Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families

A fascinating and insightful book that draws together theology and professional mental health care. Creative and deeply illuminating for pastors who need to understand how to deal effectively and compassionately with mental health issues.

People afflicted by mental illness often live in "quiet desperation" without recourse to appropriate assistance. Most caregivers confronted with mental illnesses in the work of ministry have had no training or accurate information about mental illness. Frequently they do nothing, resulting in further harm and damage. Others may intervene out of a theological system that does not adequately account for the nature, severity, or treatment of these illnesses.

In Ministry with Persons with Mental Illness and Their Families, psychiatrists and pastoral theologians come together in an interdisciplinary, collaborative effort. Ensuring the ensure accuracy of information concerning the medical dimensions of mental illness, the book assists with a faith perspective and suggestions relative to effective ministry. Readers will learn how science and a faith tradition can not only co-exist but work in tandem to alleviate the pain of the afflicted and affected.