Whispers in the Pews

Voices on Mental Illness in the Church

By: Chris Morris

Narrated by: Dana Black

Mental Illness is real. Will the Church get real?

This book is a collection of essays from various authors: men and women, pastors and congregants, counselors and nurses, parents and children. All have a unique view of how mental health conditions affect people, and how the church has responded to these circumstances.

Whispers in the Pews tackles how the mentally ill have been, and still are, treated in the church at large by sharing stories. This is not fundamentally a teaching book, but a book of moments and lives, knitted together by the common theme of mental health. No sermons will be included, though lessons learned from difficulties and their foundations in Scripture are encouraged.

This collection will expand your vision, and your heart, about what the church does well for the mentally ill, and where we can improve.

Advance Praise for Whispers in the Pews:

"I am ridiculously excited for the stories in this book to be shared. There is an incredible need to discuss the reality of mental illness and how the church can improve how it addresses this." (Colleen English, founder of Rettland Foundation)

“I cannot imagine Jesus scolding someone with a mental illness, telling them to just get over it, try harder, memorize more verses. No, he would listen. He would love. He would be filled with compassion. And even he was deemed mentally ill in his time, his miracles attributed to demonic activity. In short, Jesus empathizes with people who don’t fit a culture’s mold. But the church? We can either cause more suffering or create pathways of hope. Sadly, through ignorance and Christian platitudes we’ve done more of the former than the latter. This book offers incredibly precious insight to help the church become like Jesus for those who suffer. Listen to this book. Give it to your pastors and leaders. Revolutionary seems too small a word.” (Mary DeMuth, author of The Seven Deadly Friendships)

"Chris Morris has compiled honest and raw stories that give sight into the heart of many Christians who have battled, or are battling, mental illness. Whispers in the Pews brings to light that mental health matters and how it hasn't always mattered in the Christian community, and it needs to. Our churches need to be a place where all are welcome, no matter one's story. Chris has written a thought-provoking book that will stir up your heart to be a part of the change we need to see." (Shawn Elizabeth George)

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