Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health

Dave Quak introduces Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health—a 4-week journey into holding your faith and mental illness side by side. Speaking as both a pastor and someone living with bipolar, Dave sets the tone for a course filled with humour, fun, and hope. You'll learn what to expect, how the daily T-Time devotions work, and why your brokenness doesn’t disqualify you—it just makes space for God to move.

In this honest opening to Week One, Dave shares what it’s like to live with bipolar disorder while serving in ministry. He reminds us that our identity isn’t found in our diagnosis or role—it’s found in being loved by God. This week is all about anchoring yourself in that truth.

Today, we explore how God’s love is like a comforting robe—covering us in every season, regardless of our mental state or performance. You’ll be invited to reflect on your identity in Christ and ask the foundational question: Do I truly know that I am loved by God?

In this quirky but powerful lesson, we reflect on how we sometimes carry around the “dead mice” of our past—hurts, shame, or old identities we haven’t let go of. You’ll be invited to consider what you're still holding onto that God has already dealt with, and to walk in the freedom and newness of life He offers.

Unlikely friendships can teach a lot! —like a monkey and a dog being best mates. In this lesson, we explore the most surprising friendship of all: the one God invites us into. Based on John 15:15, you’ll reflect on what it means to be called a friend of God and how that truth can reshape your identity and how you live

There’s nothing like the joy of a child running to their parent shouting, “Yer, Daddy!” In this lesson, we explore Romans 8:15 and the kind of relationship God longs to have with us—not one of fear or distance, but one of deep love and closeness. Discover what it means to cry out “Abba, Father” and live like a loved child of God.

In this lesson, we explore the connection between enjoying a good meal and living a life that glorifies God. Just like a chef gets glory when we savour their food, your life brings glory to God when you walk in the unique purpose He’s designed for you. Based on Ephesians 2:10, this session invites you to reflect on how your identity and calling are part of God's masterpiece.

In this lesson, we confront the lies that say we’re worthless and stand on the truth of Psalm 139: that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Even in the struggle, God sees value, purpose, and beauty in you.

Church should be the safest place for people struggling with mental health—but often it isn’t. In this brutally honest and surprisingly funny reflection, Dave shares stories of screaming strangers, misunderstood symptoms, and manic Sundays to start an important conversation. Together, you’ll begin exploring how to create churches that love people well—exactly as they are.

The church isn’t always perfect—sometimes it’s an unruly bride. But in this lesson, we reflect on the power of staying connected to community even when it’s hard. Through the lens of marriage, mental health, and commitment, you’ll be reminded that part of your healing comes not from withdrawal but from re-engaging with the people of God

What if church was truly a safe place for everyone, including those walking with anxiety, depression, or sensory challenges? In this lesson, we explore what it means to challenge the status quo and reimagine church as a space where mental health and spiritual growth can thrive side by side.

Church isn’t perfect. One moment can be powerful, the next frustrating. But in this lesson, we reflect on how easy it is—especially when we’re struggling mentally—to focus on the flaws. Instead, we’re invited to shift our gaze toward what is good and redeemable within our faith community.

Love can be confusing—especially when you're navigating mental illness and your needs change from day to day. In this honest lesson, we explore what it means to be loved in meaningful ways, and how churches can learn to love more effectively, even when they don't fully understand what you're going through.

You’ve experienced hardship—and that experience equips you to love others in powerful ways. In this lesson, we flip the script and ask not how others can love you better, but how you can show up and love others more effectively, especially within the church. It’s a gentle challenge and a beautiful calling.

It’s heartbreaking, but true—many have been hurt by the church, especially those walking with mental illness. In this lesson, we name that pain honestly and invite you into a first step toward healing. You’ll be guided through three simple but powerful ways to begin letting go of resentment and moving toward restoration.

