In the Market with Janet Parshall Hour 1: When Hurting People Come To Church
Sep 23, 2025
Shaunti Feldhahn, a social researcher and bestselling author, dives deep into the mental health crisis affecting communities and the vital role churches can play. She shares insights from her research with over 2,000 pastors, discussing how churches can reshape their approach to mental health care. Shaunti emphasizes the importance of training lay volunteers, combating stigma, and creating support systems within congregations. She advocates for churches to be a beacon of hope, translating mental health language into accessible care for all.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Church As First Responder
- People with new diagnoses often turn first to faith leaders, not clinicians, because they seek value and hope beyond a label.
- Churches are therefore uniquely positioned as first responders in the mental health landscape.
Keep A Ready Referral List
- Build a local resource list pastors can use to refer people quickly to trusted, biblical clinicians.
- Keep that list current so pastors can confidently connect hurting people to timely help.
Churches Are Warming To Care
- Most pastors want to help and are increasingly open to psychological tools and medication when appropriate.
- The stereotype that churches uniformly reject modern mental-health care is largely overstated.
