In 2019, reports showed that an estimated 26 percent of American adults (about one in four) had a diagnosable mental disorder. Those same reports also stated that more than 50 percent of those adults would be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime.
Similar surveys concluded that one in five children and youth had a diagnosable mental disorder. Data from the last three years shows a marked increase in mental-health-related emergency room and outpatient visits for this demographic.
The statistics paint a powerful picture of the present world around us. However, most of us do not need these studies to help us understand what we can plainly see: people are struggling!
Caring for individuals includes physical, psychological, social and spiritual health. It is unmistakable that mental health significantly impacts an individual’s ability to grow and flourish in all other areas of health, including spiritual. Therefore, those who care about the spiritual life of children, youth and young adults must also care about their mental health. The church should be at the forefront of responding to these realities.
Beginning in 2023, the WVBC Discipleship Commission made mental health a priority as it seeks to equip churches with the necessary tools and contacts to better serve their congregation and community.
Engaging Mental Health with Hope Conference
In the spring of 2023, the WVBC hosted the Engaging Mental Health with Hope Conference at Gassaway Baptist Church. This was the first conference of its kind for the WVBC. It was designed for those who work with youth, children and young adults and are concerned about the growing mental health crisis among these groups. Michelle Nietert was the guest speaker for the event. Michelle has over 25 years of professional counseling experience and is passionate about providing hope and help in the form of faith-based mental health solutions. Through speaking and writing, she regularly equips ministry leaders to better serve their church in this area.
The more than 200 conference participants also had the option of choosing to attend two of the seven workshops that were offered. Each workshop covered a mental health-related topic, such as grief, anxiety, suicide and more. These were led by Christian LPC’s (Licensed Practical Counselors) from within our WVBC family of churches.
A recording of each of the sessions can be viewed by Clicking Here.
Upcoming Events
Mental Health First Aid for Youth (6.5 hour training)
Date: Saturday, August 26
Location: Emmanuel Baptist Church (Parkersburg)
Cost: FREE
Register Now
Mental Health First Aid for Adults (4-week training)
* This training will be offered via Zoom
(Registration coming soon)