When life is heavy and mental illness clouds the mind, spiritual practices can feel impossible. But what if they’re not about performance—they’re about positioning? In this deeply honest lesson, Dave shares his journey from burnout and darkness to intimacy and rest, showing how spiritual disciplines can become lifelines for those living with mental health struggles.

Spiritual practices aren't about performance—they're about care for your soul and intimacy with God. In this lesson, we kick off a week on spiritual disciplines by exploring the power of rest. With honesty about mental illness and encouragement from Scripture, you’ll reflect on how stopping and Sabbath can restore your mind, body, and faith.

When your thoughts feel unreliable, God’s Word can anchor you in truth. In this lesson, we explore how engaging with Scripture is more than just reading—it’s a spiritual practice that realigns your mind with how God sees you. Especially in the fog of mental illness, Scripture brings clarity, identity, and hope.

Isolation can feel like the dream escape when you're mentally overwhelmed—but God designed us for connection. In this honest and relatable lesson, we explore the tension between wanting solitude and needing community. Discover why reaching out, even just a little, might be the exact step your soul needs.

Sometimes the most ordinary tasks feel the most frustrating—but what if those very moments could become worship? In this lesson, we look at how even the menial can become meaningful when done with gratitude and intention. Worship isn’t just for Sunday—it’s for dishwashers, lawns, and quiet, everyday obedience.

Gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it shifts your focus toward what’s still good and holy. In this lesson, we reflect on how a simple jar of thankfulness is helping one man with a traumatic past reframe his life through the lens of grace. Learn how this practice can bring joy—even in the middle of hardship.

In this final practice of the week, Dave invites us to reclaim fun as a spiritual discipline. Mental illness can feel heavy—fun helps lift the weight. Whether it’s snorkelling, painting, running, or something silly and simple, fun matters. This session reminds us that fun isn’t optional for our wellbeing—it’s vital!

Your challenge? Go do something fun.

What if mental illness doesn’t disqualify you from ministry—but prepares you for it? In this lesson, Dave unpacks the biblical truth that every believer is called to ministry—yes, even in weakness. With humour, history, and Scripture, you’ll be reminded that your struggles don’t sideline you; they position you for God’s strength to shine.

Mental illness does not disqualify you from ministry. In this lesson, we explore the story of Elijah—who went from mountain-top victory to despair under a tree—and why your struggles don’t cancel your calling. You’ll be reminded that ministry is for everyone, and that includes you.

In this session, Dave shares one of the lowest seasons of his life—and how God used it not in spite of his weakness, but because of it. With honesty and hope, this lesson explores what it means to live out 2 Corinthians 12, where God's power shows up best in our brokenness. If you’ve ever felt unusable or unqualified, this is your reminder: your weakness might just be the platform for God’s glory.

Mental illness is hard—and it’s okay to ask God why. In this lesson, we explore the reality of a broken world, the deep comfort of God, and the incredible truth that He redeems even our darkest struggles. Your pain isn’t wasted—it can be used to bring healing to someone else.

This lesson is a reminder that being messy doesn’t disqualify you—it magnifies the gospel. Dave reflects on his own flaws and struggles, pointing to 2 Corinthians 4:7: “We have this treasure in jars of clay.” You don’t have to be perfect to glorify God. In fact, your cracks might be exactly where His light shines brightest.

In this final reflection, Dave shares how an undiagnosed manic season led to 50 coffee meetings in four weeks—and how God still used it for good. Ministry and mental illness can feel messy, blurry, and unpredictable, but this lesson is a call to keep moving forward. You’re not disqualified. In fact, you might just be uniquely positioned. As the course wraps up, the question becomes: What can I do to be used by God?

Thanks so much for journeying through Loving Life with Faith and Mental Health. Whether you, laughed, engaged, wrestled, or just quietly watched—your commitment mattered

You’ve taken steps to explore what it means to live with mental illness while chasing after Jesus. We hope you’ve been reminded that God’s not looking for perfect—He’s looking for open.

We’re cheering you on.

—Dave + the Sunburnt Souls team