therapy and The more we talk about mental illness and bring medication. it out of the shadows, the more understanding • More than 3 out of 4 (78 percent) of and compassion we’ll have.” — Eric Achtyes those with mental illness had received “ therapy. Most (79 percent) said therapy was effective. should precede therapy. And about a depression, anxiety, and other prob- • Almost all (94 percent) of those with third (34 percent) of those with mental lems. The more we talk about [mental mental illness said they’d been treated illness said therapy should be used illness] and bring it out of the shadows, with medication, with 85 percent saying without any spiritual principles. the more understanding and compas- the medication was effective. Stetzer was pleased to see the taboo of sion we’ll have, and I think the better LifeWay Research found very little using medication to treat mental illness care people will get,” Achtyes told opposition to using medication to treat seems to have almost disappeared. LifeWay Research. “And don’t we mental illness. He says pastors and those with men- really want our churches to be places Almost no one in the three surveys tal illness have seen that medications of openness and of healing and a place said medication should “never” be can help those with mental illness. It’s where we can go with our challenges used. More than half of those with no surprise, he says, that pastors and and our trials?”n mental illness (54 percent) said medi- those with mental illness support their BOB SMIETANA (@BobSmietana) is senior writer for Facts & Trends. Lizette Beard of LifeWay cations should be used any time they use. Research contributed to this article. can relieve symptoms of acute mental But he worries at times that churches illness. About a third of those with see mental illness solely as a medical

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 17 BBy Amy Simpson r e a k i n g the silence HOW YOUR CHURCH CAN RESPOND TO MENTAL ILLNESS

met your mom on Sunday.” My best friend’s mom smiled as she dried her hands on a kitchen towel. “I’ve seen her in church, but I had no idea she was your mom. She always sits so quietly, with her hands folded in her lap. She seems very nice.” “II smiled politely in response, and she went back to her work in the kitchen. It took me only a couple of seconds to push back the wave of pain and panic that always hovered at the edge of my life and threatened to wash over me at moments like these. I was in the habit of keeping those feelings at bay. Even though my best friend and I went to the same church, there was a reason I had never introduced our mothers. There was a reason I didn’t host get-togethers at my house, invite my parents to school events, or rely on my mom for the kind of support teenage girls need. I was ashamed and terribly afraid of the stigma. My friend’s mom was right: My mom was, and is, very nice. She also has a serious illness that filled those teenage years with confusion, fear, and grief. Her schizophrenia lived with our family for years, before I was even born, like a quiet but unwanted houseguest. When I was 14, that guest suddenly staged a coup, and before we knew what had happened, we were living in schizophrenia’s house. Ten-year-old Amy Simpson poses with Mom was hospitalized multiple times through my high school her mother while on family vacation.

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years, and the decades since have proud that we’ve come this far, amazed UNDERSTAND THE CRISIS brought a string of run-ins with the by God’s grace. And I’m astounded When the subject of mental illness harsh effects of her disease: difficult and so many people are living right in the comes up, many people think first of the broken relationships, paranoia, public middle of stories very much like ours. most serious, disruptive disorders like embarrassment, religious confusion, Ironically, when I was a teenager, I schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obses- occult activities, homelessness, danger, thought we were pretty much alone. I sive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic arrest, conviction, and prison time. didn’t fully understand what was hap- stress disorder, and major depression. Periods of stability and hope fol- pening in my family, and I had never These are the types of illness that tend lowed by another slow—or sometimes heard anyone else talk about similar to be featured (usually inaccurately) in sudden—loss of the person we know experiences. popular media, linked (again, inaccurate- and love. Battles with the shame and This is part of what kept me and ly) with violence on the evening news, stigma that kept us quiet and isolated the rest of my family silent, hiding and associated with suicide. from each other for decades. Battles for behind the same smiles everyone else But most people with mental illness the life and well-being of a woman we was wearing. We had no idea our own do not die by suicide, hear hallucinato- cherish, who still has a purpose and a silence made us complicit in our sense ry voices, or commit acts of violence. place in this world. of isolation. Because others were silent Mental illness is a broad term for a I’m no longer ashamed of my mother’s too, we had no idea how many families variety of disorders in different catego- illness and my family’s experience. I’m were like ours. ries, affecting thinking, feeling,

“ People who live with mental illness, whether their own or someone else’s, need to break the silence.” — Amy Simpson

Family photo courtesy of Amy Simpson

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 19 and hardships. A person For many families with mental illness, with active symptoms police officers become mental health may be unable to work. workers by default in crisis situations. Simpson and her mom at high Psychiatric medica- Some lose their loved ones to homeless- school graduation tions, hospital stays, ness, jail, or prison. Many sources report and residential care can that about 40 percent of homeless people be enormously expen- have some kind of mental health prob- sive—when they’re lem, and 20 to 25 percent have serious available. Our mental mental illness. health care system The Department of Justice estimates behavior, mood, social interaction, and is badly broken and hard to navigate, that more than half of local, state, and self-expression. Mental illness is not a and it can be difficult to access care. federal inmates have symptoms of fringe experience best kept in the closet Furthermore, as with other forms of serious mental illness—ranging from 45 or under the rug. health care, the burden of managing care percent at the federal level to 56 percent Every year, 25 percent of the U.S. and treatment is on the person with the in state prisons and 64 percent at the adult population suffers from a diagnos- illness, who may not be able to manage local jail. able mental illness. That’s about equal to the condition (and who may not even Many families affected by mental the total percentage of people diagnosed acknowledge or understand it). illness live with special “rules” (Don’t let with cancer each year, those living with Family members often witness the Mom see that newspaper headline; Don’t heart disease, people infected with HIV disintegration of a loved one’s mental upset your brother; Don’t talk about and AIDS, and those afflicted with health, but lack the tools and legal right your feelings) designed to keep just one diabetes—combined! to intervene in any effective way. And person happy or stable. For some, life is That equates to around 50 million if the loved one is old enough (age 12 in unstable, confusing, and full of worry, people in the United States. And that’s some states), the family also lacks access anxiety, and feelings of helplessness. only in a given year. Because many mental to medical diagnoses, records, and other Some family members are plagued by illnesses (like depressive episodes) are information about treatment—unless per- guilt-producing questions (What did we short-term and not chronic, an even mission is specifically granted in writing. do wrong?) and questions that can lead higher percentage of people are affected Doctors can be reluctant to diagnose to a spiritual crisis (How could you let by a mental illness at some point in their disorders because of stigma and dis- this happen, God?). Roles are reversed, lives. crimination by insurance companies. families go through repeated cycles of The statistics are staggering, but they Insurance companies pressure hospitals grief and loss, and people feel the awful don’t tell the whole story. Every case to shorten treatment. And short hos- need to submit to shame and stay silent of mental illness represents a family pitalizations focused on stabilizing about their suffering. affected in some way by that disease. patients don’t always set them up for Mental illness causes financial burdens long-term success.

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HOPE IN THE CHURCH pain-free life on this earth. out Fresh Hope (FreshHope.us) and People who live with mental illness, • Treat people like people. Make eye Mental Health Grace Alliance (Mental- whether their own or someone else’s, contact, smile, say hello, and refuse to HealthGraceAlliance.org) for resources. need to break the silence. They need to succumb to irrational fear. (If someone Ministry to people with mental illness speak and be heard in the church and truly is dangerous, call the police. That’s and their families is not easy, quick, or elsewhere. They need the church to rational fear. But still recognize the very fashionable. It may not even be reward- break its own silence as well. So many real and suffering person.) ing. But it is right and fitting for people have allowed stigma and fear to prevent • Offer friendship. We often think we’re called to love as Jesus loves, to serve as acknowledgment that mental illness not qualified to help, but everyone is “the pleasing aroma of Christ” in this exists within the walls of churches. The qualified to do this. world, and to represent His healing silence sends a clear message that God is • Do what you already do—provide grace. n not interested in their suffering, serious meals and rides, visit them in the hos- AMY SIMPSON (@aresimpson) is author of Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission problems have no place in the church, pital, take care of their kids, help with and Anxious: Choosing Faith in a World of Worry. and our faith has no answer for hard- expenses, ask how they’re feeling. She also serves as editor of Gifted for Leadership, senior editor of Leadership Journal, a speaker, and ships like theirs. • Talk about mental illness. Mention it a Co-Active personal and professional coach. You Compounding this tragedy is what in sermons, classes, Bible studies, and can find her at AmySimpsonOnline.com. research shows: The church is the first public prayers. place many people go when they’re • Refer to mental health professionals. looking for help with mental illness. Build a network of local professionals DIG DEEPER Among people who have sought treat- and make it widely available. Books by author Amy Simpson ment, 25 percent have gone first to a • Be the church. Recognize that pro- member of the clergy. This is a higher fessional mental health care is not a • Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and percentage than those who have gone to substitute for the social support, spiritual the Church’s Mission psychiatrists, general medical doctors, or care, and loving community you can • Anxious: Choosing Faith anyone else. provide. in a World of Worry How should the church respond to this • Start a support group ministry. Check opportunity? Here are a few ideas: • Acknowledge universal human bro- Sources kenness. This is Christian doctrine at its National Institute of Mental Health, “Statistics,” www.nimh.nih.gov most basic, but we sometimes forget to www.pbs.org/now/shows/526/homeless-facts.html. walk in the humility of the knowledge Doris J. James and Lauren E. Glaze, “Bureau of Justice Statistics Special Report: Mental Health Problems that we are all flawed and scarred and in of Prison and Jail Inmates” (Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, 2006), need. www.nami.org • Teach about suffering. Contradict the Health Research and Education Trust, “Patterns and Correlates of Contacting Clergy for Mental Disorders in the United States” (2003) idea that we should expect an easy or

