The Church's Response to the Severely Emotionally Distressed

The clergy and church are deeply involved in aiding persons who have emotional problems. Many of those seeking help manifest psychotic symptoms. This paper addresses the issue of how organized religion can better understand and minister to the needs of those suffering severe emotional distress. Programs and models at national and local levels are discussed, with an emphasis upon the latter. Local level models include mental health promoting aspects of local church functions, pastoral counseling programs of the local church, the Wholistic Health Center (WHC), Community Organization for Personal Enrichment (COPE), Christian Action Ministry (CAM), and Mennonite Mental Health Services. Clinical vignettes illustrate the functioning of these models.