Preventing Suicide: A Handbook for Pastors, Chaplains and Pastoral Counselors by, Karen Mason
What is the church's role in suicide prevention? While we tend to view
the work of suicide prevention as the task of professional therapists
and doctors, the church can also play a vital role. Studies show that
religious faith is an important factor reducing the risk of suicide. Yet
many pastors, chaplains and pastoral counselors feel overwhelmed and
unprepared to prevent suicides. In this practical handbook, psychologist
Karen Mason equips ministry professionals to work with suicidal
individuals. Integrating theology and psychology, she shows how pastoral
caregivers can be agents of hope, teaching the significance of life,
monitoring those at risk and intervening when they need help. Because
church leaders are often present in people's lives in seasons of trouble
and times of crisis, they can provide comfort in the midst of suffering
and offer guidance for the future. When our church members struggle in
the darkness, the darkness need not overcome them. Discover how you and
your church can be proactive in caring for those at risk of self-harm.
"Do real Christians die by suicide? Yes. Only God knows how many. But
most pastors, chaplains and pastoral counselors already know someone
they could help choose living instead of dying . . . if only they knew
how. If you're in that role, this book is for you. And if you're
preparing for ministry this book is also for you, because there is
little doubt that you are going to find yourself in this dark trysting
place where death meets life more often than any of us would wish." (David B. Biebel, coauthor of Finding Your Way After the Suicide of Someone You Love)