Kent Patterson New to the Kenosis Crew
Minister: attend to the needs of someone. Ministry takes on many roles and touches on multiple aspects of life, including mental health. Acting as a shepherd, ministers are called to lead by example, and also counsel those in need in their community. Kent Patterson has been a minister for 35 years, also having a masters in counseling he embodies what ministry is. Recently he’s been pursuing certification as a Parent Support Provider to work with families of mentally ill children having experience with his own son’s illness. A background in ministry and his own family life struggles make for Kent’s insight and service in the field of mental health being a real asset to his and the Kenosis community.
Stand Against Stigma as the “Shepherd”
“Among all professions, those in ministry experience the third highest rates of suicide,” reports Kent. This statistic may be due to the mental health stigma seen among some Christian communities. Stemming from lack of education or misinformation, beliefs continue to exist that stigmatize mental health issues and even treatments. These views often perceive certain mental illnesses and treatments as worldly and even sinful which is detrimental to those who suffer from these mental health problems. Dr. Springer, a licensed psychologist, who also has a focus in suicide prevention shares similar ideas with Kent regarding ministerial mental health. She states in her article on Psychology Today‘s website, “…when clergy become public examples of strength, there is an additional pressure placed on their shoulders, as they hold the hope of those within the sphere of ministry.” Fear of reaching out when dealing with feelings of loneliness and isolation is what Kent says he hopes to help prevent by providing a safe place for ministers and their families to get through these issues. In this way he wants to dispel the stigma associated with mental illness while making sure individuals know they’re loved by all and God.
Preaching from the Choir of Experience
As a pastor and someone who has experienced mental health problems himself, Kent derives some of his motivation and passion from his personal life. Within his own family he’s dealt with mental health problems, both his own and his son’s mental illness. Kent’s background gives him a unique understanding from both his role in ministry to his ongoing experience with these familial issues. His ability to relate to the struggle families face when looking for a diagnosis and dealing with the issues that appear along the way come from his own history with his son. Kent’s journey and his counseling education as well as now being a Certified Parent Support Provider (CPSP) makes him exceptionally qualified to provide assistance to those in similar situations. Above all Kent wishes to grant sanity and support with whatever issue you or a loved one are going through. A strong advocate for ending the stigma behind mental illness he finds there are times to “blame the brain,” sharing the message you are not alone or to blame in your struggle.
For additional resources, http://mentalhealthministries.net/ may offer more information and support for you or anyone struggling with mental health.
