A fund providing subsidies for pastors and full-time ministry staff seeking private consultations with mental health professionals was unveiled Thursday (July 6), the first day of the Christian Mental Health Conference (CMHC) 2023. 

The CMHC Pastors’ Mental Health Fund will co-pay 50% of the treatment.

Sharing that “one in 20 pastors have thought of ending their life” and that close to 6% of church leaders polled in the last 12 months have harboured such thoughts, CMHC co-chair Ps Chua Seng Lee said: “It is our way of telling pastors, the shepherds of the flock in Singapore, ‘We want to care for your mental health.’ 

“Just write to us.”  

“One in 20 pastors have thought of ending their life,” said Ps Seng Lee on Day 2 of the CMHC. Photo by the Thirst Collective.

Confidentiality concerns

“Many pastors don’t want to claim the cost for mental health treatment from the church where they work because they are conscious about confidentiality,” Ps Seng Lee had earlier told Salt&Light.

Seeded by a generous donation, the CMHC Pastors’ Mental Health Fund is being managed by the Association of Christian Counsellors (Singapore), who will link the enquiring pastor up with relevant mental health professionals. 

There will be a cap on the amount each person is allowed to claim, and the subsidy will be offered as long as funds are available.

“We hope that when shepherds are well, they are better equipped to take care of their flock,” said Ps Seng Lee at the conference. 

“This is our way of expressing our love for fellow church leaders.” 

On-site care for pastors

This year’s conference was held at Bethesda (Bedok-Tampines) Church, where Ps Seng Lee is Senior Pastor.

A counselling team of 20 mental health professionals – including counsellors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists – was on standby over the duration of the two-day event, offering support and guidance to attendees who needed it. 

“You can allow yourself to put aside your official roles and receive ministry where needed,” Ps Seng Lee assured the gathering.

“This conference is designed for pastors and church leaders. We did not open it to the public or church members in general. Why? Because we’re going to keep this a place where pastors can be free to be vulnerable.”

Further care for burnt-out pastors needing rest and refreshment was provided in the form of 20 spaces for silent retreats. They were offered on a first-come first-served basis for free (apart from a minimal fee to secure commitment), with sponsors including Far East Organization. 

Weaving a network

CMHC 2023 brought together 341 participants from 134 churches. More than half were full-time church workers and ministry leaders. About a quarter were pastors, and there were 58 lay leaders. Eighty persons were from the mental health sector.

The CMHC aims to support – as well as equip – church leaders by connecting them and their ministries with mental health professionals, training and information so that participants can go on to become a community of help to those inside and outside the church.

Half-day equipping workshops on practical skills in caring for congregants’ mental health were also added to this year’s edition of the conference, which is now in its third year.

The subsidies are offered to pastors and full-time ministry staff in Singapore. Those interested may email [email protected]. 

If you feel led to donate towards the CMHC Pastors’ Mental Health Fund, please email [email protected].

If you feel led to give towards the next Christian Mental Health Conference 2024, please email [email protected].

MORE ON CARE FOR FOR PASTORS:

“We are a sheep first to our Shepherd, before we are a shepherd of God’s people”: Rev Dr David Wong on care for pastors

“Pastors are not superheroes. We burn out too”: Ps Andre Tan on mental health care of church leaders