This is the second post in our series featuring excerpts from Outcast, a book by guest contributor Amy Zabel.
I remember the first church I visited in Traverse City. After the worship service, I asked the two pastors if their church had a mental health ministry. They glanced at each other in an uncomfortable moment of silence, then said, “No.”
I asked the question because many years ago, when I received my diagnosis in my hometown, I had a home church that couldn’t provide the support I so desperately needed. It was difficult to face the reality that the body of Christ was unable to surround me with love and give me the grace to heal with the help of others. The body of Christ is like the human body. We are made up of individual, diverse people who all need each other. If one part of the body suffers, then we all suffer.
So why did I feel I was suffering alone? Why did they turn their backs when I needed a place to feel safe and loved?
I understand now. The same fears surrounding behavioral health issues that exist in the secular world are, of course, present in our places of worship because the body of Christ is made up of fallible humans, just like me. The lack of understanding and support I experienced wasn’t their fault or mine.
But there is something we can do to be more supportive.
One way churches can enhance their support for emotional stability is by establishing a “mental health ministry.” These ministries are becoming more popular across the country, reflecting a growing awareness of the importance of spiritual and social support for mental well-being. This trend is evident in several ways, including more congregations offering mental health programs; more churches forming partnerships with providers; and increased training for leaders and members on behavioral health support.
So, what do mental health ministries do? They provide spiritual guidance, prayer, and a welcoming space for people facing challenges, while also working to reduce stigma through education and open discussion. This includes providing resources for both church leaders and members on how to support those affected, often including worship guides, sermon starters, and support groups. They even extend support to the families and loved ones. And while they don’t provide clinical treatment, they can connect individuals with professional mental health services and collaborate with healthcare organizations.
These kinds of services demonstrate—strongly—that we can be just as loving and accepting of someone with a mental health challenge as we are with other health issues, like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and injury.
Through my experiences in support groups, many participants are hesitant to share their stories because of misplaced shame and the fear of gossip. Having a mental health ministry in a church says one thing loud and clear: “You are safe here.”
Scripture has plenty to say about our tongues, which can spread gossip devastating to those already struggling. I know; I’ve been there. We all know or care about someone with a mental health condition. If you’re one of those people, you need someone to love and support you through tough times. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help, but be careful not to overshare at first. Build your relationship gradually. Ask the LORD to show you who you can trust. Remember, you are not alone. He will lead and guide you. If we are the body of Christ, then . . .
“From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” – Ephesians: 4:16
This chapter is excerpted from Outcast, a book by guest contributor Amy Zabel, published in early 2026. It’s not available on Amazon — Amy is offering free copies directly. To request one, email helptheoutcasts1@gmail.com with “Fresh Hope” in the subject line.
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