New book on depression due for release

It is estimated that 1 in 3 people will suffer some form of mental
health issue in their lifetime. This is not a problem from which
pastors are immune. Depression is as common among church leaders as it
is anywhere.

The Pastor With a Thorn in His Side is a newly published book sharing
the real life experiences of Pastors who have suffered with
depression. Each story gives an example of what depression might look
like and some of the things that have been helpful and unhelpful in
different settings.

Stephen Kneale, Pastor at Oldham Bethel Church, is both the editor and
a contributor to the book. He says: “We want to encourage honest
conversations about depression in the church and help others find
appropriate solutions and support.”

“We hope these stories will equip church members to know how to care
for church leaders or other Christians who are suffering from
depression. We think the book is important because it will help inform
the conversation around mental health in the church. Certainly it will
help readers understand what a Pastor has to deal with either if they
have depression, or when they deal with others in the congregation who
are going through the same problem.”

The team behind The Pastor With a Thorn in His Side are organising a
launch event with Q&A where several of the contributors will share
their stories of depression.