By Shane Pruitt

According to a recent Barna study, half of the 18-year-olds in the U.S. report feeling anxiety and fear of failure, and about 40% said they often felt sad or depressed, while slightly fewer young people said they felt lonely and isolated from others (34%).

The church in America is undoubtedly doing better engaging the ever-growing anxiety of younger generations, but we still have a long way to go. We used to largely ignore it or spiritualize it away — meaning the only response to mental and emotional health was to read the Bible and pray more (among other disciplines). This isn’t wrong — our spiritual disciplines play a very important role in mental and emotional health — but some have clinical struggles that need additional attention.

Don’t underestimate the power of open, honest, and vulnerable dialogue with the youth in your church about their worries, anxieties, and fears.

Here are eight things to remember as churches start these conversations:

1. Develop proper biblical teaching on the role of emotions and thoughts in our walk with Jesus.

   
   

2. Cultivate an atmosphere in our churches that make it safe for people to share their struggles.

   
   

3. Leaders, be transparent about your own struggles in this area.

   This gives permission for others to do the same. They won’t do what their leaders aren’t willing to do.

   
   

4. Make emotional and mental health a part of your discipleship process and leadership pipeline.

   
   

5. Teach about God’s common grace of doctors, counselors, medicine, etc.

   God can still get the glory, as these means of healing are provided through His common grace.

   
   

6. Keep trusted resources, books, and articles as ready references for your people.

   
   

7. If possible, have a trusted counselor or counseling center to which you can refer people.

   If you jump into this conversation, people will likely ask you where they can go to get help from a counselor.

   
   

8. Preach the power of the gospel.

   There is a popular statement with young adults – “it’s okay to not be okay”. This is a good starting place because it encourages transparency and honesty. But we must realize this statement is just a starting place. The gospel goes further than that. The gospel teaches: it’s okay to not be okay, but it’s not okay to stay that way when there is another way. Jesus is The Way. He loves us so much He wants us “just how we are,” but He also loves us so much that He won’t leave us that way. Now, is the time to get help, and to begin to move forward!

Shane Pruitt is executive director of next gen evangelism at the North American Mission Board.

Check out Shane’s new book, 9 Common Lies Christians Believe: And Why God’s Truth is Infinitely Better.