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 21 Finding my

way homeBy Art Greco

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GARY FONG

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Dealing with depression as a church leader

t was my day off. That meant I was doing one of my comfortably seated away from the heat. favorite things—working on a project in my garage. I was Meanwhile, I also felt trapped, impris- oned by depression. Every uninformed halfway through fixing the door on our spare refrigerator and unhelpful piece of advice only when all of a sudden my 34-year-old son Josh appeared. intensified the sense of despair I felt and strengthened the bars of my moldy, He didn’t speak. Instead, Josh stood pressed? You have so much to live for.” I rat-infested, emotional cell. there with tears in his eyes and an awful Or some version of, “Just fix it,” “Go What I needed instead was someone to expression on his face, with a cellphone watch a funny movie,” or “But people come and help me unlock the door so I held in his outstretched hand. love you so much.” could get out of this trap. I took the phone and read the news. That’s what I recall hearing most often Robin Williams was dead, a victim of when I first revealed that depression— suicide. this uninvited and certainly unwanted MY STORY Let me explain how depression first took Josh, like many of us, was a fan of mental illness—had taken up residence over my life. Williams. But he also had a personal in me. How can I convey the deep, It was the summer of 1988. At the connection. throbbing ache I felt the first time a time, our family lived in Portland, We live not far from San Francisco, and friend told me to “Snap out of it”? Oregon, where I was a church planter. Josh had a friend who used to live next His advice was: “Just trust God and be One day, I sat first in line at a red light door to William’s wife Susan Schneider. happy.” in our town, our family’s favorite El- Whenever Josh would visit his friend, Great. Here I was being sucked into mer’s Restaurant on the left, the Union he’d often see Williams and would wave the emotional version of a black hole, Gas Station on the right. Everything greetings over the fence. and he was encouraging me to simply around me looked familiar. At least, it That wasn’t the only reason for his hail a cab and get a ride home. His com- should have since I lived only blocks shock. ments were well-intentioned, I suppose, from that corner and traveled the route “Dad,” he asked, “when you were bat- but ridiculous. each day. But this day something bizarre tling depression, did you ever seriously No one else could see it, but in my happened. consider suicide?” world, it was as if I stood barefoot on I arrived at the intersection feeling “Yes,” I told him. “Sadly, I did.” a path, with a bed of white-hot coals normal. By normal I mean stressed out. After a silent and tender pause, Josh blocking my way. The boots I needed But I’d grown used to the sensation of spoke again. to walk across the coals were placed just stress, assuming it was just a necessary “I’m glad you dealt with it a different out of reach. I couldn’t get to the boots by-product of the ministry of a church way, Dad,” he said. without stepping on the coals, and I planter. My chest felt like it was in a Josh’s response touched me deeply— couldn’t survive the coals without first vice, my head felt pressured, and I was a partly because it was so different from lacing up the boots. little dizzy—all sensations I had grown what those of us who’ve been ambushed “Snapping out of it” seemed easy accustomed to over the years. by depression often hear. enough to my friend. He was watching Then that “bizarre something” came. Things like: “But why are you de- from a distance, offering advice while

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 23 I used to pray that God would release me from depression or at least help me survive it. Now I pray that God would heal my life and put to death some of the self-deception I still car- “ry with me—like the fear I have that About a quarter of pastors people will look down on me because of my depression. “ (23 percent), say they’ve — Art Greco experienced some kind of mental illness, while 12 percent say they received a diagnosis for a mental health condition. Source: LifeWay Research

Its onset was quick, as though my office and learned that I’d been diag- stuck there. My family and leaders at senses were a PowerPoint and someone nosed with clinical depression. our church rallied around me. They had just pushed the button that changed But even more devastating was the paid for me to get a second opinion the slide. doctor’s prescription for healing. Since from another doctor, who confirmed Only in this case, the scene in front it didn’t appear this uninvited illness the diagnosis of clinical depression, and of me was unfamiliar and out of focus. was going to be leaving any time soon, allowed me to get the professional help I didn’t know where I was, where I he recommended I find another line of I needed. was going, or where I’d been. I just sat work. They offered to give me six months there, dazed, until the car behind me “Sell cars, paint houses, work at without pay so I could get well. I didn’t honked and startled me into creeping McDonalds for all I care,” he told me. stay away quite that long—a decision forward through the intersection. “But stay away from leadership in a that delayed my healing process—but I recall thinking: I’ll just drive until church—any church. Otherwise, you’ll I did take some time off. God used the something looks familiar. I think I live probably never fully heal.” combination of time off, medication, close by. Cue those hot coals and move the and counseling to restore me to emo- I turned left because it felt correct, boots a bit farther away. tional health. then left again for the same reason. Cue the simplistic, overspiritualized I suspected that one of the houses on advice of people whose idea of depres- A NEW DAY that block was mine, but I wasn’t sure sion is the disappointment you feel A lot has changed since those days as a which one. I’ll push the button on the when someone gets your parking space young church planter. I’m still a pastor, garage door opener, I thought. Wherev- at the mall. but I walk with an emotional limp. er a garage door opens, that must be my Cue the stigma of being seen as The nightmare of clinical depression house. intellectually and emotionally suspect hasn’t been turned into a Disney fairy Then I parked in the driveway of the for the rest of your career. tale. But in a strange way, its destruc- house with the opening door, walked God had called me to be a church tive power has worked some good in into the garage, climbed onto the planter, and to me that meant I wasn’t my life. freezer, and stared at the walls, trying to allowed to quit. But I wasn’t strong I used to pray that God would release clear my head. enough to stay in leadership. me from depression or at least help me Not long after, I sat in a doctor’s Thankfully, God didn’t leave me survive it. Now I pray that God would

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Health COVER SECTION and the Church heal my life and put to death some of the self-deception I still carry with me—like Depression and the ministry the fear I have that people will look down By Mark Dance on me because of my depression. Or my fter pastoring in a fog of clinical depression, I came very close to walking away from oversized ego tempting me to pretend my church and the ministry five years ago. I had been pastoring for 22 years at the the illness doesn’t exist or insisting I can’t time, and was burned out and fed up—mostly with myself. Thanks to the help of my be sick because my church can’t survive A doctor and therapist, I would learn what role mental illness had in my decision-making. without me. Fortunately, my depression was temporary and treatable, as most are if diagnosed early. I pray those who read this article will However, many pastors struggle with mental illness in secret isolation—we have a role never experience the pain that comes with to play, expectations to live up to, and people to please. If you are a ministry leader who is severe and prolonged depression. struggling with ongoing depression, please consider these four suggestions. But in case you do, I want you to know there is hope. 1. Seek professional help We know in retrospect that God had It won’t be easy. And you can’t do it on Self-diagnosis is usually a waste of big plans for Peter, but we also know your own. But you can get better. time. My first conversation was with God has plans for our ministries, too. And you are not alone. There are more my medical doctor, then a licensed Jesus is still praying for our good than a few of us who have outlasted and Christian therapist. It was a humbling, and His glory. Praying that our faith outmaneuvered this disease, and have but rewarding experience for me. would not fail, even when we do. even been made deeper, quieter, and better 2. Let your church minister to you “For I know the plans I have for through it. n The stigma of depression, or any you, declares the Lord, plans to pros- ART GRECO is senior pastor of Marin Covenant weakness, tempts us away from seeking per you and not to harm you, plans to Church in San Rafael, California. He’s the author of God Kills: Spirituality of a Christian Pragmatist. help from those who love us most. I give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah meet monthly with an accountability 29:11 NIV). partner/friend, monthly with a thera- 4. Help someone else off the cliff pist, and quarterly with a small group “And when you have turned back, DIG DEEPER of supportive deacons. Along with my strengthen your brothers “(Luke 22:32). • Beyond the Shadows: wife, this is my “Dance Team.” Several pastors and deacons talked Discover Hope for me off that cliff of ministry suicide Overcoming 3. Trust the Lord for healing Depression “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift five years ago, and I will always be An eight-session all of you as wheat. But I have prayed grateful to them. Stepping away from Bible study that for you, Simon, that your faith may ministry and the church I loved and walks participants not fail” (Luke 22:31). needed was neither in the best interest through the experi- Satan has plan for your life, but so of my church, my family, or myself. I ences, feelings, and does God! Although I don’t believe got a ministry recall and have used it struggles common to it was God’s will for Peter to fail, He countless times to help other pastors depression. obviously knew about and allowed off that same cliff. There are many of • Christians Get Peter to go through the sifting and us out there considering it. n Depressed, Too refining process so he could grow in MARK DANCE is associate vice president of by David Murray pastoral leadership at LifeWay. Most recently, he both strength and humility. He would served 13 years as a pastor in Conway, Arkansas. need both later.

