Many of us are familiar with the basics of physical first aid. We may have even attended a CPR class to learn how to save a person’s life if they go into cardiac arrest. Well, there’s another type of first aid that deserves our attention: Mental Health First Aid. While this can involve a deep dive into caring for complex mental health issues, here we’ll focus on simply recognizing how much people long to feel connected and how we can make easy changes to accomplish that.
The overall well-being of our congregations demands that we care for more than just their physical safety. One of the most challenging and possibly the most overlooked safety issues in churches today is caring for our flock’s emotional safety. We must proactively practice Emotional First Aid. It’s not as hard as you might think.
For many churches, addressing emotional health is still uncharted territory. We tend to skirt around the edges of emotional turmoil and mental challenges. Yet, the need for a genuine, supportive community is more important than ever. People are seeking value elsewhere, finding options they see as more fulfilling than what they find within the walls of a church. This decline speaks volumes about our need to engage with people more deeply and meaningfully.
People feel more scattered and emotionally isolated than ever before. Scripture is clear that we are a broken and wounded people. Even those among us who attend services might still feel isolated from real connections. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Psalm 147:3 (NIV)
He heals those who have broken hearts. He takes care of their wounds.
God’s healing power isn’t limited to physical infirmities. He longs to heal our emotional wounds as well. And He often uses us as the instruments of His healing. I’m going to have to ask Him about that when I get to heaven. I mean, come on, do any of us have it together enough to do the job better than God on His own? But maybe that’s the point. It might be that when we serve those who are hurting emotionally, it heals us too.
So, let’s get practical! What can we do to make sure no one feels left out or neglected? How can we bridge this gap? How can we ensure that no one feels overlooked or undernourished by our community? Here are some easy steps to perform emotional first aid for our congregations:
Extend Community to All
Reaching out to those who need community the most can be challenging. Ever been hurt by the church and felt uneasy trying to stay involved? It’s not enough to simply have resources like small groups or support circles; we must actively invite and include those who are hurting into these safe spaces. Just as the shepherd in the Scripture passage above searched diligently for his scattered sheep, we have to search out people who may be present physically but don’t feel cared for emotionally.
Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
I once visited a church secretly before deciding on a job there, and no one even said hi. It was such a cold experience that I ended up not taking the job. That taught me just how crucial it is to make everyone feel noticed and valued right from the start. Have we created a good pasture where we can care for the needs of our flock? Do our greeters make people feel we are glad they are with us? Do we have accommodations for guests with special needs?
Provide Volunteer Activities
After I moved to a new community and began attending a new church, I looked for volunteer opportunities. Not only did I want to serve, I wanted community! When I volunteered to help with a children’s event (keeping in mind that I am a former children’s pastor), I was told that they didn’t need any more volunteers. Wrong answer! Whenever I had found myself lucky enough to have the help I needed, yet still had people volunteer, I made up jobs.
Offer Support Groups and Resources
Having open, welcoming groups like Celebrate Recovery can give people a safe space to share their worries without fear of judgment. Biblical counseling from pastors is great, but keep a list of local mental health resources handy for someone in need of specialized trauma counseling. Some people want to seek counseling but can’t afford it. Be a financial resource for people who are ready to get better if they had access to competent counseling.
Establish A Culture of Openness
We want our church to be a place that doesn’t just talk about emotional health but truly supports it in every aspect of our community life. It’s important that our commitment to emotional well-being is evident in our actions and words. Speak from the pulpit about how your church values caring for people’s emotional safety, making it a regular part of sermons and teachings. Highlight stories of hope and resilience, and remind the congregation that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Train your volunteers on how to spot people who may be struggling, equipping them with the skills to offer support and refer individuals to appropriate resources. This training should include active listening, recognizing signs of distress, and knowing the right words to say to offer comfort and understanding. Emphasize the importance of empathy and patience, ensuring that volunteers approach each situation with sensitivity and compassion.
Be sure to use words that don’t unintentionally shame those who are struggling emotionally. Language matters, and it’s crucial to foster a culture of acceptance and support. Encourage the use of affirming and non-judgmental language that normalizes discussions around emotional health, making people feel safe to share their experiences without fear of stigma or embarrassment.
If we truly want to have a comprehensive safety plan for our churches, we have to include Emotional First Aid. That way, we ensure that our church is a place where every individual can find the community and support they need. What emotional needs does your church currently need to address? How can you make your community a safer, more welcoming place for everyone? Let’s reflect on these questions and act with the compassion and justice that our faith calls for.
Lori Morrison is a member of her church’s security team, a retired licensed private investigator, a former church staffer, and serves on the Worship Facility Editorial Advisory Board. Her training guide, “Reclaiming Sanctuary: Enhancing Physical, Emotional, and Spiritual Safety in Our Churches” helps church leaders adopt a new mindset, build a customized strategy, and launch a sustainable plan for the protection of their flock.
Get your copy here!
