The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry

A Practical Guide for Supporting the Church’s Mental and Emotional Well-Being

by: Mark Mayfield

• Format

  E-Book

  ISBN

  9781493451104

  Pub. Date

  Sep 2025

  SRP

  $32.99

  Buy

About

Poor mental and emotional health are two of the great crises of our times, and yet most pastors and ministry leaders are not adequately trained or equipped to understand and come alongside the hurting. As a result, our efforts to help those who are wrestling with mental or emotional health struggles are at best inadequate and at worst harmful.

Combining the best of clinical research with a biblical worldview, The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry is a practical and accessible resource to help pastors, church leaders, and others who are called on to offer counsel
· identify the symptoms of particular mental and emotional health challenges
· express love and support to those who are hurting
· recommend healthy coping strategies
· discern when to offer help and when to refer someone to a mental health professional

With chapters dedicated to common manifestations of mental and emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide, self-harm, addiction, personality disorders, grief, and more, this will quickly become the go-to resource for ministry leaders who long to offer help to the hurting.

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Endorsements

"Amid an unprecedented and overwhelming mental health crisis across every demographic and age group, pastors and church leaders are desperate for help. Dr. Mark Mayfield offers a timely and vital resource for addressing the issues every community and church faces today. In The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry, Dr. Mayfield brings together a leading team of scholars and therapists who provide the latest insights for ministry leaders committed to caring for people who need hope and healing. This is not simply a book for the 'designated' staff counselor or committee but for every church and ministry leader to be equipped to serve everyone God would lead us to serve and love in his name."

Chap Clark, PhD, author of Hurt 2.0: Inside the World of Today's Teenagers and executive director of Institute for Ministry Leadership: Increase Your Influence

"Accessible and practical, The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry meaningfully adds to the necessary conversation we must have about how the church can flourish in its role as a place of hope and healing for all of our wounded souls."

Curt Thompson, MD, psychiatrist and author of The Deepest Place and The Soul of Desire

"We are in the midst of a mental health crisis in America and around the world. It is a pandemic and a problem that cries out to the church and its leaders. Yet so many pastors and ministry volunteers are not equipped to meet the needs of their congregations or offer biblical guidance and spiritual support to hurting people. For this reason, I am so glad Dr. Mark Mayfield has written The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry. This book will be an invaluable resource to all who desire to care for those who suffer and provide solid counsel from a spiritual perspective. I highly recommend this very important tool with the prayer that many will find hope and healing in these turbulent days."

Dr. Jack Graham, senior pastor, Prestonwood Baptist Church

"I wholeheartedly endorse The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry by Dr. Mark Mayfield. This practical guide addresses the critical need for mental and emotional well-being within the church, equipping leaders to create a culture of care. Dr. Mayfield's expertise makes this an invaluable resource for strengthening the body of Christ."

Samuel Rodriguez, lead pastor of New Season, president/CEO of NHCLC, author of Your Mess, God's Miracle!, and executive producer of Breakthrough and Flamin' Hot

"When I read through Dr. Mark Mayfield's incredible book, The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry, my initial thought was 'Where have you been all my life?' This handbook is so helpful, insightful, and practical. Mark and his colleagues with this project are nationally and internationally known authorities in their field of expertise. This is a book you will read and then use as a resource for the rest of your life in ministry."

Jim Burns, PhD, founder of HomeWord and author of Doing Life with Your Adult Children: Keep Your Mouth Shut and the Welcome Mat Out

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