Why is LC-MS Health Ministries so concerned about educating people about severe mental illness?

A personal response from a volunteer on this project

In the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod we often talk about how the good news of the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ transforms our life both here and for eternity. We know that Jesus conquered death for us and by that victory He forgives us all our sins each and every day of our lives and promises us that we will be with Him in Heaven. This is the best news in the world.

Just as the Gospel is good news and we are compelled to share it, for me personally what I have learned through the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is such good news that I am compelled to share it.

When the troubled behavior of a dearly loved one finally drove me to an emergency room hospital door, I was in complete emotional disarray and shock. I thank God every day that knowledgeable nurses at that hospital recognized the medical illness called schizophrenia and admitted the patient for medical treatment. They told me I needed to learn accurate information about this illness and directed me to contact NAMI. A life changing event occurred for me when I was able to take NAMI’s Family to Family class. I learned about accurate symptoms of mental illness. I learned about the latest research into the brain and the discoveries that research is making in understanding how the brain works and what can go wrong, thus causing these illnesses to occur. I learned about the medications and their side effects. I learned better coping and communication skills.

I learned how many others are suffering silently with troubled loved ones or troubled behavior in themselves. I learned that a wrap around system of competent medical care which may include both a psychiatrist and a psychologist along with knowledgeable family, school, church and community support is the best remedy for mental illness.

It is my privilege to share both the Gospel and information about NAMI. To church members who often suffer in silence, I can say, “You Are Not Alone”. To those outside our churches who need a place to find acceptance, forgiveness, strength and hope, I can say, “Welcome, You Are Not Alone”.

Why Should an LC-MS Church Have a Conference?

Mental Illness can affect a person’s ability to hear the Gospel. This conference is designed to educate people about the symptoms of severe mental illness and give them an understanding that mental illness is a medical condition that needs appropriate medical attention and support. When people receive appropriate medical attention the job of the pastor to provide appropriate spiritual care becomes much easier. NAMI MO is dedicated to helping educate others about mental illness and the best methods of support and care for individuals and families. By becoming familiar with the resources that NAMI has to offer, a church can become more effective in outreach and ministry to its own members and others.

LCMS/ NAMI PROVIDES:

PowerPoint Presentation or Overheads:
This presentation covers 3 topics which may be used as separate presentations.

1. What are the symptoms of serious mental illness and how do they affect the family?
Slides 1 – 23 Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to present

2. What do people with a mental illness experience and want?
Slides 24-30 Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour to present. This part of the program can be replaced by the NAMI program, “IN OUR OWN VOICE” Allow 1 hour to 1 ½ hours

3. What can the church do to respond?
Slides 31-41 Allow 30 minutes – ask for audience suggestions

We would like to see these conferences make meaningful differences in the way churches move forward in their interaction with people affected by mental illness. This can be accomplished by using sign-up sheets for NAMI membership, Family to Family Classes, Support Groups, and other educational classes.

Display Table:
NAMI Brochures & NAMI Newsletters
Information and sign-up sheets for support groups, educational classes
Book Display (relevant to mental illness; possibly from NAMI Library)
Church Newsletters/Bulletin Inserts pertaining to mental illness
Any lists of reference material or support groups in area

Advertising:
Advertising/ Registration Brochure Template (to be adapted to individual seminar)
See “Tips for a Successful Conference”

Speakers for Event:
1. Presenter on symptoms of serious mental illness (slides 1 – 23) (Family to Family Teacher if possible)
2. “In Our Own Voice” …2 consumers to speak. If “In Our Own Voice” Recovery Education Program is not offered at NAMI Affiliate substitute with consumers willing to present their story or present slides 24 – 30.
3. Family Perspective……3 Family Members to speak (Child….Parent…Spouse or Sibling)
4. Presenter for what we would like the church to do (could be a member of the church) slides 31-39
5. NAMI Overview of Services”….NAMI representative

Evaluations:
Evaluation Template included

CHURCH PROVIDES:

***Agrees to join membership at local NAMI affiliate so the church receives information on NAMI programs and continues a relationship***
Advertising (Adapt template to individual seminar)
Registration (Walk Ins Welcome…however 2x fee for early registration!)
Person to provide a welcome to people, an invitation to be part of the church community
Light Breakfast, Luncheon, &/or snacks (Optional)
TV/VCR
Computer/Power Point Projector-or-Overhead Projector
Microphones/Podium
Pens/Pencils & Paper & Name Tags
Greeters at Door
Registration Table & Attendants
Bathrooms (At start of conference mention the location)
Set Up and Clean Up

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans helped fund this project. We suggest contacting local agents to make them aware of the conference and to invite them to attend. Ask them to participate by helping to advertise the conference in local chapters and by setting up a display.