Churches Launch Mental Health Ministry Network
A growing coalition of United Methodist congregations is training lay leaders as mental health first responders, bridging the gap between faith communities and clinical care.
More than 200 United Methodist congregations across 15 states have joined a new Mental Health Ministry Network, training lay leaders to provide initial support and referrals for people experiencing mental health crises.
Training Program
The 16-hour certification program covers mental health literacy, crisis de-escalation, suicide awareness, and community resource navigation. Graduates receive a certificate in Mental Health First Aid and ongoing continuing education.
Breaking the Stigma
"For too long, churches have treated mental health as a spiritual issue alone," said Rev. Dr. Jessica Young Brown, the initiative's founder. "When someone breaks their arm, we don't tell them to just pray harder. Mental health deserves the same compassionate, practical response."
The program has already trained more than 800 lay leaders and facilitated over 3,000 referrals to licensed mental health providers.
Joey Butler
Multimedia Editor, UM News
Part of: Rethink Church
