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Made to Belong

MADE TO BELONG – A MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

Caroline is currently working toward a Doctor of Ministry degree from B. H. Carroll Theological Seminary at East Texas Baptist University. The following abstract describes her ministry project which will be scheduled for April or early May of 2027.

Abstract for Ministry Project

More than one in five adults (23.4%) in the United States experience a mental illness in a given year (https://www.nami.org/wpcontent/uploads/2025/10/NAMI_YouAreNotAlone_ 2025.pdf). Additionally, stigma related to mental health still exists in the church. This project,  Prototype Event: Made to Belong – A Mental Health Symposium at Heart of Life Church, will reveal that speaking and teaching about mental health within the church leads to greater acceptance of church members living with mental health challenges resulting in increased compassion and encouragement for those individuals within the congregation. The theological foundation for this project includes principles from biblical anthropology, Christology, ecclesiology, and pastoral theology. To summarize: God created everyone. We are made to belong to his kingdom and called to a relationship with Jesus. Pastors, leaders, and congregants are expected to meet the holistic needs of fellow church members. The Made to Belong event uses a heuristic phenomenological methodology. The following research methods will be employed: focus groups, interviews, observations, and pre- and post-symposium surveys. Symposium activities will include presentations, testimonials, roundtable conversations, and a panel discussion with a question and answer (Q&A) session. As a prototype event, the project has a dual purpose. First, data analysis will determine if revisions are needed to increase the effectiveness of future symposiums. An associated goal is that the materials and methods used will result in a meaningful and successful event. The second purpose is to ​present a theological foundation emphasizing that all people are created in God’s image. This includes those who live with mental health challenges. A related goal is that the symposium attendees will recognize the theological and spiritual benefits of mental health ministry and be inspired to continue learning, form collaborations, and be involved as God leads.

Biblical Support for Mental Health Ministry

Lessons from Job

    In Job 33, Elihu spoke for the first time to offer encouragement to Job. He had been listening to Job’s other three friends attempt to hold him accountable to what they perceived to be sin in his life leading to the tragic consequences of losing his family, possessions, and health. Elihu begins be assuring Job that his words are from an upright heart with sincere knowledge. He then states words of wisdom that can be applied in the Body of Christ today, especially when the Body is filled with unique and diverse individuals.

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life. Refute me if you can; array yourselves before me, take your stand. Behold, I belong to God like you; I too have been formed out of the clay. Behold, no fear of me should terrify you,Nor should my pressure weigh heavily on you. (Job 33:4-7 NASB)

Biblical principals for mental health and disability ministries

The Bible is God’s Word, filled with truth and wisdom. The following principals form the foundation for Made to Belong Ministry. All services and activities will be established using a biblical foundation.
  1. God created humans in his image and shows no favoritism among them.
    • Creation of man and woman (Gn 1:27; Gn 2:7).
    • No partiality (Dt 10:17; Acts 10:34-35; Gal 2:6; Eph 6:9)
  1. God has a purpose and a plan for all individuals.
    • God’s plan is for our good (Jer 29:11).
    • It is possible to reject God’s plan (Lk 7:29-30).
    • God promises good for those called according to his purpose (Rom 8:28).
    • We are prepared for a purpose (2 Cor 5:4-5).
    • We are predestined according to purpose (Eph 1:9-12).
  1. God is the great healer but does not miraculously heal or rescue everyone.
    • Moses – speech impediment (Ex 4:10-17)
    • Mephibosheth – lame (2 Sm 4:4; 9:6-13; 19:24-30; 21:7-8)
    • Paul – unknown condition caused by a messenger of Satan (2 Cor 12:7-10; Gal 4:12-14)
    • Timothy – gut issues (1 Tm 5:23)
  1. God has instructed his people to care for those with a variety of needs.
    • Jesus used a parable to describe caring for the hungry, thirsty, lonely, poor, sick, and prisoners. (Mt 25:34-40).
    • Job assisted others before being afflicted himself (Jb 29:1-2, 15-16).
    • Weaker members of the Body may have more honor; care for each other (1 Cor 12:22-25).
    • Show compassion in humility; bear with one another; forgive; put on love (Col 3:12-14).
    • Support those who have been in prison (Phlm 10-11).
    • Care for widows and orphans (James 1:27).
  1. God welcomes everyone who believes into his body, even those who may not understand or verbalize their belief.
    • Everyone who believes in Jesus will be saved (Jn 3:16-17).
    • The remnant of God includes the disabled and the outcasts (Jer 31:8; Mi 4:6-7; Zep 3:19).
    • Jesus came to preach to the poor, captive, disabled, and oppressed (Mt 11:5; Lk 4:18; Lk 7:22)
    • The sick and disabled will be healed when Christ returns (Is 35:5-6)