As mentioned in last week’s article, student ministry can be stressful. It can cause sleepless nights and painful weeks as we help students navigate this world that is increasingly hostile toward believers. My children are grown, but even now, I worry about my future grandchildren and the culture that awaits them as teenagers. Needless to say, there is much to be concerned about. To add to the stresses of ministry, there are the everyday stresses of life and family that all of us deal with. However, if we wish to be helpful to our students, we need to have a grip on our emotional state. We don’t have to walk around thinking everything is rainbows and lollipops, but we do need to be able to navigate stress and difficulties in an emotionally healthy manner.
Our family backgrounds are all different, so we will inevitably handle the emotions of life differently. It is important to understand what is healthy in this regard and what needs to be avoided. For example, among the many issues our students are dealing with is anxiety. It is important that we understand what it is, how it impacts people and what can be done about it. So, how do we grow and become better in this area? What are some things we should do as we serve in ministry with students and their families?
• Be curious and learn about mental health. Since we are facing an epidemic of mental disorders in our student population, we should do what we can to grow in our knowledge. Those who had the opportunity to go to Bible college, university or seminary may have had psychology or counseling classes that will help, but many did not have that privilege. If you find yourself in that place, read as much as you can. Talk with local counselors. Learn what you can, and you will be able to help your students and yourself in the process.
• Consider seeing a counselor. There was a day and age when mental health was not discussed at all. If you faced depression, anxiety or unresolved trauma, it was left to you just to figure it out. Today, that is not the case. If you have insurance, you can probably afford to see a counselor. My recommendation is to find one that shares your faith and belief because you want to be able to discuss those things openly. Additionally, you might consider meeting with one simply to maintain your emotional health. As a student ministry worker, you deal with many student issues that may pull you down. Speaking to someone may help you better navigate those feelings.
• Don’t be afraid to tackle the more difficult issues of your past. Unresolved issues will manifest themselves in unpredictable ways. Take time to discuss the hard things in your life with someone. If you don’t wish to spend time with a professional counselor, find a minister outside your local congregation who can help you work through your issues.
It is not enough for us to paste on a smile as we lead our ministries. We need to be in emotionally healthy places, and that requires work on our part and a willingness to be vulnerable. God created us as emotional beings, and working for health in that area honors God greatly.
