Date

8-6-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Scott Edgar

Keywords

African American, biblical principles, Black church, mental health, mental illness, pastoral counseling, pastoral counseling ministry, stigma.

Disciplines

Counseling

Abstract

There is a critical need to provide mental health support to the congregation in the Black church, especially at Calvary Baptist Church. During the research study, the participants have made it clear that they need more support when it comes to emotional help for those who are facing mental health challenges. To address this, initiatives such as mental health training for clergy, establishing support groups, or partnering with mental health professionals can be implemented. Based on the outcome of the one-on-one interviews, the focus group participants from Calvary shared their disappointment with the pastor and leaders for not being able to aid them with the challenges, particularly due to the lack of evidence that clergy have received training in the field of mental health. This lack of evidence should prompt leaders to take action, evoking a sense of concern. The DMIN research study employed a qualitative research method, which enabled participants to share their stories about mental health challenges and the lack of support they received from pastors and church leaders. The goal of this research study is to demonstrate a positive outcome that will justify implementing a pastoral counseling ministry model at Calvary Baptist Church. The invention design outcome is to reduce mental health stigma and bring awareness to the members and the foundation for leaders to become educated about mental health and the challenges that many face.

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