Pastor to Pastor with Dave Stone Mental Health in Ministry with Dr. Mark Mayfield
Oct 21, 2025
Dr. Mark Mayfield, a former pastor turned mental health counselor, discusses the critical need for churches to address mental health openly. He highlights the isolation pastors often feel and the pressures to appear strong, emphasizing the importance of creating safe spaces in ministry. Mark shares his personal journey with bullying and its impact on his passion for counseling. He advocates for integrating mental health into sermons and stresses that churches should support the entire pastoral family, offering hope and resources to promote emotional well-being.
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Loneliness Hidden By 'Shoulds'
- Pastors face 'shoulds' that silence honest discussion about loneliness and mental health.
- Pervasive loneliness becomes maladaptive and mirrors examples of isolation in Scripture like Elijah and Job.
Ask To Listen, Not Just To Greet
- Ask "How are you doing?" only when you can give 10–15 minutes to listen and create space for honest storytelling.
- Even without solutions, attentive listening helps people feel seen and can connect them to further care.
Childhood Crisis That Shaped A Calling
- Dr. Mark Mayfield shared being bullied in school which led to migraines, isolation, and a suicide attempt at age 12.
- Counseling, medication, and his father's changed response redirected his life toward helping others in ministry and counseling.
