In recent years, the overall rate of mental illness in China has shown a steady upward trend. According to relevant surveys, the lifetime prevalence rate of depression in China is around 6.8%. In 2020, the rate of depression detected among Chinese adolescents was 24.6%, with 7.4% classified as severe. Christians, including pastors and church staff, can also suffer from depression and other mental illnesses.
Pastor Fang, who serves in a southern church in China, said that most churches were unfamiliar with psychology in the past. When believers faced psychological issues, pastors often perceived them as matters of faith. The consequences were negative: some believers left the church in discouragement, while others stayed but became numb. Occasionally, some pastors would admit their lack of psychological knowledge and refer individuals to psychological institutions, leaving the matter entirely to the field of psychology.
In response, Pastor Fang believes that psychological knowledge is indeed necessary for the church, but it must not be used exclusively to counsel and help believers. She explained that emotions are created by God and are beneficial to us. Emotions act as antennas through which we can receive from God and can also help us sense our internal struggles in a timely way so that we can make necessary adjustments. However, we must not blindly pursue feelings. She specifically mentioned that some people excessively dig into issues related to their original family in hopes of breaking generational curses through spiritual healing. Pastor Fang believes that while such practices are not inherently wrong, they should not be overemphasized at the expense of more important matters.
Jesus gave the Great Commission to his disciples—to go and preach the gospel—but he didn't say this to disciples who had all their personal problems sorted out. Even though the disciples had their own issues, they were still called to carry out the Great Commission. Likewise, the issue of mental and emotional health is also important. Another pastor, surnamed Dong, observes that some people appear fine while serving God, but they are continually weakened by recurring internal struggles, which hinder them from "running the race." To truly live out the Great Commission, such issues must be addressed.
Pastor Fang believes that the problems people are unable to overcome are often deeply entrenched strongholds. They are sins within them that must be confronted and defeated in the name of the Lord Jesus. She said, "People often say, 'I have a problem…,' but they treat it merely as a problem, without realizing it is sin. Only when one recognizes it as sin will they be willing to pay the price to overcome it. What is the Christian faith? When we are willing to die to solve a 'problem' (which is sin), we are born again. Wherever we die, that is where we will be born again."
She encourages Christians to recognize their sin, make declarations where needed, explore their roots if necessary, but more importantly, bring their problems before the Lord Jesus. That is the real path forward.
Pastor Wen, of the same church, noted that psychology was originally built upon the Christian faith and is simply a tool that should be viewed objectively. Quite a few staff members in their church have obtained counseling licenses so that they can use the tool effectively. In their study, they have learned many concrete methods of helping others, but more importantly, they have learned discernment. Studying psychology with spiritual understanding helps one see the logic behind it, identifying which methods are appropriate and which are not. Additionally, psychology can function as a magnifying glass or a telescope, helping us perceive many issues more clearly—at which point we must quickly pause and bring those issues before God.
Pastor Wen states that pastors and church workers need to have a basic grasp of psychological knowledge. When someone in the church shows signs of a possible psychological issue, leaders might make accurate judgments on whether professional intervention is needed or if it is simply an emotional issue that can be resolved with appropriate support. By enjoying the benefits that psychology as a tool brings, while also avoiding its pitfalls, the church can better serve its people.
Originally published by the Christian Times
- Edite by Katherine Guo and translated by Charlie Li