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 25 Rethinking mental illness The role of the church in recovery Q&A with Matthew Stanford

By Lizette Beard

Matthew Stanford is professor of What is the unique impact How should the church a mental illness has on a approach mental illness? psychology, neuroscience, and person’s faith? At Grace Alliance, we look at a person biomedical studies at Baylor Clients who struggle with mental from a holistic perspective: physical, University and the co-founder/ illness often say they feel condemned mental, spiritual, and relational. When executive director of the Grace Alli- or distanced from God and isolated a person is ill, it affects the whole from the church. They feel they cannot person. In addition to lifestyle changes, ance (mentalhealthgracealliance.org), pray, that God doesn’t listen to them. medication, and therapy, there’s also a non-profit organization that trains They often believe their illness shows going to be spiritual intervention. churches how to recognize mental a lack of faith. For instance, someone I look at mental illness much like illness and provides practical steps who struggles with depression has diabetes. If a person has diabetes, they feelings of inadequacy and worthless- have to alter their diet and exercise. for churches to effectively minister to ness. These are not thoughts they’re They may have to take medication that those living with mental illness and in control of. These are physiological controls the symptoms of that disor- their families. He is a member of feelings that are then perceived by the der, but it doesn’t cure the disorder. We brain as thoughts of, “I’m worthless. need to consider the same things when Antioch Community Church in I can’t be loved.” If the individual is a we’re dealing with mental illness. Waco, Texas. person of faith, the first thought may We’ve found that faith can be incred- be “God can’t love me.” ibly therapeutic and empowering. It

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really is the foundation of our hope. and their family members see where How can the church help those And without hope, there is no recovery. they are now on that scale compared to with mental illness? When we begin with a client, we try where they were when we started. The church needs to treat individuals to re-establish what their identity is with mental illness the same way it in Christ. From there we can move What are some of the biggest treats anybody with an illness. Offer forward because now they understand discoveries churches and a supportive care structure, help them hope isn’t a feeling. Hope is a per- pastors are making about spiritually, help them understand where son—Jesus Christ. Regardless of the working with the mentally ill? God is in the situation, and help them circumstances, there is hope. When Churches are beginning to understand connect more fully to God in their suf- ministering to people with mental they have a huge role to play in mental fering. Churches also can provide for illness, it needs to be about who they health. They also are starting to interact physical needs. It’s no different from are in Christ, the rest they have in God, with people who have increasingly how you would treat someone who had and the character of God—the love He serious mental illnesses, and they feel any other type of illness. has for them. ill-equipped to help. People in the We’ve helped churches learn how We also make sure they have some church often don’t know what to do to build connections with the mental level of stability in their thinking. We when someone has an illness affecting health community in their location and help our clients receive proper medical the brain. have taught them how to make a proper care and make sure they’re in a sup- referral. But that’s not the end of the portive environment. What can pastors do to alleviate church’s role. That’s just the beginning. the stigma of mental illness? We encourage churches to develop a What are some signs of hope team approach with the mental health It’s up to the leadership of the church to family members or churches care provider when they refer an help their congregation understand they can observe? individual. The church then becomes have a role to play in mental health. The The recovery process is minimizing the a supportive care community around average congregant doesn’t understand symptoms, understanding the illness, that person. The church also serves as mental illness and is probably fearful. and taking ownership of one’s own a spiritual guide to help the individual Leaders can preach a sermon on recovery, and then beginning to make with his or her faith in the context of mental health issues or host a general decisions on one’s own about getting their mental illness and recovery. And educational seminar on mental illness better. We have a scale we show our the church needs to support the family. for the church. Allow people to give clients. We want them to move from The church’s role is three-fold: relieve a testimony about their mental illness distress to stability, from stability to suffering, reveal Christ, and restore and how they’ve suffered. When people function, and from function to purpose. lives. n understand mental illness, it’s easier to We help them understand where they LIZETTE BEARD show grace, care, and concern. (@LizetteBeard) is project manag- are on that scale. As they move along, er for LifeWay Research. they become more personally involved in their recovery and what’s going on in their lives. We try to help clients

FactsandTrends.net/MentalHealth Facts & Trends 27 GROUPS MATTER Ministry ideas for small groups 7 shifts for Bible study groups By Philip Nation

he core ministry of a church will determine the trajectory of the whole church. If a church Tis built around a dynamic preacher/teacher, then it will affect how everyone views the Christian life and ministry. When the student ministry is the dominant feature in a congregation, then worship, fellowship, communication, and all the rest will change to accommodate it. Perhaps it is because, as humans, we 1. Timeframe: Move from thinking the lesson of the curriculum. like a default position. We find the influ- about the group as meeting for one 5. Perspective: ential force and fall in behind its wake. Move from meeting to hour to ministering for one week. In ministry. Groups gather for the purpose The Bible study group ministry is other words, it is not a weekly get-to- of the people, not for the sake of the often the chief and organizing ministry gether but an every day ministry. calendar. Help your people (especially of a church. In all honesty, it is my 2. Framework: Move from organization your leaders) understand that minis- preference. Even though I am one of to leadership. The groups system of tering to the people involved is more the teaching pastors at my church, my your church is the training ground for important than sustaining a great hour hope is that people will choose their leadership in the kingdom. Don’t just of meeting. small group over my preaching every organize people, raise up leaders. 6. Reason: Move from teaching to time. Our faith is a relational one; 3. Involvement: Move from a caste to transformation. An emphasis on nothing can substitute for believers freedom. A caste system dictates that teaching is an emphasis on the teacher. living interconnected lives. your current “place” in culture will An emphasis on transformation is an It appears many churches struggle remain forever. Bible study groups emphasis on the group. If we reset our with the groups ministry of the church. involve the freedom to move, try new thinking here, we will reset our think- It can happen in multiple environments: ministry opportunities, and grow into ing on just about everything else. on campus, off campus, homes, book- new places of God’s mission. stores, and coffee shops. It goes by a 7. Goal: Move from gather to scatter. myriad of names: Sunday School, small 4. Type: Move from closed to commu- Healthy groups exist for more than the groups, Bible study fellowships, or life nity. Many people discuss groups as people currently in attendance. Make groups. either closed (we’ve made an agreement the gathering important for the learn- But no matter where it is or what to do this study together as a group) ing, ministry, and growth that scatters it’s called, these smaller gatherings are or open (anyone is welcome to join the church into the world for God’s a critical part of our spiritual devel- at any time). Both have their purpose mission. n opment. Let me offer seven shifts for and place. But both need to focus on PHILIP NATION (@PhilipNation) is director of Adult Ministry Publishing at LifeWay and is the helping your Bible study groups better people. Our groups need to be about teaching pastor at The Fellowship, a multisite fulfill their purpose. the community of people rather than church in Nashville.

2828 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 TECHNOLOGY Technical tools for your ministry 5 reasons to consider e-giving By Matt Morris

e live in an increasingly According to a Barna study, 39 percent mobile giving, text giving, and kiosk digital world, and church- of Christian Millennials give online, giving. Some people may prefer to give es need to stay on top of and 20 percent give via text. Naturally, on your website, while others may Wthings technologically. e-giving better serves younger gener- prefer to give via mobile app or text. Just as digital Bibles on smartphones ations in their giving habits. Online, Another area of flexibility is payment and tablets have increased in popularity, mobile, and text giving allow you to method. Some churches are opposed so also e-giving has become much more reach to even more people and meet to accepting credit cards and only want common and important. For churches them where they are. to accept debit cards and checks, while that don’t know where to start with add- 3. E-giving can be safe and secure. others may want to accept checks only. ing an e-giving option, and for churches Partnering with a company that offers When I talk to pastors, one of the top that want to encourage greater e-giving, all three is the best scenario. Twenty:28 reasons they give for not offering online here are a few things to consider. is a solution LifeWay launched earlier giving is that it’s not safe. E-giving is this year that offers website develop- 1. E-giving helps develop members’ habit exactly like online banking. It’s not ment, mobile apps, and e-giving in one uncommon for people to pay all or most of giving regularly. Let’s think optimis- ecosystem. of their bills online. The payment card tically. The sermon series you preached Another consideration is the possi- industry has levels of security that need on stewardship worked. You have bility of funding your church’s digital to be met before a transaction can be people in your congregation who have presence with e-giving. Twenty:28 processed. That’s true for e-giving as well. never given who want to start. You customers who meet a giving threshold, also have people in your congregation 4. E-giving can be a worship experience. based on the pricing plan they choose, who have given sporadically before, but Another reason pastors give for not will receive their website and mobile want to give on a regular basis. E-giving offering e-giving is that it isn’t wor- app free of charge. In essence, the more allows members to give regularly by shipful. However, I think the worship a church uses it, the less it costs. This setting up recurring tithes and offer- experience is what you make it. Making enables churches to better connect with ings. According to a LifeWay Research stewardship a priority by sitting down their congregation and community study, churches that have implemented with your spouse and children one through their website and mobile app, e-giving have seen an 8 percent increase night a week and giving your tithe can while allowing members to serve their in total giving, on average. be a worship experience. Parents can church through faithful stewardship. use that opportunity to teach their kids 2. E-giving allows you to engage younger Good stewardship and generosity are that God calls us to be cheerful givers generations. Take out your wallet an integral part of following Christ, and why we are called to give. and see how much cash you have. individually and collectively as the Better yet, take out your checkbook. 5. E-giving can provide flexibility to you church. Giving truly is a worship expe- Remember those? Do you even carry and your members. There are various rience, and e-giving is just another way a checkbook anymore? I sure don’t. mediums of e-giving. The most com- for people and churches to honor God And if you ask me to borrow a dollar, mon is online giving, allowing your with the resources He has graciously chances are I’ll say, “Sorry. I don’t members to give through your website. provided for us. n carry cash.” I’m probably not alone. The other less common forms are MATT MORRIS (@MattMorris80) leads digital strategy and electronic publishing for LifeWay.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 2929 Guard Against Embezzlement Advice on how to combat a growing problem By Bob Smietana

