20 Truths from 'Madness and Grace' by Matthew S. Stanford

Author - Umn ministry

May 29, 2021

"A Practical Guide for Pastoral Care and Serious Mental Illness."

Madness, or what today we call serious mental illness, has been part of the human experience throughout recorded history. (p. 1)
In the United States, one out of every five adults (48 million) will experience mental illness in a given year. Perhaps a more disturbing statistic is that almost 60% of adults diagnosed with a mental illness receive no treatment. (p. 3)
There are simply not enough mental health-care providers to meet the growing demand for care. . . . As a result of this lack, there are ten times more individuals with mental illness in our jails and prisons in psychiatric hospitals. Our emergency rooms have become de facto psychiatric crisis clinics. (p. 9)
Research over the last seven decades has consistently demonstrated the individuals in psychological distress are more likely to seek assistance from a member of the clergy before looking for help from a PCP or psychiatrist. This is especially true in minority groups. View through the eyes of faith, it is obvious that this is not an accident but rather a divine opportunity for the church to take the lead in caring for those affected by middle illness. (p. 10)
The primary purpose of this book is to equip pastors, ministry staff, and lay ministers to better serve and support those suffering with mental illness who won assistance from the church. (p. 11)
The scriptures teach us that we live in a fallen world. The presence of illness is simply one example of the creation's brokenness. Mental illness, like all illness, is not the result of personal sin or a weak faith; rather, it is evidence that we desperately need the Savior who can heal our brokenness and make us whole. (p. 21)
Research shows that recovery in remission or possible for those with mental illness. . . . As a faithful leader, your job is not to "fix" those struggling with mental illness but simply to relieve their psychological suffering when possible while revealing the unconditional love and limitless grace that is available only through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (p. 30)