Seasoned Faith Leader Sheds Light on Lack of Support for Clergy with Mental Illness in Debut Book

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark., June 7, 2021 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- No one person is exempt from experiencing health issues in life, and mental illness is no exception. When faced with a mental health diagnosis, many people turn to their support system – family, friends, and their community at large – as they navigate challenges and stigma. But members of the clergy face unique challenges when being open with their congregation and fellow faith leaders about a diagnosed mental illness, and resources to help them maneuver this experience are sparse.

In author Stacy E. Cupples' debut book, "The Mental Pastor: Understanding Mental Illness of the Clergy," Cupples tackles the issues and stigma surrounding mental health concerns in communities of faith. "The Mental Pastor" chronicles the author's experiences spanning 11 years of ministry and being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Cupples' book focuses on the unique difficulties that members of the clergy face when the church they serve expects perfection and views mental illness as a shortcoming as opposed to a manageable health concern.

"I wrote this book because I want to remind pastors and other faith leaders that it is okay to have a mental illness and still be in ministry," Cupples said. "A health condition should not stand in the way of their calling to serve God and lead others to do so as well. Our pastors need support in this area – they can only best lead us if they are also able to care for themselves without discrimination. Mental illness is not a negative thing or a failing."

Ultimately, "The Mental Pastor" is a gentle, supportive resource that empowers faith leaders with mental illnesses to continue to serve, even if society says no. Cupples' book raises awareness about this crucial issue, and through it, he hopes to encourage churches to shift their viewpoint away from seeing mental illness as brokenness and toward understanding it as a health concern requiring treatment.

"The Mental Pastor: Understanding Mental Illness of the Clergy"
By Stacy E. Cupples
ISBN: 978-1-6642-2529-9 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-2531-2 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-2530-5 (e)
Available through WestBow Press, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and ChristianBook.com

About the author
Stacy E. Cupples is a denominational leader in northern Arkansas, and he has served in ministry for over 25 years as a church planter, radio broadcaster, pastor, and missionary. Cupples received his Master of Divinity degree specializing in Christian Education from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife Shannon, who contributed to "The Mental Pastor," have been married for 28 years and have three wonderful grown daughters. To learn more, please visit http://www.thementalpastorbook.com.

General Inquiries, Review Copies & Interview Requests:
LAVIDGE – Phoenix
Danielle Grobmeier
480-648-7557
[email protected]

Media Contact

Danielle Grobmeier, LAVIDGE, 480-648-7557, [email protected]

SOURCE LAVIDGE