August 19, 2025
Biggest Mental Health Myths In Church (Destroyed)
Joshua Tufte
Biggest Mental Health Myths in Church
When the Church Gets It Wrong: Confronting Mental Health Myths
For a complete list of sources, see the References
section at the end of this post.
Sadly, the church can sometimes mirror culture by veering toward extremes. On one end, we dismiss mental‑health struggles as a lack of faith or prayer. Ed Stetzer
warns that some leaders assume mental illness is caused by spiritual deficiency, leading to spiritual abuse when sufferers are told to “just pray it away.” Steve Austin
shares that in his evangelical congregation, if you couldn’t “shake off” depression, you were told you weren’t praying enough; he even hid his medication because he feared judgment. Research shows that most pastors rarely talk about mental health, and many congregations have no plans to help families affected by it. In this environment, medication and counseling can be viewed with suspicion or outright hostility.
On the other side, some in our culture glorify
mental illness, treating it as an identity badge.
Neither extreme helps.
The truth lies somewhere in between: mental‑health challenges are real and complex, but they’re not a sign of weak faith. The brain is an organ like any other; factors such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep
affect its health. Competent therapy and appropriate medication can be gifts from God. Trusting God doesn’t rule out doctors or medicine. Prayer, worship, and Bible study remain invaluable, but they’re enhanced—not negated—by counseling, medication, healthy eating, and rest. As the church, we must acknowledge mental illness without glorifying it, encourage spiritual practices without dismissing medical ones, and offer compassion and support to those who struggle.
Myth 1 – “Christians shouldn’t struggle with mental health.”
Truth: You can love Jesus and still battle anxiety, depression, trauma, or burnout. God cares about your mind and is committed to your wholeness.
Elijah’s story shatters this myth. After defeating the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18), he ran for his life when Jezebel threatened him. Exhausted, frightened, and discouraged, he begged God to take his life (1 Kings 19:4). God didn’t rebuke him or tell him to “just pray more.” Instead, He met Elijah in his depression with compassion: an angel brought him food and water, then let him sleep. Later, God spoke not in earthquakes or fire but in a gentle whisper
(1 Kings 19:11‑13), reminding Elijah that He was still with him in the quiet moments of despair. Elijah’s experience shows that even faithful heroes can face mental‑health lows—and God doesn’t shame us for it. He meets us there and restores us.
Verses to remember:
1 Thessalonians 5:23‑24, Isaiah 26:3, Psalm 42:11, 1 Kings 19:4‑8.
Myth 2 – “Anxiety means you don’t trust God.”
Truth: Anxiety is a signal, not a sin. It invites you to bring your worries to God and trust Him to carry them.
One of the godliest people I know—someone whose life radiates grace—has fought depression for years. His love for Jesus is unmistakable: he prays faithfully, studies Scripture deeply, and lives out his faith in acts of service. Yet his struggle with anxiety and depression hasn’t gone away. Rather than undermining his faith, it’s refined it. His prayers are more honest, his empathy deeper, and his dependence on God more evident. He clings to passages like Philippians 4:6‑7—casting his anxiety on Christ and receiving a peace that surpasses understanding—and 1 Peter 5:7, trusting that God cares for him. Instead of viewing depression as a sign of spiritual failure, Let’s see it as a place where Christ meets us and continues to shape our lives.
His testimony is a living rebuttal to this myth, showing that genuine faith can flourish through mental‑health struggles.
Verses to remember:
Philippians 4:6‑7, 1 Peter 5:7, 2 Chronicles 20:3‑12, Psalm 55:22.
Myth 3 – “Depression means there’s something wrong with your faith.”
Truth: Depression doesn’t disqualify you from God’s love. Your feelings are valid but not permanent; God’s compassion is new every morning.
This myth often springs from a well‑intentioned but ultimately misleading message: “If you just live right, pray more, and trust God, everything will be perfect.” Scripture never says that. Sometimes we sell Jesus like a quick fix or an escape from all troubles. Well‑meaning pastors or friends might promise that Jesus will make every problem disappear. But when depression, anxiety, or hardship inevitably arise, believers can feel confused, ashamed, or abandoned—thinking their faith must be deficient.
The Bible never promises an absence of suffering. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Following Him doesn’t shield us from pain; it means we never face pain alone. God did not
promise days without pain or laughter without sorrow; He promised strength for the day and comfort in our tears. Isaiah 41:10 reminds us that God is with us and will uphold us, while 2 Corinthians 1:3‑4 calls Him “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort.” So the idea that “if I do everything right, my mental health will be perfect” isn’t just unrealistic—it’s unbiblical. Faith doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing; it guarantees a faithful Captain in the storm.
