How Churches Can Advocate for Men’s Mental Wellness

In a world where the demands of daily life, career pressures, and societal expectations weigh heavily on the shoulders of men, mental wellness is an issue that can no longer be ignored. Historically, men have often been expected to carry the burdens of strength, stoicism, and resilience, which has contributed to the stigmatization of vulnerability and emotional expression. This toxic culture of silence can lead to mental health struggles that go unaddressed, and in some cases, escalate into crises that are harder to recover from.

Churches, as influential community institutions, have a unique and vital role to play in advocating for men’s mental wellness. With their strong foundations in community, compassion, and care, faith-based organizations can create spaces where men feel safe to express their emotions, confront their challenges, and receive support. This article explores how churches can actively contribute to the mental wellness of men, offering concrete steps and practices to make a lasting impact.

1. Foster an Environment of Openness and Acceptance

One of the first steps toward advocating for men’s mental wellness is creating an environment where emotional openness is not only accepted but encouraged. In many cultures, including some faith communities, men are conditioned to hide their struggles and maintain a façade of invulnerability. Churches can challenge this notion by fostering a culture of openness and acceptance where men can express their emotions without fear of judgment or ridicule.

Church leaders can model emotional openness by being transparent about their own struggles, whether it’s dealing with stress, anxiety, or other mental health issues. When pastors and church leaders share their personal experiences, it signals to men that it’s okay to talk about their mental health and that faith does not require perfection. When vulnerability is demonstrated at the top, it filters down to the rest of the congregation.

Small groups, particularly those that are male-focused, can be places where men feel comfortable discussing their mental health. These groups should be structured to prioritize honest conversation, mutual support, and respect for each other’s experiences.

2. Provide Education on Mental Health Issues

Many men are unaware of the signs of mental health issues or the resources available to them. As a result, they may struggle in silence or resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse or aggression. By offering educational workshops or seminars on mental health, churches can empower men to understand and recognize the signs of stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.

These educational sessions should aim to de-stigmatize mental illness, making it clear that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Church leaders can invite mental health professionals to speak to the congregation about common issues men face, the importance of seeking help, and how to access resources in the community. Offering these programs regularly ensures that mental wellness remains a priority within the church community.

3. Incorporate Mental Health Support into Pastoral Care

Pastoral care is often at the core of a church’s role in its members’ lives. This care, however, must evolve to include mental health support alongside spiritual guidance. Pastors and church staff should be equipped with the basic knowledge of mental health issues, so they can recognize when a congregant may be struggling with mental wellness. While pastors are not licensed therapists, they can play a pivotal role in identifying warning signs and offering initial support.

Churches should create referral systems, where men in crisis are directed to mental health professionals who are qualified to provide the necessary care. Pastoral care teams should collaborate with mental health experts to ensure that men are receiving the holistic support they need — addressing both their spiritual and emotional well-being.

4. Offer Men-Specific Groups and Programs

While it’s important for churches to foster an environment where both men and women feel supported, sometimes men need a space that is specifically tailored to their experiences. Men’s groups can create a safe and supportive environment for men to explore their mental health struggles, share their stories, and seek guidance without feeling emasculated.

These groups should not only focus on the spiritual aspects of life but also provide a platform for discussing the unique pressures men face in society, such as the pressure to be providers, protectors, and strong leaders. Men’s groups can serve as a place of mutual support, where members hold each other accountable, offer advice, and encourage one another in their mental health journeys.

In addition to regular meetings, special programs can be developed to address particular aspects of men’s mental health, such as stress management, healthy communication, or coping with fatherhood. These programs can be presented as workshops, retreats, or guest speaker events, and can be especially helpful in breaking the cycle of isolation many men face.

5. Address the Stigma Surrounding Men and Vulnerability

Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to men seeking help for mental health issues. Many men fear that acknowledging they have a mental health challenge will be seen as a weakness, and this fear often prevents them from reaching out. Churches have the power to address this stigma head-on by promoting a more inclusive and compassionate view of what it means to be strong.

