Abstract
Many studies prove that people seek out their pastors first when experiencing a mental health crisis; however, there is a lack of studies showing how pastors minister to those experiencing a mental health crisis. This study uses qualitative interviews of 11 pastors in the Northern California region to gain an understanding of their experiences and perceptions in ministering to congregants with mental illnesses. This study found that pastors desire to play a supporting role in the lives of their congregants with a mental illness, to help break stigma that exists around mental illness in the church, that they were not properly prepared to work with a congregant with a mental illness, and that there is a lack of collaboration between pastors and mental health professionals. These findings can affect future policy and practice surrounding regulations for pastors working with mentally ill congregants.