Project Overview

Many missionaries and church leaders across Europe find themselves confronted by the tremendous mental health needs in Europe, whether among believers or non-Christians. Often, they feel overwhelmed and ill-equipped to meet this need or even to understand mental health issues within the context of a Christian worldview. Churches and Christians, in general, often have erroneous and harmful beliefs about mental health. For example, some believe and teach that depression and anxiety result from a lack of faith and that by simply praying and reading the Bible more, all will be better. This belief is a form of prosperity gospel that is not biblical and leads many who struggle with these conditions to feel shame and guilt. Those beliefs and teaching make the church an unsafe place where it’s not ok not to be ok, a place unwelcoming to the lost struggling with grief, depression, anxiety, addiction, and other mental health disorders. An IMB team in Europe is working to create materials that people can use to engage mental health needs among the lost, such as a discovery Bible study on emotions for adults and teenagers. We are also developing resources and tools to equip believers to feel more confident and able to address the mental health needs around them, such as a podcast discussing ways to approach mental health needs cross-culturally and training on burnout among national partners. Team members also travel to offer mental health trainings and support, including Trauma Healing Institute training. Teaching long-term workers and local church leaders how to understand mental health from a Christian perspective and how to be a safe person for people struggling will help them and their ministries become safe places for those struggling with mental health issues to find a caring community and, ultimately, healing through Christ. Give today to strengthen these ministries and outreach to those dealing with mental health issues across Europe.