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At Hillsong Church, we are deeply committed to our mission of "building a healthy church and changing lives through Christ." As we approach October, we are participating in Mental Health Awareness Week to bring awareness and address the crucial topic of mental health in our community.
1. Healing Hearts: Nurturing Spiritual and Emotional Wellbeing
Statistics and Compassion
Did you know that 44% of Australians aged 16–85, approximately 8.6 million people, have experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime? Furthermore, 1 in 5 Australians, or 4.2 million individuals, have faced mental illness within the past year (aihw.gov.au). These statistics serve as a powerful reminder that mental health challenges touch all of us, whether through personal experiences or those of our loved ones.
Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, and it is essential that we, as a church, recognize the needs of those grappling with mental health issues. Our faith calls us to embody God’s love for our community, especially those who are facing mental health challenges.
The Role of the Church
Research consistently shows that individuals often turn to their spiritual leaders and community for support during times of crisis. It’s natural for people to seek solace within the church. However, it is equally crucial that we guide them toward appropriate professional help alongside offering our spiritual support.
Mental illness can raise profound questions, both for individuals and for our faith communities. It challenges our understanding of human health, happiness, and faith. We must emphasise that being a Christian does not guarantee permanent peace of mind but rather offers guidance on finding peace through faith.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus
Philippians 4:6-7
Scriptural references, such as Philippians 4:6-7, remind us of the peace that comes through prayer. However, they must be understood in context. The Bible also acknowledges that believers will face trials, but God’s love remains constant (John 16:33, Romans 8:35-39). We must encourage individuals with mental illness to integrate their faith with professional treatment, including medications and therapies, while actively participating in church activities and connecting with our pastoral team.
2. Healthy Minds: Providing Mental Health Support
Mental Health First Aid
At Hillsong Church, we are committed to equipping our pastors, staff, volunteers, and congregation with essential Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, in fact we are the first church in Australia recognised as a Mental Health First aid Skilled Workplace. This training includes courses such as Standard Mental Health First Aid and Youth Mental Health First Aid.
Why do we train our staff and volunteers on MHFA?
Statistics show that mental health problems are common, and many people are not well informed on different presentations of mental illness. This can lead to people not getting the appropriate professional help and support. A lack of knowledge or understanding of mental illness can lead to high levels of stigma and discrimination. By gaining knowledge and understanding of mental illness, research has shown that people are more likely to access help and support due to awareness. The quicker someone receives professional help and support, the recovery and outcomes are more favourable.
ALGEE steps – Source Mental Health First Aid Australia (MHFA)
The MHFA ALGEE approach is:-
We aim always to signpost those in crisis or experiencing mental illness signs or symptoms to appropriate professional help.
This accredited Mental Health training is the help provided to someone developing a mental health problem, experiencing the worsening of an existing mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. Assistance is given until appropriate treatment and support are received (not just offered) or until the situation resolves.
Course Content
Our MHFA training covers a range of topics, including:
If you or your team would like to register for this course or receive more information about available classes, please email [email protected].
Youth Mental Health First Aid
We also offer a Youth Mental Health First Aid course, focusing on topics such as non-suicidal self-injury and eating disorders.
Pastoral Care
Our Pastoral teams offer essential support to individuals navigating the challenges of mental illness. Our approach is flexible and considerate, catering to various needs. We can connect with you through phone calls, Zoom meetings, text messages, or even arrange casual outings for a walk or a comforting cup of tea at a local café. We understand that everyone’s preferences are unique, and we respect individual boundaries while maintaining a supportive presence.
We are committed to recognising the spiritual dimension of your journey, especially when you might feel distant from or even rejected by God. Engaging in open and empathetic dialogue about your spiritual well-being during this time is a crucial aspect of our support.
Moreover, we acknowledge the profound impact of mental illness on the families and friends of individuals facing these challenges. Caregivers often experience significant stress as they make complex decisions regarding care, treatment, housing, and other critical aspects. Additionally, they may grapple with the emotional toll, financial burdens, and the weight of societal stigma.
