Why Church Can Be Horrible For The Mentally Ill- Dave Quak

Sunburnt Souls

Sunburnt Souls – Where Faith and Mental Health Collide

Welcome back to Sunburnt Souls. In today’s episode, we’re tackling a tough but necessary conversation: why church can be a difficult place for those struggling with mental illness.

While churches are meant to be places of healing and community, they can sometimes become spaces of discomfort and exclusion for those battling anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health challenges. It’s time to have an honest conversation about how we, as the Church, can do better.

Rigid Structures and Limited Understanding

Many churches follow a structured, predictable model, but what happens when someone doesn’t fit within that mold?

• Some people need to worship differently, whether it’s sitting under a blanket, stepping outside, or engaging in ways that feel safe for them.
• Instead of judgment, we need understanding—mental illness manifests in different ways, and creating a welcoming space means embracing those differences.

The Stigma Around Mental Illness in Leadership

There’s an unspoken belief in many churches that people with mental illness are unfit for public ministry. While no one may say it outright, the reality is:

• Leaders with mental health struggles are rare—not because they aren’t called, but because they aren’t always accepted.
• Mental illness does not disqualify someone from hearing God or leading His people. Every leader, regardless of their struggles, is covered by God’s grace.

The Damaging Theology of Mental Health as ‘Spiritual Weakness’

One of the most harmful misconceptions in Christian circles is the idea that struggling with mental illness is a sign of spiritual weakness.

• Mental illness is a real, physiological condition, not a reflection of someone’s faith.
• Some of the most spiritually mature believers in history have battled mental health struggles—from biblical figures like Elijah and David to modern-day Christian leaders.
• Instead of judging those who struggle, the Church’s role should be to support, encourage, and walk alongside them.

Listen Now: A Call for Compassion and Change

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