5 Leaders Breaking Christian Mental Health Stigma
For too long, the church has operated under a dangerous, silent myth: that strong faith is the only cure for mental illness. Sure, faith plays a part in ever area of a Christian’s life, but it’s not as simple as praying the pain away. This belief has forced countless Christians—including pastors—into isolation, fearing that sharing their struggles with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder (and many others) means they are disqualified from God's work.
At Sunburnt Souls, our mission is to shatter this stigma. We know first hand that you can follow Jesus and still need to manage your mental health. As our founder, Pastor Dave Quak, often says, "Faith and mental illness aren't mutually exclusive.”
One of the most effective way to change the conversation is to highlight the leaders who refuse to hide.
Here are five pastors and leaders who are openly leading the charge to normalise mental health in the Christian world.
1. Rick Warren: Turning Pain into Public Advocacy
After the heartbreaking suicide of his son, Matthew, in 2013, Pastor Rick Warren (founder of Saddleback Church) and his wife, Kay, transformed their grief into a powerful, national movement. Rick Warren shifted his ministry to openly address mental illness, emphasising that it is a brain health issue, not a faith deficit or a moral failure.
The Warrens’ advocacy has been instrumental in compelling the evangelical church to recognize its responsibility in the mental health crisis.
Key Quote:
"Jesus cared about mind, body and spirit…. One third of Jesus’ ministry was healthcare. He didn't care just about getting people to heaven. He cared about the mind, the body, and the soul. We must too."
The Warrens lead significant initiatives through Saddleback Church and their Purpose Driven Ministry to provide resources, training, and conferences aimed at equipping local congregations to become true sanctuaries of support for those struggling.
2. Dave Quak (Sunburnt Souls): Leading with Bipolar Honesty
As a pastor, husband, and dad living with bipolar disorder, Dave Quak is the defining voice behind Sunburnt Souls. He is normalising the "unideal life"—the reality of actively leading a thriving ministry while navigating chronic mental illness. Dave’s approach is centered on raw, unfiltered honesty, proving that our greatest vulnerabilities can become the platform for our most effective ministry.
His work directly counters the narrative that a mental health diagnosis disqualifies you from a full and amazing life in Christ.
Key Quote:
"God didn’t give me bipolar disorder, but He's not wasting it... His power is made perfect in my weakness."
Connect with the heart of this movement by subscribing to the Sunburnt Souls Christian Mental Health Podcast. We offer resources, courses, and devotionals specifically designed to help you integrate your faith with mental health management.
3. Scott Sauls: The Power of Dependent Weakness
Scott Sauls has been courageously transparent about his prolonged battles with chronic anxiety and depression. He has effectively used his own story to preach grace, constantly emphasising that true Christian maturity is not about hiding weakness but embracing dependence on God and community.
Sauls’ honesty gives permission for millions to seek therapy, take medication, and stop pretending they have it all together.
Key Quote:
"The greatest disservice we do to people is when we tell them to hide their struggles. The Bible never tells us to hide our struggles."
For a grounding perspective on living faithfully amid anxiety and imperfection, check out Pastor Sauls' books, which are vital guides for Christians seeking emotional honesty.
4. Sheila Walsh: Finding Grace in Clinical Depression
Though primarily a speaker and author, Sheila Walsh is one of the most visible women in Christian media to share her long-term battle with clinical depression, including her experiences with hospitalisation. She speaks widely about the emotional effects of mental illness and the shame she felt as a Christian leader.
Her willingness to be vulnerable has been a lifeline for women and men worldwide, proving that a diagnosis does not diminish God’s love or a person's calling.
Key Quote:
"I used to think my struggle with clinical depression was a sign of a lack of faith, but I’ve learned it is simply a broken place in a broken world."
Explore Sheila Walsh’s powerful books, such as It's Okay Not to Be Okay, which offer heartfelt biblical encouragement and practical wisdom for navigating emotional and mental health challenges.
5. Charles Spurgeon: A Witness to "The Gloom"
Dating back to the 19th century, Charles Haddon Spurgeon ("The Prince of Preachers") offers historical validation to the struggle. His repeated, debilitating episodes of melancholy (what we recognise as severe depression) frequently forced him to cancel sermons and retreat.
Spurgeon's legacy proves that intense spiritual gifting and powerful faith can coexist with agonizing mental distress, offering timeless comfort that your pain does not cancel your calling.
Key Quote (Reflecting on his struggles)
"The fact is, that depression of spirits is no proof of a man being out of favour with God, but it is an affliction coming upon the Godly as well as upon others."
For a deep dive into his experience, the book Spurgeon's Sorrows: Realistic Hope for Those Who Suffer from Depression provides biblical and psychological insights drawn from his life and writings.
Join the Movement to End the Silence
These Leaders are more than just speakers; they are living proof that vulnerability is where hope and healing truly begin. By sharing their truths, they have given every Christian permission to remove the mask.
At Sunburnt Souls, we are committed to providing the next wave of resources to support this movement. What is the one courageous, small step you can take today to move from isolation to community?
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