Conant Ave UMC
90-year-old Mae Matthews of Detroit Conant Avenue United Methodist Church uses Zoom to attend a Special Called Church Conference. Her pastor, the Rev. Willie Smith, celebrates, "God is doing a new thing in Kingdom work!" (Photo courtesy Pastor Willie F. Smith via Michigan Conference)
A United Methodist Insight Column
In my other calling as a professional spiritual director, I sometimes hear from United Methodist clergy who say they’re reluctant to seek emotional counseling for fear the stigma of such treatment might affect future appointments. That’s why I’m pleased to give a shout-out to Rio Texas Conference for a recent website post titled “Wellness Conversations during COVID-19.” This post is laudatory in many ways.
First, it recognizes that clergy, their spouses, and other church leaders may be in need of emotional support from the stress of coping with the coronavirus pandemic. Not only have our clergy had to jump into learning digital technology for worship and meetings, they’ve had to cope with the grief of church members who’ve lost loved ones to COVID-19 and are unable to mourn them in typical community gatherings. Some clergy are even mourning themselves for family and friends who’ve died, but whose funerals they can’t hold.
Secondly, the announcement is framed in terms of “wellness” rather than “illness,” something that goes a long way toward reducing the stigma attached to mental health treatment. All of us who live with a mental health disability can sympathize with the fear of being ostracized by others’ knowledge of our needs. This can be particularly true among United Methodist clergy who are subject to an itinerant appointment system known for being capricious at worst and challenging at best.
If your annual conference isn’t facilitating such emotional support during the COVID-19 crisis, invite your leaders to take a look at Rio Texas’ post, Wellness Conversations during COVID-19. It’s a terrific example of how to provide mental health care in the right way.
Michigan says: ‘We shall overcome’
Anyone needing some good news as we head into the seventh week of coronavirus pandemic can read a Michigan Conference article, “We Are Overcoming Coronavirus Together,” by Senior Content Editor Kay DeMoss. Michigan United Methodists have found inspiring ways to continue in ministry and missions while observing social distancing and shelter-in-place orders. Like a nursing home’s newly donated carillon that plays “We Shall Overcome” three times a week, Ms. DeMoss’ vignettes of church activities warm the heart and lift the spirit. Way to go, Michigan!
Media Mentions as of May 1, 2020
Black churches, via phones and Facebook, bridging digital divide amid COVID-19 – Religion News Service
When religion is dangerous for your health – erienewsnow.com
Faith Briefs: Local churches plan online, digital services – The Daily Nonpareil
Religious liberty and the common good– National Affairs *
Coronavirus and ‘vindication of God’ – The Wall Street Journal *
Present tense: Worshipping and performing in the digital age – Religion News Service
*Paid subscription may be required.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.