FRONTLINES: Equipping Christian Leaders to Respond to Adolescent and Young Adult MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

by Kevin Van Lant, Holly Morris, Lauren Richardon

The purpose of this manual is to accompany in-person training that will equip youth pastors, lay leaders and educators to assess and triage common adolescent and young adult mental health issues. Christian youth leaders and educators are often on the interpersonal frontlines of our current mental health crisis, and so are in need of more information on the care and triaging of those suffering from mental illness. This is particularly important because many of those in your care will typically consult with youth pastors, teachers and lay leaders before seeking care from a mental health professional. Furthermore, because more than 50% of all chronic mental illness manifests prior to age 14, youth pastors, educators and lay leaders are in a unique position that allows them to intervene in the early stages of someone’s mental health journey, possibly mitigating future suffering. Although this aspect of your ministry role may at times seem somewhat daunting, it is also an opportunity to make a lasting, positive impact! With this book and through training, it is our goal to equip you with language and tools to respond with compassion and knowledge to those who are suffering with mental health issues. Upon completing the Frontlines training, you will be able to triage common mental health concerns experienced by those in your care.

144 pages, Paperback

Published August 10, 2020