A survey last fall by CNN and Kaiser Family Foundation found the majority of American adults believe “there’s a mental health crisis in the US today.” Churches have a great opportunity to connect the redeeming power of the gospel to those suffering mentally and spiritually.

In this episode, Erika Cole speaks with Dr. Pernessa C. Seele, who has spent 35 years working to help use a faith-based approach to help heal individuals and communities facing mental health challenges. Dr. Seele helps define mental health and explains the ways churches can support the well-being of their leaders and congregants.

Erika also offers some of the policies and procedures church leaders should embrace to ensure their congregations are ready to assist an individual when warning signs arise, and explains the cautions that should be exercised when it comes to counseling individuals dealing with mental health issues.

She also includes time to discuss the do’s and don’ts for creating a counseling ministry in your church.

Episode 23: Healthy Leaders, Healthy Churches, Reduced Legal Liability

Episode 24: Helping Pastors Get Financial Healthy, with guest Elaine Sommerville, CPA

“What Pastors Need to Know About Mental Health, Ministry, and Liability,” by Samuel Ogles

“Counseling,” by attorney and senior editor Richard R. Hammar

“Clergy-Penitent Privilege,” by attorney and senior editor Richard R. Hammar

“Why Domestic Violence in the Home Endangers Your Church,” by Ruth Moon

Download your FREE copy of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System document checklist at here.

Questions? We welcome them! Please email Erika Cole at [email protected]. Erika reads each comment and may answer your question in an upcoming episode.

See all episodes of Church Law.

The Church Law podcast is part of Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com, a not-for-profit publishing ministry.

Erika E. Cole, Esq., known as The Church Attorney®, is the creator of The Church Attorney Legal Audit® System, a proprietary legal audit process that helps church leaders be confident they are operating with integrity, and avoiding costly risks.  She serves as a senior editorial advisor for Christianity Today’s ChurchLawAndTax.com.

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