ana Sue Eckhart’s life unraveled a little bit at a time. Eckhart, the former finance manager at her church in DStillwater, Oklahoma, was having trouble paying her bills after her mortgage payments skyrocketed in 2009. The church, on the other hand, had plenty of money in the bank. So Eckhart decided to borrow a bit. Then a bit more. By the time she was caught, Eckhart had written more than $60,000 in checks from the church bank account to herself and nearly $68,000 in checks to her credit card company. All told, Eckhart admitted embezzling $141,016. “I started falling into the trap of ‘I just need a little to make ends meet and I’ll pay it back,’” she told a judge at her sentencing hearing this past August, according to

30 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 published reports. ment goes unreported. of what fraud experts call the fraud That’s a familiar story to Verne “Churches want to hush it up,” he triangle. And it can cause a person to Hargrave, a certified fraud examiner and says. “It’s a secret sin. We don’t want to make a terrible decision. CPA with Arlington, Texas-based PSK know about it.” Experts like Hargrave say church LLC. leaders need to know what’s going Hargrave has spent the last decade SAFEGUARD AGAINST PRESSURE on in the lives of people who handle warning church leaders about the Churches face a number of challenges money in the church. dangers of fraud. Few listen until it’s in preventing embezzlement. Congre- That way, church leaders can offer too late, he says. gations are built on trust. And trust help if they can. And they also can “There’s the idea that this can’t makes embezzling possible. safeguard the church—and the employ- happen here,” says Hargrave. “That’s where churches make their ee or volunteer—from the threat of But it can. big mistake,” says Hargrave. “They embezzlement. Over the last five years, 425 churches think only crooks embezzle.” “One of the things we recommend is insured by the Merrill, Wisconsin-based A 2014 study of 1,483 cases of work- that you know your people as best you Church Mutual reported embezzlement place fraud in more than 100 countries can,” says Hargave. “Look for signs crimes. The losses at those churches by the Association of Certified Fraud that things are not right at home.” totaled $3.3 million dollars. In one case, Examiners (ACFE) found that few (5 a church leader stole $1.6 million from a percent) people who committed fraud MAKE IT HARD FOR PEOPLE building fund over an eight-year period. had a past criminal record. Less than 1 TO EMBEZZLE Among other recent embezzling cases: in 10 (9.3 percent) had been fired from To be successful, an embezzler needs • A church board member in Oakland a job for fraud in the past. access to money with no oversight. was indicted in April for allegedly More than half (52 percent) had It’s what fraud experts refer to as diverting more than $500,000 to his worked for their employer for at least opportunity, the second side of the personal accounts. six years before committing their fraud triangle. • The ex-bookkeeper of a church in crimes. Few (6.8 percent) began their Hargrave says most churches go Virginia was convicted in March of fraud on the first year on the job. to great lengths to keep people from embezzling more than $760,000. Instead, says Hargrave, embezzlers stealing from the offering plate. They • A San Diego pastor was sentenced to are often trusted employees who are have two or more people count the col- five years in prison for stealing more under some kind of outside pressure lection, and then make sure the tithes than $3 million from the congregation. and find themselves in need of money. and offerings are locked up right away. A recent study of 132 churches pub- That pressure can show up in a vari- But they don’t always pay attention to lished in Fraud Magazine found 13.4 ety of ways. A person’s spouse becomes how money is spent. Instead, churches percent of those churches experienced ill or loses their job, and all of a sudden, often put too much responsibility in the fraud over a five-year period. there is a financial crisis. Addictions, hands of one person. Church legal expert Frank Sommer- unexpected expenses, or a family crisis For example, in about half (48 ville believes church embezzling is can put people in a situation where they percent) of the churches surveyed by even more common than what we hear need cash fast. Fraud Magazine, the same person who about. Most times, he says, embezzle- That kind of pressure is one side writes the checks also reconciles the

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 31 bank statements and creates the financial All credit card purchases should be reports. reviewed as soon as possible. And no That’s asking for trouble. checks should be signed ahead of time Pressure Without oversight, an embezzler or be made out to cash. can easily create false invoices, Experts also suggest churches have as run up personal charges on the few bank accounts as possible. Some- church credit card, or write time embezzlers will use a forgotten or checks to themselves for overlooked account to help them steal months or even years money. before they get caught. These kinds of measures can help keep Rationalization Opportunity By then, tens or even good people honest and make embez- hundreds of thousands zlers think twice about the risk of being of dollars could be caught. missing. “The more barriers you put up, the According to the harder it’s going to be for people to steal The Fraud Triangle ACFE, the median from you,” says Sommerville. workplace fraud lasted 18 months and totaled $130,000 in TREAT YOUR PEOPLE WELL losses. The third leg of the fraud triangle is “The shame of it is that very few of rationalization. Embezzlers often the cases we are involved in are high- convince themselves that their actions tech scams,” Hargrave says. “They are are justified. extremely simple processes that could Sometimes they decide to “borrow” have been prevented with a handful of money for a short period of time, with safeguards.” the intention of paying it back. Other The most important safeguard is times they’re resentful of their employ- Who commits church fraud? what’s known as “segregation of duties.” er, and steal as a way of getting back at That’s accountant-speak for assigning fi- them. • 42% are Treasurers nancial duties to more than one person. Or perhaps they feel like the church • 15% are Administrators For example, if the church office man- isn’t paying them what they’re worth, • 11% are Pastors ager writes the checks, then someone and they steal as a way of making up for else should balance the checkbook and wages they think they are due. How they do it: prepare the financial reports. A church Being underpaid doesn’t excuse • 29% use Checks finance committee should review the embezzlers. But it can fuel a sense of • 23% use Cash actual bank statements (either in paper resentment, which can lead to bad • 21% use Credit Cards or online) to make sure the numbers add consequences for a church. up. Source: Church Mutual

32 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 TIME TO CALL A LAWYER whether or not to call the police, which Embezzlement or other fraud is often is a fairly complicated issue. Fraud Prevention Tips revealed in a variety of ways. A check Proving someone has embezzled takes • Split up financial duties. Never unexpectedly bounces. A vendor com- a lot of time. If an alleged embezzler have the same person writing plains they haven’t been paid. A credit has only taken a few thousand dollars, checks and reconciling bank card company calls about an account the police or district attorney may be statements. The more eyes on the that no one knows about. Or someone reluctant to spend the time and money church’s finances the better. notices a financial report doesn’t add needed to prosecute the case, says • Require mandatory vacations. up. At that point, Sommerville suggests Sommerville. Make sure the people who handle church leaders call a lawyer for advice On the other hand, if an embezzler the church’s finances take a break before doing anything else. isn’t charged with a crime, that makes it each year. It’s hard to maintain a Their lawyer can look at the books, easier for them to go to another church fraud if other people have access to the books and bank statements. and if things seem awry, can hire a fraud and do the same thing. The IRS also expert or accountant to review the considers embezzled money or other • Don’t be eager to sign checks. Sign church’s account. If a lawyer hires the money from illegal activity as taxable checks only when all information is fraud expert, then their findings can be income, and churches may be required entered on the check and support- kept confidential. to report it. ing documentation is available. Never pre-sign a check or make The important thing is to get the facts Whatever happens, a church is unlikely checks out to cash. straight before confronting a suspected to recover any funds from an embezzler. embezzler. That way a church can avoid The money is usually long gone. • Keep and eye on credit cards. Keep making a false or incomplete accusation. Nearly 6 in 10 (58 percent) of orga- a close eye on credit card state- “It’s a landmine if you falsely accuse nizations in the ACFE report having ments to ensure they are used for official business only. them,” Sommerville says, “and a received no restitution once the fraud landmine if you don’t accuse them of was discovered. Only 14 percent recov- • Be careful when spending money. everything.” ered their losses. Maintain competitive bidding for If they are confronted too early in the And losing money isn’t the worst part, major purchases and contracts. process, embezzlers may try to mini- says Hargrave. Create policies for cash disburse- ments, expenses and travel, mize their wrongdoing by admitting The recriminations, anger, and sense purchasing guidelines, petty cash, to taking a small amount of money and of betrayal inside the church linger long and conflicts of interest. offering to pay the church back. Church after the embezzler is gone. leaders may be tempted to accept that “There’s usually a report to the church first offer. But that’s a mistake, says and the final sentence is ‘the finance Sommerville. committee has implemented new “You don’t want to settle with them accounting procedures,’” Hargrove says. and get a check for $2,500—and then “Those are often famous last words.” n realize, they stole $50,000,” he says. BOB SMIETANA (@BobSmietana) is senior writer for Facts & Trends. Church leaders also have to decide

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 33 Recovering Redemption A Q&A WITH MATT CHANDLER By Matt Erickson

34 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 att Chandler serves as lead pastor of the Village Church, a multisite church across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. His most recent book and relat- Med Bible study, Recovering Redemption, aims to help Christians start living like they actually believe in the power of redemption. The abundant life Jesus promises His followers is real and available. We asked Matt to talk about our need to “recover redemption.”

