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The church has often been described as a hospital. What happens when the people who help to heal are as sick as those they are there to help? Depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts are very real challenges being addressed, not just in the community, but specifically in the church by “Purpose Driven Life” author Pastor Rick Warren and his wife Kay. Their private struggle became public when their 27-year old son committed suicide last year. Since then, they have found a new purpose to help churches address the issue of mental illness.

Christian research firm, LifeWay Research, reported that nearly half of evangelical or born-again Christians (48%) believe people with serious mental illness can overcome their condition through prayer and Bible study alone. With an increase of reported suicides among clergy, it is clear works must be added to faith.

Rick and Kay Warren recently hosted 24 Hours of Hope: An Online Event of Mental Illness. There were sessions with speakers, mental health professionals, clergy, and more all focused on breaking the silence about this often devastating illness before. It was a prelude to the International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day scheduled to take place in November. If you missed it information and videos can be found on their website, Mental Health and the Church.