Moments ago I saw the news of an American megachurch pastor, Andrew Stoecklein, who took his own life after a battle with depression and anxiety. Almost immediately the commentary on Facebook began. As a pastor who battles mental health struggles, I feel compelled to insert a few thoughts into the discussion.

But first, my heart goes out to Andrew’s family. This is a world-shattering moment for them. I pray that God will give them comfort and hope in the middle of this terrible and painful time.

Here are the three things I want to say to the rest of us in this moment:

1) Discouragement is not depression.

Don’t trivialise Andrew’s story by confusing depression with discouragement.

It is quite common in moments like this—and I’ve already seen it today—for people to start talking about how hard it is to be a pastor and how discouraging it can be. This is true, perhaps, but it is not the point.

Andrew didn’t die of discouragement. He died, according to first reports, of mental illness. Depression is not the same as discouragement. It is dangerous to confuse the two because while discouragement is very hard, it is nothing compared to depression. Nothing.

2) Isolation is the cause, not the solution.

One of the themes that comes up in response to a story like this—and again, I’ve seen it already today—is to explain how hard it is for pastors and how they are different from the rest of us and need much more support and prayer. And again, perhaps there is some truth in this. But it again misses the point.

The point is that a pastor isn’t different. He’s a normal person. The last thing he needs is to be put up on a pedestal where he is looked upon with awe for all that he does. The pedestal is unbiblical and it’s unhealthy. It may be intended as a deference to the pastor’s wisdom and position and work, but in reality, it isolates him as above; other. And he’s not.

The answer to the pastor’s pressure-filled life is to spread the work load. Everyone pitches in instead of acting like the pastor is the one who is supposed to do the work of the ministry (see Ephesians 4). And then get him down off that pedestal. He needs to hang with mates just like you do. If he has mental illness, he needs medical support and probably ongoing therapy. He’s got to be free to do this without being looked down on.

We sometimes feel that elevating him will help. In reality, elevation creates isolation. And isolation is the problem, not the solution.

3) Get his message.

Here’s a guy—if he fits the normal stats for mental health struggles—who could have quit a thousand times. And it is a stunning testimony to grace that he didn’t. Instead, he lived out what he preached. And from the sounds of it, he did it under an intensity of pain that some go a lifetime without experiencing.

So his death, and the manner of his death, does not undermine his message. It underlines it.

Thank God for Andrew’s life. Glorify God in his death. Love and serve the Andrews who sit all around you at church, at work, and in your social life.

The curse has done its worst today. But God owns tomorrow.

The mud, and blood,
And tear-soaked stains
Can’t quell the anthem:
Our God reigns!

Grace to you.

 

NOTE: If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia), Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 (Australia), or a church nearby.

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About Jason Harris

Dr Jason Harris is a writer, pastor, and academic. He has authored multiple books, articles, and papers including his book Theological Meditations on the Gospel. Jason has a PhD from James Cook University as well as degrees in theology, music, accounting, and research. Jason has lived in Cairns, Australia since 2007 and serves as pastor at CrossPoint Church. You can contact Jason at jason@jasonharris.com.au.

5 Comments

  1. Joy 28 August, 2018 at 8:32 pm

    How very sad. Thank you for this excellent article. We all need more awareness.

  2. Tara Gill 29 August, 2018 at 8:56 am

    Thank you Jason, mental illness for Christians is just as painful as anyone else. Probably more so, as we have our hearts fixed on heaven and have a divine physician. Often we deny we have a problem because we think it shouldn’t happen to us. I appreciate your article as one who has experienced family members with mental illness personally, and also know the gaping hole of pain left by suicide.
    I also admire your willingness as a Pastor to speak out about many things.
    Many of us, myself included have looked up to Pastors as though they were extra-spiritual men. Now I am looking unto Jesus.
    The body of Christ is all its parts, not just a head. Good article.

  3. Terri Genocchio 29 August, 2018 at 10:05 am

    Thank you for sharing;
    depression is not the same as discouragement. Sadly mental illness in the church still carries a stigma and many believe the root cause to be spiritual. I feel for this family yet I also feel for this Pastor as I know the torment and struggle of choosing life or death. Death by suicide is not the ‘easy way out’ – at that point it seems like the ONLY way out. I thank God that He has used my children, and now my grandchildren to keep me choosing life over death thus far… “There but for the grace of God go I.”

  4. Jason Harris 29 August, 2018 at 6:53 pm

    @Tara Gill,

    Thanks for your comment. So good to hear from you! Very sorry to hear what you’ve been through but thankful to hear where you’re at. God is good.

    @Terri Genocchio,

    I’m sorry you are dealing with that. Yes, the stigma is strong in most of Christianity and there is much work to do to improve understanding on mental health issues. Stay in the fight, dear sister.

  5. Arlene 30 August, 2018 at 5:23 am

    What a heartbreak for him, his family & extended family. What tremendous insight for all of us to hold on to, so much compassion & truth! Thank you!!

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