Scripture teaches that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness, but rather a source of strength. Pastors can draw upon stories of biblical figures who faced struggles, such as David's lamentations in the Psalms or Jesus' agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. These examples provide a framework for understanding that it is okay to be vulnerable and that acknowledging one’s pain does not diminish one's faith.

In addition to addressing the biblical basis for vulnerability, churches can engage in awareness campaigns that educate men on the importance of mental wellness. These campaigns can use real-life stories from men who have overcome mental health challenges, illustrating that seeking help is an act of courage, not weakness.

6. Collaborate with Local Mental Health Organizations

Churches should actively collaborate with local mental health organizations and professionals to create comprehensive support networks for men in need. Whether through offering referrals, hosting joint events, or creating shared resources, these collaborations help bridge the gap between faith and mental health care.

Churches can partner with counselors, therapists, support groups, and crisis intervention services to ensure that men have access to the appropriate care when necessary. By forming these partnerships, churches can ensure that the men who come to them for support have a clear pathway to comprehensive, professional help.

Additionally, churches can fund or host community outreach events to bring awareness to mental health issues, particularly in underserved communities where access to services may be limited. These events can include free mental health screenings, workshops, and educational seminars that provide men with the tools they need to maintain good mental health.

7. Promote Self-Care Practices and Mental Health Routines

Mental wellness does not solely depend on addressing mental illness, but also on promoting proactive self-care practices that help men maintain their emotional and psychological well-being. Churches can advocate for self-care routines by teaching men how to incorporate practices like meditation, prayer, journaling, physical exercise, and balanced nutrition into their daily lives.

Incorporating self-care into spiritual practices can be particularly powerful. Churches can encourage men to view self-care not as a selfish pursuit but as a way to honor God by caring for the body and mind He has entrusted to them. Offering programs that combine physical, emotional, and spiritual health—such as health challenges, mindfulness retreats, or group fitness activities—can provide practical ways for men to engage with their mental wellness.

8. Encourage Healthy Relationships and Social Connections

The importance of community cannot be overstated when it comes to mental wellness. Social isolation is a significant factor in the deterioration of mental health, and men, in particular, are often less likely to reach out and build strong social connections. Churches can encourage men to form strong, healthy relationships both within and outside of the congregation.

By organizing group activities, such as social events, volunteer opportunities, or sports teams, churches can provide spaces for men to build friendships and connect with others in meaningful ways. Encouraging mentorship programs, where older men guide younger men, can also help establish support systems that contribute to mental wellness.

In addition, churches can provide training for men on building healthy relationships, whether it’s with their spouses, children, or friends. Promoting communication, empathy, and active listening as tools for relational health can go a long way in preventing the emotional isolation that often contributes to mental health struggles.

9. Addressing Men’s Mental Health in Crisis Situations

When men experience mental health crises, such as thoughts of self-harm, depression, or overwhelming stress, it’s crucial that churches are equipped to provide immediate support. This can include providing pastoral care during times of crisis, maintaining a list of emergency resources for mental health services, and establishing clear steps for intervention.

Churches should train staff and volunteers to recognize the signs of crisis and develop strategies for assisting men who may be at risk. This might include offering crisis hotlines, providing access to temporary housing or food for men in distress, or having a dedicated counseling team available to meet urgent needs.

Conclusion

Advocating for men’s mental wellness is not just a matter of offering occasional advice or support—it requires a systemic approach to building a church culture that prioritizes emotional and mental well-being. By fostering an environment of openness, offering education and support, addressing stigma, and promoting self-care, churches can become a powerful force in improving the mental health of men in their communities.

With the right resources, training, and intentionality, churches can break the cycles of isolation and emotional suppression that many men face. In doing so, they help men not only survive but thrive, enabling them to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives as both individuals and active members of their faith communities.

Robb Weigel

Works Cited: “Church and Men's Mental Health” prompt, ChatGPT, 20 July version, Open AI, 20 July 2023, http://chat.openai.com/chat.