Addressing Mental Health is Integral to Holistic Ministry

Rachel Sing-Kiat Ting is professor in clinical psychology and chair of the MA in Mental Health and Ministry (MAMHM) program. Fuller’s new MA in Mental Health and Ministry degree prepares ministry and nonprofit leaders to support mental health and holistic well-being in diverse settings such as churches, faith-based and humanitarian NGOs, prisons, rehabilitation centers, addiction recovery programs, and community services. This program does not lead to licensure but is designed to empower pastors, chaplains, missionaries, and lay leaders around the globe to respond skillfully to mental health needs in their communities. Our long commitment to integrating theology and psychology uniquely positions Fuller to offer deeply rooted spiritual formation alongside rigorous mental health training.

FULLER: How might you generally describe the pressing mental health needs of the church during the season we’re living in?

RACHEL SING-KIAT TING: The global church is facing shared challenges of geopolitical insecurity and conflict, natural and human-made disasters, rapid advancements in AI and technology, and increasing diversity in human-related issues. These challenges contribute to psychological insecurity and anxiety about the future among congregants and believers. The church, as a beacon in society, is inevitably called to act as a first responder—and frontliner—to the suffering of society at large, as well as to individuals who are most vulnerable to these structural changes. Mental health needs are one aspect of a broader chain reaction stemming from socio-political and spiritual challenges.

The church is also confronted with the painful reality of how to manifest God’s presence amid human suffering and social injustice. At the same time, the church, as the body of Christ, is called to bear the pain of its most vulnerable members (including those experiencing mental health challenges), since when one part suffers, the whole body is affected. The mental health needs of the church reflect a society that is broken in its systems. And this is not a “new thing under the sun.”

FULLER: What is something you hope for the church to understand better when it comes to engaging with and attending to mental health?

RACHEL SING-KIAT TING: Mental health is one aspect of holistic health and is closely intertwined with spiritual and physical well-being. I hope the church can come to see it as part of a holistic approach, rather than categorizing it simply with “mental illness” or viewing it solely as the domain of psychologists or professionals. Mental health should be demystified and destigmatized within the church. Those who struggle with mental health challenges should be understood through the language of “human suffering,” rather than purely “medical” (illness-based) or purely “spiritual” (sin-based) explanations.

When we recognize mental health as a normal part of human life and the spiritual journey, we can develop a more balanced perspective—one that fosters understanding and acceptance of the mental health challenges believers face, often arising from an imbalance between resources and stressors. In doing so, the church can also draw on the healing resources within its faith tradition, as well as the wisdom found in culture.

FULLER: What difference do you envision Christian leaders can bring to the church and the world by being better trained to address the mental health needs in their contexts and communities?

RACHEL SING-KIAT TING: With better training and equipping, Christian leaders can model God’s incarnational love to their congregations, like shepherds seeking lost sheep. A holistic understanding of mental health can cultivate greater compassion in church leaders, enabling them to reach out to communities that are suffering and struggling—with matters ranging from addiction, marital discord, burnout, depression, anxiety, bereavement and grief, chronic disabilities, neurodivergence, childhood trauma and more. By drawing on frameworks that integrate Christian faith with psychological science, leaders can design more effective, sensitive, ministry-oriented care programs for those in need. They can also equip their congregations to walk alongside individuals on their journey of recovery, offering support to those experiencing mental health challenges.

FULLER: What would you say to somebody who might be considering whether Fuller’s MA in Mental Health and Ministry is the program for them?

RACHEL SING-KIAT TING: This program is designed to equip Christian leaders and ministers who are passionate about caring for the vulnerable. If you find yourself seeking more skills, knowledge, and practical tools for caring and helping ministries, the MAMHM program could be a strong fit for you.

The program is also well-suited for part-time students who need to work while pursuing a graduate degree. As a fully online and asynchronous program, it offers flexibility for those living in different time zones, allowing students to study at their own pace and from their own locations.

We also emphasize a global perspective on mental health by engaging an international team of teaching affiliates who contribute to core courses. Students have the opportunity to grow alongside peers and faculty from diverse backgrounds, fostering mutual learning in a community of leaders who share a common vision for care ministry.

Interested in better addressing mental health and holistic well-being among your community? Learn more about Fuller’s MA in Mental Health and Ministry, which empowers ministry and nonprofit leaders to respond skillfully to mental health needs in their diverse contexts—such as churches, faith-based and humanitarian NGOs, prisons, rehabilitation centers, addiction recovery programs, community services, and more.