Black Pastors' Mental Health Experiences and the Influence on their Responses to Mental Health

Pastors are often expected, both explicitly and implicitly, to assume myriad of responsibilities in the lives of their parishioners and within the communities they serve (Avent, Cashwell, & Brown, 2015). These roles may include but are not limited to spiritual leader, surrogate parent, legal advisors and advocates, educational leaders, and counselors. These roles not only speak to the stress that pastors undertake but they may also suggest the magnitude of communities? needs. (Avent et al., 2015; Lincoln & Mamiya, 1990). One area of pastoral experience that warrants more increased attention is their own mental health and the ways in which their mental well-being informs their response to their congregation?s mental health needs. Although these roles are often rewarding, they are no doubt taxing and stressful as well; however, mental health is an area that remains largely ignored or stigmatized in Black churches (Avent & Wong, 2018). Pastors? beliefs about mental health are incredibly influential on the perspectives, attitudes, and help-seeking behaviors of parishioners (citation). Thus, it is imperative that future researchers examine Black pastors? attitudes and personal coping practices as the consequences are far-reaching for the church in North America and society at-large.

Scholars @ ECU