Why is change so hard? of people, then ultimately they can grow It can seem as if our only disheartened. options are giving up or trying Change is difficult for us because our harder—yet again, and against flesh is strong. Yes, Christ is stronger all odds. What’s wrong with this than our flesh, but the process by which picture? He removes those things and transforms us is life-long and not instantaneous. Chandler: Several things collide when We need to teach that more clearly, and we talk about change, sanctification, or explain to people the fight to lean in to transformation. A lot of promises have Jesus and trust Him can last for decades been made that aren’t rooted in Scripture. around certain issues that are deeply One reason change is difficult for us is embedded into our flesh patterns. that the process moves slower than we want it to. If you grew up in church or you grew up around people who taught Talk about misguided attempts the Bible, there’s a perception of a set at redemption through: of silver bullets that will set fire to your ourselves, others, the world, relationship with Christ and generate and religion. Why do these transformation quickly. In reality there attempts fail us? aren’t any silver bullets. Each of these fake saviors we run to end I think testimonies of, “I never strug- up enslaving us. You can look back on gled after that,” or “I got saved and who you were 10 years ago and realize I never craved anymore”—although that guy wasn’t as smart, talented, or good and awesome and I praise God for together as he thought he was. And then them—are not normative. If that’s the 10 years from now you’ll look back on testimony we’re always putting in front who you are today and think that again.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 35 Experiencing and understanding the “supremacy and beauty of Jesus Christ is what we’re looking for that ultimately

conquers and The idea there will one day be a version How do we experience more of me this side of heaven that satisfies me overcomes the other of God’s love? Isn’t that the goes contrary to the Word of God and ultimate solution to our desires of our hearts.” contrary to our experience and reality. wandering hearts? So, when I haven’t put my hope in Jesus, Experiencing and understanding the — Matt Chandler but I’ve put my hope in myself to make supremacy and beauty of Jesus Christ is me better, I become enslaved to, “I’ve got what we’re looking for that ultimately to get better; I’ve got to do this better,” conquers and overcomes the other which results in comparisons to someone desires of our hearts. How we go about else’s perceived success. it varies, but here is what should be true And if I think someone else is more about everyone: We should be rightly successful than me, they become a threat seeing Jesus Christ for who He is and to me. Or if someone fails, then I get to what He has done. rejoice in those failures because that ex- The way we know He is not a god of alts me. That’s how you enslave yourself our own making is through the Word when you try to redeem yourself. of God. Once we see Jesus for who If your tendency is to try to redeem He is according to the Scriptures, and yourself through others, then you’ve got gain an honest understanding of who relationships where you’re using people we are, we will then begin to marvel at to try to feel better about yourself. Once God’s long-suffering with us, His grace again you’ve enslaved yourself, because and mercy toward us, and His love of their acceptance of you might come us despite us. We will begin to see and and go, where the Lord’s acceptance is savor Jesus like we’ve always wanted to. steadfast and unmoving. As for the world and religion—trin- kets and toys only satisfy for a certain The tag team of guilt and shame amount of time, and then we have to can do a number on us. Explain have new trinkets and toys. Religion is the difference between the two, similar. and more important, how we Religion is like trusting in yourself can be free from them. and others, except with a choir robe Guilt is almost always tied to an infrac- on. So all of these pursuits end up with tion of some kind. We’ve broken a rule, you being enslaved to them, rather than so we are guilty. If you feel guilty for ending in the rest and freedom found in lying, it’s because you’ve broken the rule, the person and work of Jesus Christ. the moral command that says, don’t lie.

36 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 But shame doesn’t necessarily work that I am innocent as much as it is I am like that. In fact, we can feel shame when forgiven and justified completely. So that there is no breaking of the law at all. takes care of guilt, and then shame can We can feel ashamed of where we live, vanish when I understand God’s delight or what we drive, or our level of educa- in me as His child. Not only have I been tion. Another reality is that shame can forgiven, but I’ve also been adopted and combine with guilt; breaking a rule can been called a son. To understand God’s lead to not just guilt, but shame over the delight in me eradicates and destroys infraction. Shame is almost always built shame in a way nothing else can. around identity and how I see myself. I feel shame when I live in such a way that opposes how I see myself or how I want You close the book encouraging other people to see me. us to remember joy is the For example, if I want people to see engine of sustainable growth. me as having it all together and being a Expand on that, please. The motive behind everything we do is hard worker, but in reality I’m lazy, then joy. So we all pursue our own joy. shame can creep in. So that will hit my What I wanted to do in the book and heart hard on a day when I haven’t done even what we want to do here at the Vil- anything. Instead of completing the task lage, is to continually put before people I was supposed to, I sat on my couch that if Christ is the fullness of life and and watched TV for five hours and joy, our pursuit of Christ is a hedonistic did nothing else. I see myself as being pursuit. We are to pursue Jesus Christ hard-working and yet the reality of my like He is the treasure buried in a field life is that I’m lazy. When those two that we would be willing to sell every- things collide, shame is born. thing in order to have. That’s what I But the answer to both guilt and shame mean by joy being the engine. To pursue is found once again in the person and joy at all costs. Not just happiness in the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus has taken moment but deep-seated, sustaining joy our guilt upon Himself on the cross and in Jesus Christ. n fully absorbed God’s wrath toward our MATT ERICKSON guilt so there is no condemnation left for (@_Matt_Erickson) is managing editor of Facts & Trends. us. In fact, in Romans 8, Paul asks who DIG DEEPER can bring a charge against God’s elect, • Recovering Redemption, by Matt Chandler and Michael Snetzer who can even charge me? Because my sin and guilt have been paid for—it’s not

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 37 Time for a check up Assessment helps church remember its mission

By Bob Smietana

t was time for things to change at Lakeview Church in Hickory, North Carolina. The church’s longtime pastor had stepped down in 2012 and the congregation was looking for a new pastor. But Ithey didn’t know quite where they were headed as a church, says Jerry Hurley, pastor to seniors at Lakeview. “We were searching for an identity we could share with poten- tial pastors but didn’t have one,” says Hurley, who served as the church’s interim pastor in 2012. Lakeview was relatively healthy, with a congregation of about 230 on Sundays. But they’d become a bit too com- fortable with the status quo. “We’d become a really good country club,” Hurley says. “But we weren’t doing a good job of getting outside the walls and sharing the gospel.”

38 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Then a member of the search committee into survival mode rather than looking suggested they use the Transformational toward the future. Church Assessment Tool—known as “We realized that over a 20 year period, TCAT—to help them plan for the future. we had gotten comfortable with some The search committee member heard bad habits,” Hurley says. “We were able about the TCAT from the director of to show our church that we were more missions at the local association and felt it inwardly focused.” would be of help. Since then, the church has focused Church members took the 80-question more on evangelism. They also went to online assessment, which was developed a blended service that leans more toward as part of a long-term, LifeWay Research contemporary than traditional. study of effective discipleship that includ- ed surveys of 7,000 pastors and 20,000 church members from 123 denominations. They got feedback on seven areas of “ We realized that over a 20 year spirituality. Using the TCAT, church leaders dis- period, we had gotten comfortable covered what they were doing well and what wasn’t working. Among their strong with some bad habits.” points were overseas mission work and — Jerry Hurley, pastor to seniors at Lakeview charitable service to the community in At the time they took the TCAT, the Hickory, a town of about 40,000 located church drew about 230 to services. They about an hour east of Asheville. are now at about 275. “We’re bumping up “From a missions standpoint, we against 300 on some Sundays,” he says. weren’t just strong sending money,” Taking the TCAT helped the church Hurley says. “We were strong sending remember its mission and plan for the people out into the community.” future, says Hurley. He recommends The congregation was also good at other churches use the TCAT as well. making newcomers feel welcome. But “If you don’t know how you’re doing, church members rarely invited new peo- you don’t know where you’re going. I ple or shared their faith. They also were consider it the best-kept secret at Life- losing younger members, who felt out of Way—I had no idea it existed.” touch with the church’s more traditional More information about the TCAT can worship. be found online at tc.lifeway.com. n More importantly, says Hurley, church BOB SMIETANA (@BobSmietana) is senior writer and leaders discovered the church had gone content editor of Facts & Trends.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 39 High-tech homiletics A CONVERSATION ABOUT TECHNOLOGY AND PREACHING

Interview by Matt Erickson

hould technology be used in sermon preparation and delivery? If so, how much and in what ways? Those aren’t easy questions to an- swer—and there’s no “right” answer that applies to every preacher Sand every context. Certainly, technology can be a great help if used wisely. But it can also distract from the message when relied on too heavily. We asked three pastors from different ministry contexts to share their thoughts on technology and preaching.

