Date

12-19-2023

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

David L. Barnett

Keywords

Bipolar disorder, Religious ministry, Educational program for ministry leaders, Support for adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder, Ministry Leaders’ Educational Plan, Evidence-based research on bipolar disorder, Biblical foundations for mental health support, Signs associated with bipolar disorder, Supportive, spiritually nurturing, and cognitively stimulating environment, Mixed-methods approach in mental health research, Pre- and post-test surveys, In-depth interviews and focus groups, Ministry leaders’ experiences with bipolar disorder, Tailored interventions for bipolar disorder, Inclusive and understanding religious community, Faith communities’ mental health support systems, Reducing stigma and promoting inclusion, Enhancing the well-being of adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder, Church-based mental health interventions, Religious perspectives on bipolar disorder, Mental health literacy in religious communities, Faith-based support for mental health disorders, Role of ministry leaders in mental health support, Religious community and mental health stigma, Bipolar disorder awareness in faith communities, Religious coping strategies for bipolar disorder, Church-based educational programs for mental health, Spiritual care for individuals with bipolar disorder

Disciplines

Religion

Abstract

Bipolar disorder poses significant challenges for individuals and their communities, particularly within religious ministry. This research project addressed the need for an educational program that equips ministry leaders to support adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder effectively. The Love Faith Church (LFC) in Columbia, South Carolina, serves as the focal point for this study. This project included the development of an eight-week Ministry Leaders’ Educational Plan to educate ministry leaders about bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults. It emphasized evidence-based research and biblical foundations to help ministry leaders better understand and recognize the signs associated with bipolar disorder. The program further guided leaders in creating a supportive, spiritually nurturing, and cognitively stimulating environment for these individuals. The study leveraged a mixed-methods approach, encompassing quantitative and qualitative research techniques. Pre- and post-test surveys were conducted to gauge ministry leaders’ perspectives and measure changes in knowledge, communication, and leadership abilities. In-depth interviews and focus groups provided qualitative insights into the experiences and opinions of ministry leaders. This research project bridged a significant gap in the literature by focusing on ministry leaders’ experiences in addressing bipolar disorder in adolescents and young adults within a church setting. Doing so addressed the critical need for tailored interventions in this field. The goal was to empower ministry leaders to better serve and support individuals with bipolar disorder, fostering a more inclusive and understanding religious community. In conclusion, this research project represented a vital step toward improving faith communities’ mental health support systems. Equipping ministry leaders with the knowledge and skills helped reduce stigma, promote inclusion, and enhance the well-being of adolescents and young adults with bipolar disorder.

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