Mental health conversations are becoming more common in the Church, but topics like trauma, suicidal thoughts, and deep emotional pain can still feel difficult to talk about openly.
In this episode, I’m sitting down with one of my own pastors, Tomy Cummins, for an honest and hope-filled conversation about what it looks like to care for people like Jesus does. We talk about why suicide still feels taboo in many faith spaces, how the Church can become safer for people who are struggling, and why presence matters more than having perfect answers.
Tomy shares from both personal experience and pastoral ministry, offering practical encouragement for parents, pastors, ministry leaders, and everyday believers who want to support loved ones navigating anxiety, depression, trauma or despair, without rushing to fix or spiritualize their pain.
This episode is a reminder that you do not have to be an expert to show up well for someone hurting. Faithful, patient presence matters deeply.
In this episode:
- Why suicide still feels difficult to discuss in Christian spaces
- What it means to reflect Jesus as the Good Shepherd
- How to sit with someone in crisis without trying to fix them
- The difference between shepherding and rescuing
- Encouragement for Christians supporting loved ones through mental health struggles
- Why caring for your own soul matters too
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline -- Please reach out if you need help. You are not alone.
To connect with Tomy, head over to https://www.shepherdsofthemind.com or @shepherdsofthemind on IG!
Get Tomy’s book here: https://amzn.to/4unrwJf
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