Pastoral Care and Mental Health

Jesus came that we would have life in all its fullness (John 10.10). Throughout his ministry, he healed those who were sick of body, mind, and spirit (for example, Mark 1.29-34), and while there is debate over whether we can apply modern labels to those Jesus healed, our starting premise must be that Jesus draws near to those who are struggling.

We have placed this section under Spiritual Practices because seeking the fullness of life, even when your circumstances are betraying you, takes great courage and persistence in a similar way to other practices, and because in seeking this we hope to encounter something of God.

Our suggested resources are aimed at both those interested in learning about Christian approaches to pastoral care, including in relation to mental health, and those who are looking for some help themselves. 

If you are seeking support, we strongly encourage exploring these alongside secular resources, with the NHS, Mind and Mental Health First Aid websites as good starting points. In an emergency please call 999.

Further resources

St Bede’s Pastoral Centre Library

Leeds Diocese provide a self-guided Pastoral Conversations Course

Oxford Diocese provide a self-guided Contemplative Toolkit, with a school version Space Makers

For bereavement
ataloss.org provides useful signposting in the event of a bereavement, and have created The Bereavement Journey which can be run by churches for their communities

For responding to community disasters
The New York Disaster Interfaith Services offer a free Disasters & Religions app which provides practical advice for faith responses to community disasters.

For mental health
Useful Bible passages include Psalm 42, and any of the Psalms of lament referenced in our Prayer section. These offer some vocabulary and shared experiences which can inform prayer and other conversations.

Sanctuary Ministries provide a good small group course, and with Porters Gate have an album of useful, gentle songs.

Isabelle Hamley and Christopher Cook (ed.), The Bible and Mental Health
Preston McDaniel Hill (ed.), Christ & Trauma
Michael Hopkins, Pastoral Care in Practice
Carla A. Grosch Miller, Trauma and Pastoral Care