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Counseling, Discipleship, and the Mental Health Crisis in the Church

Pastors are burned out. Churches are overwhelmed. And mental health needs keep rising—but many congregations still don’t know how counseling fits with discipleship. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer talks with Dr. Steve Stuhlreyer, professor of counselor education at Columbia International University, former pastor, and practicing counselor, about how the church can better care for people—and especially for pastors. Steve brings a rare perspective, having served both as a lead pastor and as a licensed counselor, and he challenges the common assumption that counseling and discipleship are separate—or even competing—ministries. In this wide-ranging conversation, you’ll learn: Why the divide between counseling and discipleship is often false How simple, relational discipleship brings real emotional healing Why most counseling cases are the “worried well,” not severe pathology When churches should refer people to professional counselors Why pastors are uniquely vulnerable to loneliness, burnout, anxiety, and trauma How elders and congregations can actually support their pastors What healthy Christian masculinity looks like beyond cultural caricatures If you’re a pastor, elder, church leader, counselor, or someone concerned about mental health in the church, this episode will give you language, clarity, and practical wisdom for navigating these challenges faithfully. 🔔 Subscribe to Thinking Christian for thoughtful conversations on discipleship, church leadership, and living faithfully in a complex world.