Commission on Mental Illness

Mission Statement:

To make it possible for the mentally ill to be as fully involved as possible in the work of the congregation.

The LCMS Health Ministries Commits itself, on behalf of the chronically mentally ill and their families to welcome the chronically mentally ill into the life of the local congregation, support the families of the ill in ways that alleviate their heavy burdens of care, and to enhance the skills of congregational care-givers in their ministry to the chronically mentally ill. This ministry arises out of our faith. We believe that all members of the human race, the chronically mentally ill not less than others, have been redeemed by the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. We invite them into the fellowship of faith with us. We believe that all people, including the mentally ill, baptized into the community of faith, need to be nurtured by the gospel within the framework of their special needs. And we recognize that the local congregation is a community of God's people, one of whose hallmarks is mutual care and support. Available "Health Notes" - a publication from Wheatridge Ministries on Depression & Mental Health.

For additional information:

• Mental Illness Manual
• Chronic Mental Illness: Facts and Myths - Article from Michigan In Touch Oct/Nov 2006
• Ministering to those with Chronic Mental Illness - Article from Michigan In Touch Oct/Nov 2006
• So What do We do From Here? - Article from Michigan In Touch Oct/Nov 2006
• Chronic Mental Illness Outreach: Education is the Key - Article from Michigan In Touch Oct/Nov 2006

For additional assistance please contact Rev. Warren Paulson at 888.225.2111.