Matthew Browne is the teaching pastor of Roswell Com- munity Church in Roswell, Georgia, a suburb north of Atlanta. RCC is a fast-growing, midsized church that currently meets in an elementary school.

Darryl Ford is the lead pastor of Ikon Community Church in the East Lake area of Atlanta, Georgia. Ikon launched in September and is looking to impact their community with the gospel.

Thomas Cucuzza is the founder and senior pastor of North- land Bible Baptist Church in St. Cloud, Minnesota, where he has served since 1981.

40 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Cucuzza: Technology has had a in questions, which we’ll address. Also, What does good TC preaching mean to you? great impact on my preparation things like movie clips can be effective and preaching. I have been an avid if not overused. Browne: Good preaching is MB WORDsearch user for years. It allows Cucuzza: Technology can help biblically saturated teaching that me to go deep into the Word of God TC by saving time, which frees us always leads a person to the gospel and and explore cross-referencing, word up to meet the needs of people. But not just to life principles or self-im- studies, and topics in much more detail with Bible study, this can backfire and provement strategies. It offers Christ than I ever would be able to with actually hinder by having so many as the answer to our problem, and it physical books, but in a very natural resources to read and study that you offers Him freely. and flexible way. While it certainly is can spend too much time on it. It is a Ford: Good preaching is commu- DF time-saving, I see it more as an aid to matter of prayer, honesty, and balance. nicating the intent of the text as thoroughness, and therefore giving our Also, an iPad is a great companion the very heart of God. It should lead people the best explanation of the text I when visiting people in the hospital, hearers beyond principles to a person— can. at their homes, or in a coffee shop. I Jesus Christ. And it should engage and Ford: Technology is an integral have ministered to people dying in direct peoples’ affections toward Jesus’ DF part in my sermon preparation. the hospital with my iPad by reading ministry of reconciliation between I regularly use Logos software for Scriptures, looking up verses that come God and man, between people, and commentaries, Greek/Hebrew word to mind, playing them music, jotting ultimately for all of creation (see studies, and historical/archeological things down that they need so I can Colossians 1:20). information. meet those needs and not forget. I Cucuzza: Good preaching means TC know much of this can be done man- you are preaching the Word of How can we use technology ually with several tools, but I prefer God and letting it speak, and not mak- to help, not hinder, the having it all in one place and having it ing the Bible fit your own ideas. We proclamation of God’s Word? synchronize and backed up with my do a lot of expository, verse-by-verse, Browne: I think we shouldn’t desktop. I also preach from my iPad in preaching and teaching in our church. MB be afraid of new technology. the pulpit. How has technology However, if we’re using technol- impacted the way you prepare ogy to appear “relevant,” we’re not Has using visual technology to preach? What technologies serving the people anymore, but only ever backfired on you? do you use? ourselves. I think it’s in the attempt Browne: We’ve had videos not to appear “relevant” that our use of MB start or the audio is off. We Browne: The primary way it has MB technology can come off as gimmicky. connected through Skype once to a impacted me is in my studying. At our church, we do simple things mission team in Europe. It wasn’t the Typically the only book I have open like projecting the Bible verses on the smoothest thing we’ve ever done, but now is my Bible. The other resources I screen to help people see what they’re the opportunity for visual connection use are online, which has saved me a lot hearing. (We also pass out Bibles before with our people was worth the awk- of time and money. And I preach from each sermon.) Sometimes people text wardness. a tablet.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 41 How important is it to use Do you think the popularity of who focus on the “coolness factor” and 21st-century technology when visuals in preaching is helping not on the Word. The Bible is where communicating the gospel in or hurting the church? the power is. the 21st century? Browne: If you’re not a visual MB What are some ways to keep Browne: I think it depends on learner you probably think people actively engaged in a MB your culture. There are a lot of it’s distracting. However, if you’re a service? churches using cutting-edge tech- visual learner like my wife, then you’re Browne: Try to make the sermon nology that are growing and discipling thinking, “Finally!” There’s no reason MB feel like it addresses the questions many people. There are also churches to ignore an entire group of learners of normal people in your congrega- experiencing similar growth that sing just because it’s “not the way we’ve tion. I love exegetical preaching. In old songs and pray out of the Book done it.” our church, we mainly work through of Common Prayer. The most signif- Ford: I think it depends on DF books of the Bible. However, if a icant principle for churches regarding whether or not the visuals are pastor is more concerned with covering technology is that it be used well. sufficiently connected to the sermon everything in a verse or passage than he Ford: I think using up-to-date and message of the text. In some cases, DF is with inviting his people to cast their technology can be a great aid to eye-popping, heart-pulling graphics burdens onto Jesus, then I think he’s communicating clearly to your people. can work to hide the scriptural or missed the point. Utilizing common devices and methods theological weaknesses of a sermon. Ford: We should be open to of communication isn’t compromise; In other cases, visuals work to clarify DF multiple ways of engaging the it’s relevant contextualization. People and augment a well-prepared sermon. congregation. We should pay attention want to know I’m not only good at The strength of a visual for a sermon is to the latest findings in educational explaining Scripture, but that I’m also usually directly related to the level of theory and talk to experts in the field. capable of understanding and explain- preparation that went into the sermon. Many would argue that the 40-minute, ing people and culture, including some People learn through multiple forms one-way monologue isn’t the most of the latest technology. of communication. Our goal should be effective to communicate to everyone. Cucuzza: It shouldn’t become to meet people where they are, albeit TC Options like allowing for Q&A after overly complicated. Faith comes without compromising. We can become the sermon, and allowing for people to by hearing, and hearing by the Word of socially tone deaf if we refuse to tweet or email questions during or after God (Romans 10:17). This is an issue of communicate with people on Sundays the sermon could be effective ways of “seeing” the Scriptures with your eyes in ways they’re familiar with. engaging people during the sermon. n and ears. Jesus said the words that He Cucuzza: In many cases visu- TC MATT ERICKSON (@_Matt_Erickson) is managing spoke were spirit and life. als help by keeping people’s editor of Facts & Trends. attention. But they can be overdone and hurt people by getting away from the Scriptures themselves. Too many visuals can lead to distracted people

42 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 CALIBRATE Practical ministry ideas for your church 8 ways to keep college students in church

By Amanda Wood Williams

hen it comes to church it as exciting—would motivate them 7. Encourage diversity. Almost 76 attendance among col- to attend church. By contrast, only 53 percent of students surveyed indicate lege students, statistics percent indicate they prefer rock music, they like churches where they can meet Ware concerning: many professional lighting, and engaging people from many cultures. Consider young adults don’t attend church, even if media in church. partnering with other churches for they attended as children. According to 4. Allow students to help. Millennials special events that encourage cultural a 2007 study by LifeWay Research, 70 have gained a reputation for being one awareness. percent of young adults stopped attend- of the most altruistic generations in 8. Offer free food. Poor college students ing church for at least a year between decades. What better vehicle for helping may seem cliché; nevertheless, free food ages 18 to 22—during the time when others can be found than the local is a huge draw for young adults. More most Americans attend college. church? Most students surveyed (86 than 68 percent of students surveyed So what can churches do to curb the percent) say volunteer opportunities at say that all things being equal, they number of dropouts? Based on a survey church appeal to them, and more than would attend a church that offered free of church-going college students by 60 percent say they look for opportuni- food on a regular basis. Dr. Donald W. Caudill and Benjamin ties to participate in mission trips. When it comes to attracting young J. Payne at Gardner-Webb University, 5. Teach the Bible. Almost 84 percent adults, consider all the factors that here are eight ways to keep young of students report they attend church could keep students away from adults coming back to church. to learn more about the Bible. Students church—from the mundane busyness 1. Be strategic about welcoming young are hungry for the Word of God as they of college life to deeper spiritual issues adults to church. College students are grapple with new ideas and challenges of doubt that often correspond to looking for a safe place to relax, away to their faith; it’s imperative to provide reaching adulthood in today’s culture. from the stress and busyness campus them with biblical teaching as they Try the above solutions and keep track life. Offer a stress-free, welcoming navigate these unchartered waters. of young adult attendance to see if home-away-from-home for young 6. Spend time getting to know young your congregation is making progress adults. adults. College students often attend attracting—and retaining—young adult 2. Reach out to students who live near class hours away from their home- interest. your church. More than 94 percent of towns, and any new environment can Most important, shower the col- those surveyed say they would prefer be a scary place. Familiarity—a sense lege-age students in your congregation to attend a church located near their of belonging—is something they seek. with love, understanding, and prayer, places of residence. Personal relationships are foundational knowing you are planting seeds that 3. Recognize what students are looking when building that sense of belonging, will produce spiritual fruit in their lives for in a local church. Young adults are and the most important relationship for years to come. n looking for excitement at church—but is, perhaps, the relationship between AMANDA WOOD WILLIAMS is a freelance writer with a deep interest in helping local churches that excitement comes from a surprising young adults and their pastors. Almost attract new members who become passionate source. Most students (89 percent) say 8-in-10 students surveyed say knowing followers of Christ. the sermon—and their perception of their pastor personally is important.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 43 The song of the redeemed: A conversation with eith etty K GBy John Greco