At Hillsong Church, we are steadfast in our commitment to be a sanctuary of support for those enduring mental health challenges. We deeply value your lived experiences, and we consistently encourage your engagement with both professional support and active participation in church activities.
In line with this commitment, we invite you to consider having a support person accompany you when you attend church services. We recognise that for some individuals, the experience of walking into a dimly lit auditorium with loud music and crowds can be overwhelming. To ensure your comfort and well-being, we encourage you to share your specific needs with us so that we may assist you effectively. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
3. Building a Supportive Community
In today’s world, building a supportive community is important. Attending church or becoming part of a connect group provides a meaningful opportunity for individuals to come together, make genuine connections, and collectively contribute to building a strong and supportive community rooted in faith and shared values.
We also acknowledge that fostering such a community goes beyond the walls of our church, and extends to reaching out to organisations and professionals who specialise in mental health. In recognition of this, we have compiled a list of vital help lines and resources, ranging from crisis counseling to specialised services. We are committed to being an integral part of this supportive network, where conversations about mental health are encouraged, and where individuals can readily access the help they need.
Helplines and Resources
We understand that there are moments of imminent or life-threatening danger, and we emphasise the urgency of reaching out to Emergency 000 immediately in such situations.
Conversations Matter – Resources regarding caring and speaking with people.
Conversations Matter – practical resources for talking about suicide.
Lifeline 24-hr counselling and crisis support Crisis chat (8 pm-12 am only) 13 11 14 | text 0477 13 11 14
Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – Crisis Support. Suicide Prevention.
Suicide Call Back Service 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people affected by suicide 1300 659 467
Mental health counselling | Suicide Call Back Service
Kids Helpline Free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25. 1800 55 1800
Kids Helpline | Phone Counselling Service | 1800 55 1800
eheadspace Online and telephone support and counselling for young people aged 12 to 25 1800 650 890
Online & phone support | headspace (eheadspace.org.au)
ReachOut.com Online crisis and mental health information for young people 14-25 years and their parents
A Safe Place to Chat Anonymously, Get Support & Feel Better | ReachOut Australia
MensLine Australia 24-hr telephone counselling for men 1300 78 99 78
Free help, referrals & counselling for men: MensLine Australia
Beyond Blue 24-hr telephone support service, online chat (4pm-10pm AEST) and support information 1300 22 4636 |
Beyond Blue | 24/7 Support for Anxiety, Depression and Suicide Prevention
SANE Australia Free counselling service supports people affected by complex mental health issues
SANE Australia
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health Empowering Australians from multicultural backgrounds to embrace mental health and wellbeing
Welcome | Embrace Multicultural Mental Health (embracementalhealth.org.au)
Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling Open Arms offers face-to-face, telephone and online counselling 1800 011 046 Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
Further Resources
For those seeking more resources, we offer a curated selection of Christian books addressing the topic of mental health below.
Books
The Bible and Mental Health: Towards a Biblical Theology of Mental Health
Christopher C.H. Cook (Edited by), Isabelle Hamley (Edited by), Walter Brueggemann (Contributions by), John Swinton (Contributions by)
The Emotionally Healthy Leader: How Transforming Your Inner Life Will Deeply Transform Your Church, Team, and the World
by Peter Scazzero
Live No Lies
Live No Lies – Video Series
by John Mark Comer
A Non-Anxious Presence
Mark Sayers
Renovation of the Heart
Dallas Willard
Tackling Mental Illness Together A Biblical And Practical Approach
Alan Thomas
Darkness Is My Only Companion: A Christian Response to Mental Illness
Kathryn Greene-McCreight
Mental Health and Your Church: A Handbook for Biblical Care (A Ministry Guide to Mental Illness, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and Addiction)
Helen Thorne & Dr Steve Midley
Struggling with God: Mental Health and Christian Spirituality
Christopher C. H. Cook, Isabelle Hamley, John Swinton
Together, we can make a difference in our community by offering love, understanding, and professional support to those facing mental health challenges.