Influence recently spoke with therapist Jason Tourville about promoting mental health in the Assemblies of God. Tourville chairs the AG National Mental Health Care Committee and serves as director of church health and minister care for the PennDel Ministry Network.

When thinking about the well-being of ministers, what makes you hopeful, and how can the Assemblies of God build on those positives?

In our 2024 survey of AG credentialed ministers, 95% indicated they had found significant purpose in their lives.

Our Movement has always emphasized the call of God, and that call sustains during challenging seasons.

It’s important to recognize self-care as a strength rather than a weakness.

We can improve the well-being of ministers by providing confidential counseling services and resources; encouraging sabbaticals and structured time off; strengthening mentoring and coaching opportunities; and promoting healthy boundaries.

What most concerns you about the survey findings?

About half of respondents expressed stress and anxiety concerns.

There is a reason why burnout is a common topic of conversation among ministers. The pressures are real, and many have not learned adequate coping skills to bear the weight and pressure of ministry.

The survey showed lack of finances and insurance coverage are keeping many ministers from accessing counseling. How might churches and districts begin addressing these and other barriers?

Inadequate support is clinically concerning. Barriers to accessing mental health services leave our ministers vulnerable.

District leaders can help connect ministers to trusted counselors. A list is available at the website ministerfamilycare.ag.org.

Additionally, districts can emphasize soul care through events, trainings, and programs.

Churches should provide adequate health insurance and consider offering other sources of support, such as a ministry coach. (For more information about coaching services, visit coaching.ag.org.)

What disciplines cultivate emotional well-being in ministry?

Prayer and Bible reading (beyond sermon preparation) foster intimacy with Christ and keep ministry from becoming routine.

Our Movement has always emphasized the call of God, and that call sustains during challenging seasons.

Sabbath rest — setting aside a day each week for worship and renewal — guards against burnout.

Maintaining healthy boundaries between work and personal time prevents overextension and unhealthy dependency.

Engaging in enjoyable activities and hobbies outside of ministry replenishes joy.

Investing in family ensures ministry does not come at the expense of personal relationships.

Finding meaningful friendships outside of church leadership provides emotional support and companionship.

Regular physical activity reduces stress, improves mood, and increases energy levels.

By weaving these disciplines into the rhythm of life, ministers can cultivate emotional well-being, resilience, and joy in their calling.

How can discussing these issues help the Church as a whole?

Talking about mental health can bring healing, break stigmas, and create more compassionate, Christ-centered communities. I am thankful our national leadership has led this conversation.

For too long, mental health struggles have been misunderstood or even spiritualized in ways that discourage people from seeking help. Open discussions normalize mental health challenges and remind believers that seeking help does not indicate faithlessness, but wisdom.

When church leaders acknowledge mental health issues, people feel seen, valued, and supported. It fosters a culture in which individuals can be honest about their struggles and find encouragement rather than judgment.

Churches thrive when people bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). The body of Christ is designed to support and strengthen one another.

Jesus ministered to the whole person — spirit, mind and body. Addressing mental health in the Church aligns with this holistic approach, ensuring that spiritual growth includes emotional and psychological well-being.

It also reflects Christ’s love. Jesus consistently reached out to the broken, weary and burdened. We should do the same, inviting hurting people to experience Christ’s peace and wholeness.

When the Church speaks openly about mental health from a biblical perspective, it fosters stronger, healthier communities of believers who can minister to one another and the world more effectively.

This article appears in the Spring 2025 issue of Influence magazine.