Did you know that May is mental health month? While part of the focus is to call attention to mental disorders and losing the stigma that is often associated with it, the goal is also to call attention to the importance of mental well-being. The church is a great avenue for providing programs, events, and training for coping. Think about areas in your church where people might need an extra arm of support. What about those adults who are caregivers? What about those single parents who feel alone and overwhelmed with the day-to-day struggles? What about the child or teen who is being bullied? Sometimes, all it takes to prevent a crisis moment is for the church to recognize needs and offer ministries and outreaches.

This website has a toolkit for promoting mental health month. Be aware that this is a secular site, and you might not agree with their take on spirituality and the fact that they include all religions. Nevertheless, mental health is an important topic and goes along with our “Strong in Fellowship” focus this quarter in Discipleship Ministries. The church must provide an open invitation to those who are hurting and to those who simply need to be surrounded by people who care.

George Barna studies indicate that when it comes to friendship, opposites do not attract. He says we tend to migrate to those with the same life stage, religious views, and economic backgrounds. With that in mind, May is the perfect opportunity for the ministries in your congregation and community to connect with a like-minded group and help them find their place within your body of believers. Girls’ Ministries is a great place for school-age girls to find that common thread of connectivity.

For a beautiful reminder of what the church can offer as we gather to fellowship and grow in Christ, check out the Sidewalk Prophet song, “Come to the Table,” on YouTube.