By the Rev. Aaron Buttery, C4SO’s NextGen Leader
The rates of mental and emotional health challenges are rising across our society but the highest are among our young people—those under the age of 21. Rates of young people being diagnosed, treated for or seeking help for anxiety, depression and self-harm rose sharply during the pandemic and have only continued to rise. Even before the unique pressures of COVID-19, the National Institute of Health reported one out of three adolescents experiences an anxiety disorder.
We, the Kingdom community, need to continue to create safe places of belonging and healing for the young people in our communities. Our student ministries stand on the front lines to offer students welcome and healing as they meet Jesus, who comes alongside them in their struggles. The Kingdom that Jesus spoke about and inhabits, that orients our lives and citizenship, is marked by abundant life, expressive joy, and the healing presence of God. The Church community welcomes the embodiment and encouragement of this Kingdom and has historically been connected to healing and wellness for all people.
To begin or continue offering students a safe place for healing, host a three-part conversation that will help students see how their current struggle matters to Jesus and to us as their leaders. You’ll want to tailor these ideas to your unique student community.
Conversation Titles:
Part #1: Anxiety and Assurance
Part #2: Depression and Hope
Part #3: Self-harm and Holy Love
Scripture Readings:
Psalm 29:1-2, 9-11; Lamentations 3:19-23; 1 John 3:1-3
Key Conversation Elements:
- Saints are NOT those who have no laments, hurts, anxiety, depression, or self-harm. We cry mercy, praying, “O Lord make speed to save us, make haste to help us” because we know we need it.
- Saints ARE those who welcome Jesus or remain in Jesus, bringing lament, hurt, anxiety, depression and self-harm into that relationship as openly as possible each day.
- Everyone experiences mental and emotional challenges in different ways and at different times.
- Jesus does not need you to be without mental and emotional struggles. He is present with you, offering assurance of who he is and who you are. He provides hope for the next moment and holy love as his defining movement in our direction.
- Faith is not a prescription but a person.
- Good medical support is a powerful help.
Additional Suggestions:
- Invite a trusted counselor (properly screened and compliant with C4SO’s Child and Youth Protection) to be present for the conversations. This gives students an immediate resource if during the conversation they are triggered or recognize a need in themselves. It can also help us as leaders remember our own limits in education, practice and capacity.
- Bring in an artist to create opportunities for students to express their struggle or healing through the arts. Often, we can articulate through drawing, painting or music before we have words.
- Gather the parents of your students for a weekly virtual or in-person prayer time to cry out together for our children’s healing, as well as for our own.
- Curate a list of trusted counselors to distribute to students.
- Create a fund to help students with counseling costs.
- Train adult volunteers to recognize signs of mental and emotional health challenges in students.
- Resource parents with conversation tools to walk alongside their children.
Closing Prayer:
Almighty Father, your Son Jesus ministered to all who came to him: Look with compassion upon all who through anxiety, depression, or self-harm have lost their health and freedom. By your Holy Spirit, restore to them the assurance of your unfailing mercy; remove from them the fears that beset them; strengthen them in understanding and persevering love. Amen (Occasional Prayer #62, adapted)
Join Aaron and other NextGen Leaders on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11 CST on Zoom to share ways to curate student ministries that welcome health and healing for our young people. Register here.
Aaron Buttery leads and facilitates C4SO’s NextGen Leadership team and serves as Director of Student Ministry, Next Generation Leadership, ACNA. As a 20+ year NextGen ministry leader, a two-time church planter, and leadership coach with Spiritual Leadership, Inc., he is the primary contact in C4SO for questions, ideas, and excitement about young people and growing young leaders. Contact him at aaron@c4so.org.