t’s no accident the the hymnody of Keith and Kristyn Getty has taken the nation—and the world—by storm. Their mu- sic reflects the deep and rich theological truths longed for Iby both younger and older generatations of worshipers. The husband-wife team from Northern Ireland are passion- ate about writing songs that congregations are able to sing together and that have strong biblical substance. With his friend Stuart Townend, Keith co-wrote the im- mensely popular hymn, “In Christ Alone.” Sung in churches around the world for more than a decade, it has arguably done more for the modern hymn movement than any other. Still Getty says neither “In Christ Alone” nor any of the other songs he’s written with Townend or Kristyn, are part of some new trend. Instead, those songs are meant to do what hymns have always done—help people learn the faith through the words they sing. “It is a means of putting into our minds, into our hearts, and into our lives words of truth that help us to know God,” he says. During our conversation, Keith walked me through the history of hymns, starting with Scripture, from the Song of Moses and the Psalms to the words of the proph- ets and the hymns of the early church. Then there are the songs that missionaries and evangelists used to take Christianity around the world in the last 150 years. “People learned their faith,

44 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 By John Greco and have learned their faith since the worship music Keith has just described. Keith says he’s encouraged by the beginning of time, through what they From the first note to the last, a picture state of worship in the church today. sing,” he says. of Christ’s life, death, and resurrec- “I think there are more people in And singing as a congregation, Keith tion-victory is painted with words. the church today taking seriously the reminded me, has been one of the hall- The melody insists on being sung in a content of songs than there were, say, marks of Christians around the world. congregational setting. And though the 15 years ago. That’s a good thing.” “I asked a friend of mine, ‘What song fits neatly within the rich heritage And for a man who takes pride in was the most meaningful worship of historical hymnody, it is refreshingly crafting tunes that were meant to be experience you’ve ever been a part new and is sure to be passed on for expressed with instruments, Keith of?’” says Keith. “He told me about a generations to come. hasn’t lost sight of what’s most import- time with North Vietnamese believers. There is something familiar in their ant: “The majority of the people in the They were sitting around a table, songs, and there is a depth to the lyrics. world who sing ‘In Christ Alone’ don’t whispering hymns in rhythm for fear It is the truth contained in those mem- have music, given how much it’s sung of being caught but for the joy of being orable tunes that grabs a worshiper’s in China and India and other places. together.” attention. We don’t actually need all the music, That kind of experience is “a micro- Keith says theology in songwriting is all that stuff. The golden bit is God’s cosm of heaven,” Keith says. important, but there’s more to it than people getting together and singing.” Today, instead of uniting God’s that. JOHN GRECO is a freelance writer living in Atlanta, Georgia. people, worship music often divides “People say hymns have to be good them. Some like hymns and reject new theology with a sing-able melody,” he songs. Others prefer newer worship says. “While there’s a strong element of songs and look down on older songs. truth to that, it’s really only a half-truth.” As a worship leader and songwriter, Keith has my full attention, as I that worries Keith. realize I’m guilty of spreading this “God’s people have a history of apparent half-truth. singing new songs but they also have a “What we actually need is beautiful history of singing songs that have been poetry that lifts our eyes to the God of passed on from generation to genera- the universe, that arrests our emotions, tion” he says. fascinates our minds, and sticks in our “So we want to encourage people to memories,” he says. “And this poetry engage in songs from the past, but we ought to be married to melodies that also want them to sing new songs they are so sing-able, they captivate us and themselves can pass on.” all those around us—so much so that DIG DEEPER • GettyMusic.com “In Christ Alone,” like so many of we want to sing them over and over  •  (B&H) by Matt the songs Keith’s had a hand in writ- and pass them on to our children. Doxology & Theology Boswell ing, is a hymn at home in the view of That’s what we really need.”

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 45 ON OUR RADAR Practical resources for you and your church A Look Inside: 11 unexpected ways to start sharing the gospel without killing your relationships

By Ben Connelly and Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr.

hose who follow Jesus have a up trash, help a neighbor with a home God-given command and Spir- improvement project, clean a park, etc. it-empowered desire to share 3. Build short fences. Tall fences don’t Tthe gospel, but often we don’t make good neighbors; they distance and know where to begin. Plus, we’re worried privatize you. Remove fences between about getting it wrong and damaging you and your neighbors, or if you must relationships with friends and family. It have them, build them low. doesn’t have to be that way. Here are 11 4. Try a new hobby. Not stoked about ways to show and tell the gospel. video games, cycling, or model cars, but 1. Walk your dog. Walk when your neigh- know folks who are? Become excited bors are outside. Strike up conversations. about people, and prepare to be dominat- 2. Fix broken things. Jesus saw brokenness ed, out of breath, or have gluey fingers. in the physical world as symbolic of 5. Display imperfection. Instead of hiding spiritual brokenness; you can too. Pick faults and mistakes, talk about your

46 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 humanness and the fruit God produces as He continues to redeem it. 6. Pray before conversations. Whether a meeting, business call, Folks we’re following or friendly chat, pray before it starts . . . for God to lead your words and help you model His character. God has zero bandwidth issues. 7. Tip well . . . even if they do a horrible job. Show dignity, kindness, grace, mercy, and the love of Christ. Greet by name He’s not struggling to figure which waiters, assistants, janitorial staff, drivers, and housekeepers who issues he has time and energy surround you. 8. Ask good questions. Show people you care about them, their to care about. beliefs, and their desires. “When do you feel like that?” “Were @prophiphop, spoken word and rap artist you afraid?” “How did you respond?” “What concerns you most?” “How are you doing with it now?” “Tell me more!” and of course, “Why?” The church should be like salt on 9. Ask what people think of God. Everyone considers that ques- a meal not a salt block. We should tion and most will answer. Even if some answers scare you, it’s a way to see how others think about deep things. inspire thirst rather than high blood 10. Talk to not-yet believers the same way you talk to Christians. Discuss hobbies, passions, work, or whatever you talk about pressure. in Christian circles—95 percent of conversations can look the @martyduren, manager of Social Media Strategy at LifeWay same. 11. Watch your reactions. Respond to frustrations in gracious ways. Ignore office gossip. Display patience in difficulty. The Nothing about this year turned out “small moments” of life are platforms to display your faith. the way I thought it would. But Christ Parting word of caution . . . beware of turning people into projects and forcing the gospel uninvited. Remember, most is sweeter and more precious to me evangelism happens through meaningful conversations and genuine relationships. So above all, love others well. n because of it. From the book A Field Guide for Everyday Mission: 30 Days and 101 Ways @loreferguson, writer in Dallas, Texas to Demonstrate the Gospel (Moody Publishers), by Ben Connelly and Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr.

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 47 ON OUR RADAR Practical resources for you and your church Books & Bible Studies Hope Again: A 30-Day Plan Wanting to Believe: The Company We Keep: True Paradox for Conquering Depression Faith, Family, and Finding In Search of Biblical By David Skeel (IVP) By Bruce Hennigan and Mark Sutton an Exceptional Life Friendship The complexity of the con- (B&H) By Ryan Dobson (B&H) By Jonathan Holmes (Cruciform temporary world is sometimes Depression can seem hopeless Press) As the only son of child and seen as an embarrassment for and never-ending, but there is Could it be our understanding family psychologist James Christianity. But law professor hope for people struggling with of friendship has been more Dobson, Ryan Dobson grew David Skeel makes a fresh case feelings of despair. Writing informed by up in the spotlight of Christian for the plausibility out of their own experiences, pop culture celebrity culture. Like many and explanatory Dr. Bruce Hennigan and Mark and social adolescents, he pushed the power of Christi- Sutton take a comprehensive, media, and limits on his parents’ bound- anity. The Christian well-rounded approach to less informed aries, determined to sort out faith offers solid overcoming life’s difficulties by the vision life for himself. The journey explanations for the that’s grounded in both spiritu- of friendship wasn’t a pretty one, but it was central puzzles of al and medical principles. offered by beneficial in the end. Because our existence, such Perhaps most helpfully, the Scripture? Is it once Ryan held up his parents’ as our capacity book includes possible friend- core principles to for idea-making, “LifeFilters.” ship exists for a the intense gaze our experience Hennigan ex- greater purpose of scrutiny, he of beauty and plains: “I designed than our enjoyment discovered how suffering, and a simple card and comfort? Is right they’d been. our inability with a series of friendship more In Wanting to to create a just thought-provok- than just having Believe, Ryan social order. ing questions on some people to discloses the key When one side and a hang out with on messages imparted compared scriptural answer a weekend, partic- to him by his par- with materi- on the other. Thus, ipating in a book ents, covering alism or other sets of beliefs, the LifeFilter was club, or hitting the golf course topics like Christianity provides a more born: a process of together? These questions faith, finances, comprehensive framework filtering my thoughts and more are answered in this responsibil- for understanding human life and emotions through helpful book. We learn that ity, identity, as we actually live it. We need a series of questions Biblical friendship is first and marriage, par- not deny the complexities of until the lies were foremost about a relationship enting, and life as we experience it. But removed and only the with Jesus Christ. And it is the power of the paradoxes of our existence truth remained.” out of this friendship that our words. can lead us to the possibility human friendships find their that the existence of God could beginning and their purpose. make sense of it all.

