When I was asked to write the foreword for this book- Mental health and the Church Community, I felt a huge sense of honour.
Over the years, I have seen my father’s passion for mental health and the church, and the fact that he has accomplished fusing these two passions is quite an achievement and a testimonial to his quest to always want to impact others positively.
My father’s passion for mental health has inspired many including myself, and it was the motivation for me to undertake a master’s degree in healthcare ethics and law, with a focus on mental health law.
His desire to positively impact the church by raising awareness of mental health issues did not only start through this book but has been part of his pastoral ministry and professional journey over several years.
This book reflects my father’s personal experience as he blends his professional role as a consultant psychiatrist with his pastoral responsibilities. For a long time, he has always acknowledged the relevance of mental health in pastoral ministry and the wider church community. This mindset resonates throughout this entire book. This
book is a memoir for ministers, church members and charitable organisations that have a heart for raising awareness of mental health issues in the church community.
This book covers mental health needs across a broad demography of people within the church, from childhood to old age, and from seekers to regular church members, and I know it will relate to the shared and common experiences of many. The chapter on diversity, race and mental health resonates with me particularly as it is something I have previously researched in my dissertation. This book will be a useful and helpful resource for ministers and church members in their understanding of mental health issues in the church. It will enable them to know how, when and where to signpost people to seek specialist mental health services when this is necessary.
I believe that this book will positively influence how the church community perceives mental health issues and underscores the caring role of the church.
As Christians, we are meant to reflect the ministry of Jesus Christ who ministered to the “whole person” including their mental health. I therefore wholeheartedly commend this book to every
minister and Church worker who delights in impacting the “whole person”.
Dr Sarah Kemi Adewunmi
