Should A Minister Be Able To Preach?

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister? If not, should he turn in his license?

I only ask, because if a preacher is going through major depression, maybe he shouldn't be preaching to a bunch of happy people. Does his depression negate the "call of God"? Should he sit and seek council if he is mentally ill?

I know this might be a dumb thread, but in light of some ex pentecostals who obviously had issues, I was wondering if this was Gods way of sitting a minister down.

Depression is not from God and a minister who has it need only lead by example:
1. If it is a chemical imbalance then they should be evaluated and treated with the lowest dose of medication that is possible.
2. If it is situational then they should do what they preach to others to do about it: trust God and give the situation over to Him.

God will not use depression to 'sit a minister down'. That is just another man's opinion of what God has going on which is usually wrong. Depression is not from God.

Blessings, Rhoni

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Encryptus

B.E.,

Personally know G.C. quality evangelists who preached great revivals while in the grip of suicidal depression.

For some reason depression is equated to SAD.

In most cases even clinical depression the person has a flat affect. More often than not its symptoms include LACK of emotion.

Can an experienced evangelist preach through it? Yes

SHOULD they? Totally different question.

However, until Evangelicals as a whole get better educated on the issue. It will continue to be masked, and hidden.

Yes, it is wrong for a Christian to remain in a mental state of sadness. But more often than not clinical depression involves a treatable chemical imbalance.

If your faith allows you to take heart medicine, or insulin for diabetes then you should not hesitate to seek professional medical help.

Should one continue to minister? Impossible to answer, must be evaluated on a case by case basis.

Some people are just looking for reasons why this one or that one "shouldn't preach"... As if anyone is perfect has has things all figured out...

I'm reminded of some words I read somewhere...


Mat 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.


The concept is eerily familiar... Make a whole bunch of edicts about why this one or that one shouldn't be allowed to do this or that... and not do anything to see if they can help anyone get through what they're going through...

So much for loving one another "as I have loved you"...

[staysharp]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

What if he is to depressed to obey Gods call?

Your thread is too depressing!!!

[OneAccord]

This is a difficult question to answer with the information thats been given. The problem is with the word "depression" and how it is defined.

Some of the greatest minds in history are those of people who would be diagnosed as clinically depressed by todays standards. It is said Abraham Lincoln suffered from terrible depression. The 19th century preacher Spurgeon was severely depressed. I read an "analysis" of Jesus based on His life as given in the Gospels. He was diagnosed as "suicidal" and clinically depressed. Every preacher, every minister, and everybody, for that matter, suffers from depression in some degree or another. Its not their "illness" that determines whether or not they should fulfill their lifes role. It is how they deal with, or handle their depression. How they respond to it...that is the key in determining their ability to lead. Think of King Saul. His depression lead him to react in irrational ways. He lost his leadership abilities. Others, like David, after his sin, was severely depressed. But Davids depression lead him to pen some of the greatest Psalms of his career, many of which help us to deal with our depression and anxieties.

I wouldn't say anyone who suffers from depression should be removed from their position of authority, unless their "illness" diminshes their leadership abilities.

[BrotherEastman]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

Depression is not from God and a minister who has it need only lead by example:
1. If it is a chemical imbalance then they should be evaluated and treated with the lowest dose of medication that is possible.
2. If it is situational then they should do what they preach to others to do about it: trust God and give the situation over to Him.

God will not use depression to 'sit a minister down'. That is just another man's opinion of what God has going on which is usually wrong. Depression is not from God.

Blessings, Rhoni

But what if a minister suffered lots of abuse as a child, and thinks he is called because he heard ''a voice"? There are people who are in psyche wards that hear voices all the time.

[Neck]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

Question, does anyone here believe that a minister who suffers from depression be able to minister? If not, should he turn in his license?

I only ask, because if a preacher is going through major depression, maybe he shouldn't be preaching to a bunch of happy people. Does his depression negate the "call of God"? Should he sit and seek council if he is mentally ill?

I know this might be a dumb thread, but in light of some ex pentecostals who obviously had issues, I was wondering if this was Gods way of sitting a minister down.

Last time I checked depression is not a sin.

[Encryptus]

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

But what if a minister suffered lots of abuse as a child, and thinks he is called because he heard ''a voice"? There are people who are in psyche wards that hear voices all the time.

Depression- your original question, has NOTHING to do with "hearing voices"

If you are suggesting on starting a thread on how to you know if the voice you are hearing is of God- that would be a different theme altogether.

Sounds almost as though you have a particular "friend" in mind. Visiting with a professional should be paramount if there is a possibility of psychosis.

[Nahum]

Two thoughts:


1. Elijah under a juniper and then in a cave.

2. Jonah underneath it all.


Did God use them during their depression?

Originally Posted by BrotherEastman

But what if a minister suffered lots of abuse as a child, and thinks he is called because he heard ''a voice"? There are people who are in psyche wards that hear voices all the time.

Stay with us Easty... don't drift off into la-la-land.