48 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 Digital

For the Life of the World: Letters to the Exiles Have you ever wondered, “What is my salvation actually for?” Is it only about personal atonement, getting to heaven, or something that comes later? Is it just to “have a friend in Jesus?” Is it even just about us? The Stories We Tell: For the Life of the World is an entertaining and beautifully shot film series exploring the deeper How TV and Movies Long meaning of salvation. With a cast including Stephen Grabill, Amy Sherman, Anthony Bradley, for and Echo the Truth Makoto Fujimura, John Perkins, and original music by Jars of Clay, For the Life of the World: Letters to Exiles paints a bigger, more captivating picture of Christianity’s role in the world. By Mike Cosper (Crossway) Each episode of the seven-part series shows how God’s purposes are woven into every area The average American watch- of our lives, including family, work, art, charity, education, government, recreation, and all of es five hours of TV every creation. It does a terrific job of showing how we are stewards in every area of life, and how day. Collectively, we spend our faith is relevant to each area. A great series to watch together as a church or small group. roughly $30 billion on movies each year. Simply put, we’re LettersToTheExiles.com entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our Videos on depression insatiable addiction to stories? In a series of short videos, various pastors and coun- Mike Cosper thinks so. selors answer the most common questions people From horror flicks to rom- have about depression. Topics covered include: coms, the tales we tell and the • What’s the difference between secular psychology myths we weave inevitably and Christian counseling? Church Tech & Media echo the narrative underlying • How does depression manifest itself in children? Offering blog posts to the all of history: the story of • How does depression manifest itself in teens? church on topics such as humanity’s tragic sin and God’s • Depression and society’s influence on girls. website design, social media, triumphant salvation. This • How does depression manifest itself in teenage boys? mobile apps, video produc- entertaining book connects the • Five important questions in depression. tion, streaming, podcasting, dots between the stories we tell • Does a psychology background help in counseling? and more, Church Tech & and the one great story—help- • What’s the first step in counseling a depressed person? Media is focused on helping ing us better understand the • What are the best three pills for depression? churches make disciples longings of the human heart • Are Christians more susceptible to depression? through technology, media, and thoughtfully engage with • Who Gets Depression? and communication. the movies and TV shows that • What are the symptoms of depression? LifeWay.com/churchtech capture our imaginations. HeadHeartHand.org/faq-videos-on-depression (@LWChurchTech)

FactsandTrends.net Facts & Trends 49 ON OUR RADAR Practical resources for you and your church Conferences & Events Q Conference

April 23-25, 2015

Boston, Massachusetts Join 1,500 other leaders to grow, col- laborate, and take action in advancing the common good. Fifty challenging experts, 30 inspired Q Talks, and intentional learning community experi- ences will provide the environment to reconsider one’s role, individually and corporately, in shaping culture. Q is a one-of-a-kind experience that challeng- es and pushes attendees toward greater debate and better solutions.

QIdeas.org

Ignite Conference Collegiate Summit

March 24-26, 2015, Cornerstone, Chandler, Arizona April 29-May 1, 2015

Speakers: Ed Stetzer, Jud Wilhite, John Fuller Nashville, Tennessee Ignite is a ministry-transforming event where church staff and leaders gather to increase Speakers: Kyle Idleman, Michael Kelley, John leadership and best practices while being encouraged to influence the world through Dickerson, Ricky Chelette, Steve Shadrach, Nik church planting and multiplication. and Ruth Ripkin, Bill Seaver, Frank Page, Rick ConvergeIgnite.com Howerton Held every three years, the Collegiate The Outcomes Conference Summit is designed specifically for collegiate ministry leaders to help April 14-16, 2015, Dallas, Texas them better minister to the unique Speakers: Christine Caine, Jonathan Evans, Israel Gaither, David Kinnaman, Ken Starr, Joni Eareckson needs of college students. The event Tada, Walt Wilson includes plenary sessions and a variety Christian Leadership Alliance equips and unites leaders to transform the world for Christ. of breakouts led by experts in an array At the 2015 Outcomes Conference, CLA will focus on “time,” believing that God has of fields, and multiple idea labs and called you into leadership for such a time as this. The goal of the Outcomes Conference affinity groups where practitioners is to help attendees successfully pursue the kingdom outcomes God has for all leaders in direct focused conversations around these unique times! specific ministry topics. ChristianLeadershipAlliance.org LifeWay.com/CollegiateSummit

50 Facts & Trends DEC/JAN/FEB 2015 THE EXCHANGE Isn’t it time we talked about mental health?

ith the recent onslaught most pastors rarely talk about mental news to the poor, captive, and blind. of high-profile tragedies illness in sermons or other large group Throughout His ministry, Jesus served connected with mental messages. In many ways, the church, the hurting. The world is continuously Willness, many people, the supposed haven for sufferers, is surprised, however, that the followers Christians and non-Christians alike, are not a safe place for mental illness. of Jesus are less inclined to do the talking about the challenges of mental For the stigma of mental illness to be same. So, the church shouldn’t abdi- illness. It’s an important conversa- broken, there must be direct, trans- cate to nor isolate from those trained tion. But one thing I’ve observed is the parent speech from Christian leaders. in these fields but, instead, find the difficulty with which Christians address We need more open dialogue in the place of tension in the middle from mental health in a responsible and church. which the gospel flows forth unimped- holistic way. Mental illness carries with That said, 56 percent of pastors ed to the hurting. it an unfortunate and undeserved stigma strongly agree local churches have a There is incredible need for churches to which many church leaders don’t responsibility to provide resources and to speak more about mental health know how to respond to those strug- support to individuals with mental ill- and to do so honestly, directly, and gling with mental illness. I’m encour- ness and their families. That number is purposefully. Attitudes are certainly aged, however, by the openness among not nearly as high as it needs to be, but shifting on this front. Churches are church leaders toward understanding it is an encouraging start. Also encour- moving toward a greater level of mental illness so they can serve their aging is that 53 percent of individuals awareness and engagement on issues of people more appropriately. with mental illness surveyed said the mental heath. The information gleaned from the local church has been supportive. My challenge to the church is that we recent LifeWay Research study on Churches tend to either abdicate might move beyond the whispering, mental health and the church is very their role in mental health to outside the silence, the shame, and the stigma. telling. It reveals some of the holes medical professionals or to isolate Instead, let’s understand and show in our collective understanding of themselves from the medical commu- others that Jesus came seeking, saving, mental illness and our approach to nity. Neither response is helpful. Even and serving the lost and broken people helping those caught in its unforgiving those in secular branches of psychol- around Him. We, His church, honor clutches. ogy and psychiatry say psychological Him when we join in His mission by One out of four people experience health is better when people are con- doing the same. some type of mental illness in a nected with a faith community, and Hopefully, we can learn from the given year, according to the National that should drive churches to healthy ongoing conversation and shape a new, Alliance on Mental Illness. That means partnership with trained medical more helpful approach to serving those people sitting in our pews struggle professionals. who struggle with mental illness. n with mental illness. They and their The Bible teaches that Christ’s ED STETZER (@EdStetzer) is executive director of families desperately want the church to followers are meant to serve the LifeWay Research. For more visit EdStetzer.com. talk openly about the issue so it won’t broken and the hurting. When Jesus be taboo. announced His ministry in Luke 4, He However, our research indicates said He had been sent to preach good

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Winter: DEC/JAN/FEB 2015

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“Pastor, what is my next step?” Now you can have a better answer. The question comes in many forms: What does God want from me? What is God’s will for my life? How do I get closer to God? Essentially, they all point to the desire to be a better disciple.

These are not easy questions to answer. But we can help. Just have your congregation take the Transformational Discipleship Assessment (TDA). This simple questionnaire (based on 8 attributes of discipleship that consistently show up in the life of a maturing believer) reveals the specific strengths and weaknesses of your congregation. Individual reports help each person focus on specific areas that need improvement. The group report will help you plan sermons that address the needs that many share in your church.

Learn more at www.LifeWay.com/TDA

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