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According to mental health clinician Dr. Kwame Frimpong, one in four pastors is experiencing mental illness due to their challenges while running the church and dealing with their members’ problems. Speaking on the ‘Christian and Mental Health’ episode of ‘A Walk with Jesus’ with Pastor Ato Acquah, Dr. Frimpong explained that pastors often play the role of psychologists and counsellors, which can be overwhelming.
He recommended pastors care for themselves and their souls to avoid becoming spiritually powerful but mentally weak. While acknowledging the growing concern of mental health disorders in churches, he advised pastors not to turn themselves into counsellors or psychologists but rather to employ professional counsellors or clinical psychologists to partner with them.
Dr. Frimpong also suggested that local churches should have a psychologist or professional counsellor on staff to partner with church prayer warriors effectively. He further urged churches to bring the subject of mental health back to the pulpit and educate its members to prevent burnout among pastors. Finally, Dr. Frimpong cautioned that while some mental health disorders could be psychological, others could be demonic, so pastors must be aware of this possibility.
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Source: Omanghana.com
