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Helping Those Struggling with Mental Health
Manage episode 480043636 series 3001929
In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host Rev. Adrian Crum speaks with Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling. Together, they offer deep and compassionate insight into how deacons—and entire congregations—can come alongside those facing mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and grief. This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and gospel-centered encouragement for caring well within the church. Adrian also shares personally how John, through his role in the Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.
It’s a longer episode, but well worth the time. Don't forget your notepad—you’ll want to remember the many takeaways.
Referenced in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
- OPC Book of Church Order (chapter 11 on deacons)
You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Chapters
1. Creating Safe Church Environments (00:00:00)
2. Common Mental Health Challenges (00:07:12)
3. Recognizing Need for Professional Care (00:19:34)
4. Biblical Foundations for Mental Health (00:32:21)
5. Understanding Healing and Management (00:48:30)
6. Medication and Mental Health (00:59:10)
7. Practical Care and Support Systems (01:11:03)
8. Battling Loneliness and Building Community (01:22:43)
69 episodes
Manage episode 480043636 series 3001929
In this episode of The Reformed Deacon, host Rev. Adrian Crum speaks with Rev. John Fikkert, a mental health counselor and Director of the OPC Committee on Ministerial Care, and his wife, Dr. Lindsay Fikkert, a psychologist at Pella Counseling. Together, they offer deep and compassionate insight into how deacons—and entire congregations—can come alongside those facing mental health struggles such as anxiety, depression, and grief. This conversation is rich with practical suggestions and gospel-centered encouragement for caring well within the church. Adrian also shares personally how John, through his role in the Committee on Ministerial Care, supported him during a difficult season.
It’s a longer episode, but well worth the time. Don't forget your notepad—you’ll want to remember the many takeaways.
Referenced in this episode:
- The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
- OPC Book of Church Order (chapter 11 on deacons)
You can find all of our episodes at thereformeddeacon.org. Make sure to follow us on your favorite podcast player, so you don't miss an episode. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for giveaways and more information. Find other resources on OPCCDM.org. Make sure to send us some feedback on your podcast player or ask a diaconal question by going to OPCCDM.org.
Chapters
1. Creating Safe Church Environments (00:00:00)
2. Common Mental Health Challenges (00:07:12)
3. Recognizing Need for Professional Care (00:19:34)
4. Biblical Foundations for Mental Health (00:32:21)
5. Understanding Healing and Management (00:48:30)
6. Medication and Mental Health (00:59:10)
7. Practical Care and Support Systems (01:11:03)
8. Battling Loneliness and Building Community (01:22:43)
69 episodes
All episodes
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