Online Reporter
Kyle Johnston-Matters of Faith
This talk is the first of two delivered at the 2024 REACH SA Gauteng Men’s Convention hosted at Christ Church Blairgowrie, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Is mental health for men? Is it even a real thing? Some Christians think that it isn’t.
It’s a hot topic. It’s an important one too. But while we often hear about mental health in the world, the church tends to say little — especially concerning mental health for men. Sadly, there is often a taboo around mental health conversations. It is deemed unmanly, too be taken up with how one is feeling or struggling. Because of this culture in the church, many men are left wondering if God has anything to say about mental health; worse still, some conclude that it’s irrelevant and unrelated to their faith.
When mental health meets God’s truth
Upfront, Kyle Johnston reminds us that mental health problems, in one way or another, are always spiritual. As Kyle says, “The Bible is not trying to imitate a mental health manual, but scripture recognises the human condition,” that is, our fallen condition as those who live in a broken world. The Bible doesn’t deny that things aren’t as they should be, both outside and inside of us. Surely no one understands the human condition better than the creator of humanity himself. Therefore whether we call it mental health or not, men need God’s help.
Where should men turn then, what hope do we have amid the confusion and contested nature of mental health? Well, since our problems are always spiritual in some sense we must listen to God’s word. It is here that God offers us truths to hold onto, treasure and take with us into the trenches of life. In his word God also repeatedly assures us of the freedom from shame we can enjoy in Christ. This is a critical point, since shame is regrettably often closely related with mental health struggles.
But God doesn’t only forgive us, redeeming us from sin and shame. He also summons us to rest, trusting in him when we are weak and worried, defeated and despairing. Men, you don’t need to be strong — at least, not all the time. For we have a mighty, sovereign God who upholds and helps us (Hebrews 12:12-13).
It’s probably quite close to the truth to say that many men struggle with their mental health simply because it goes unacknowledged, before others and before God. “Come to me,” Jesus says, “all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).
Kyle Johnston studied Biblical Counselling at the Master’s University, California, and obtained his PhD in Pastoral Studies at North West University, Potchefstroom. Kyle serves as a pastor at Gracefields Church, in Cape Town. Kyle is also a council member of the Biblical Counseling Coalition and serves on the leadership team of Biblical Counselling Africa.
