This month’s post is offered by Intersect chaplain, Mike Ford.
As a Chaplain for Intersect, I get to come alongside clients who have questions about faith, who need compassion and encouragement, and who often desire spiritual community. Yet, when presented with options to connect with a mosque/synagogue/church, these clients find it hard to physically attend a congregational worship service or fellowship event because of their mental health challenges and life circumstances.
Sometimes, it’s the overwhelming anxiety of meeting new people or learning unfamiliar worship patterns. Other times, depression and lack of motivation get in the way. And still other times, it’s a logistical challenge, such as not having transportation. Yet, despite all this, we are trying to find ways to build bridges and make connections.
One of our latest initiatives is going to a church with our clients on Sunday morning. My schedule recently changed, providing me with the freedom to offer this support. Two of our clients had specific churches they wanted to attend but faced the challenges of getting there as well as not wanting to attend alone on their first visit. It’s been a joy to accompany them to these churches, help them meet people, and raise the hope that they’ll continue to experience new relationships and support in these congregations.
Yet, there aren’t quick and happy endings. Struggling with mental health and connecting deeply with spiritual communities takes lots of time. It’s a long process with ups and downs rather than a quick and easy linear path to success and relationships.
One of our clients, Chris (who gave permission to share his name and story), recently reflected on his experience connecting with Restoration Church in Levittown, PA. Chris and I visited a Sunday morning worship service at Restoration several months ago, and Chris continues to try and connect with them. “Sometimes I don’t attend because of lack of motivation, or because I sleep in too long on Sunday mornings,” said Chris. “I do watch online when I don’t attend, due to the convenience. But I also struggle attending because I fear that I won’t fit in with the congregation, that I’ll feel uncomfortable. With bipolar disorder, you just never know if you’re going to go up or down.”
Chris has since attended both online and in person and met for lunch with the pastor at Restoration. “Meeting with Pastor Ross played a big factor in my ongoing connection with Restoration, as he cares and gives good advice. I don’t feel out of place now when I attend, and they have been very welcoming, making it easy to find connection with them. Congregation members there aren’t judgy, and they are very nice people. The worship allows me to feel connected to God more and helps me find purpose. I love how the church incorporates greeting one another, making it easier to meet new people.”
And the journey continues for Chris and many others at the intersection of faith and mental health. We at Intersect are honored to be part of the long process, helping people find and connect with communities that love and care about them.