Verses to remember:
Lamentations 3:21‑23, Psalm 34:18, Romans 8:38‑39, 1 Samuel 1:10.
Myth 4 – “If you worry, you lack faith.”
Truth: Jesus acknowledged our tendency to worry and offered a better way: trust your heavenly Father. Worry reveals where we need to grow, not how much faith we have.
We often equate faith with flawless certainty—believing without doubts or anxieties. That misunderstanding leads some to condemn any hint of worry as evidence of weak faith or divine displeasure. Yet Scripture and experience show the opposite. Emotions aren’t switches we flip on and off; they’re part of how God made us. Fr. Jim Van Vurst addresses this concern head‑on: it is not a sign of weak faith when we worry. True faith is rooted not in our shifting feelings but in a heart that chooses to trust God. Even Jesus, facing the cross, prayed in agony and fear. To pray and trust in God while feeling afraid or worried is, in fact, **a sign of great faith.**
Everyone worries about something—that doesn’t make us faithless; it makes us human. The key is how we respond. Instead of letting anxiety drive us to despair, we can see worry as an invitation to lean harder on Christ. The Bible repeatedly calls us to cast our cares on Him (Psalm 55:22; 1 Peter 5:7) and to trust God with all our heart (Proverbs 3:5‑6). Jesus invites, “Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” Author Alicia Bruxvoort notes that when we bring our burdens to Jesus, He lightens our load. Sometimes that looks like daily rhythms of prayer, reciting Scripture to shift our focus, or simply admitting our needs. Worry doesn’t dismiss faith; it can deepen it.
Verses to remember:
Matthew 6:25‑34, Luke 12:22‑31, Psalm 46:10, Philippians 4:8.
Myth 5 – “Your thoughts control you.”
Truth: Thoughts are powerful, but they aren’t the boss of you. The Holy Spirit empowers you to renew your mind and take every thought captive.
Our minds can feel like runaway trains—unwelcome thoughts appear out of nowhere, and it often feels like we’re passengers rather than drivers. This myth feeds the lie that we are powerless against our thought patterns. In reality, Scripture and research affirm that we can redirect our thoughts.
Your life moves in the direction of your strongest thoughts.
Left unchecked, consistent thoughts become actions, actions become habits, and habits shape our character. That’s why Paul calls us to “take every thought captive… to make it obedient to Christ.”
Taking thoughts captive isn’t passive. It requires consistent, intentional direction and a steady diet of truth. A devotional on spiritual input uses the “garbage in, garbage out” concept from computer science to illustrate this. If we allow garbage to fill our hearts and minds, we reap anger, envy, and other destructive behaviors. But if we let God dwell in our hearts, follow His word, seek His help in prayer, and surround ourselves with Christ‑like people, our attitudes begin to display the fruit of the Spirit. Paul echoes this when he urges us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy.
Practically, that means feeding your mind with Scripture, prayer, and worship. Colossians 3:2, Philippians 4:8, and Romans 12:2 remind us to set our minds on things above and be transformed by renewing our minds. When we dwell on God’s truth—through daily reading, meditating on verses, singing worship songs—we gradually replace unhealthy thought loops with life‑giving ones. When negativity pops up, we can counter it with a verse or a prayer. Over time, the input of God’s Word and the practice of prayer and worship reshape our thought patterns. Our lives truly will move in the direction of our strongest thoughts—so let’s anchor those thoughts in God’s goodness.
Verses to remember:
Romans 8:5‑6, 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8, Psalm 103:1‑5.
Myth 6 – “Trauma means you’re broken beyond repair.”
Truth: Trauma leaves scars, but it doesn’t define you—God does.
Genesis teaches that humanity was created in God’s image and likeness. That identity isn’t erased by abuse, betrayal, or bad choices. **You are not defined by your past, your heredity, or your environment; you are a beloved child of God**. Jesus even reframed a man’s lifelong blindness as an opportunity “that the works of God might be displayed” (John 9:3). God doesn’t just call you—He qualifies you. One article notes that God “rarely calls the qualified but qualifies the called,” promising to equip us with everything needed to do His will. Our mistakes, failures, and traumas don’t disqualify us from His service; they often become the very places where God reveals His grace. The gospel offers sustaining hope and healing, teaching that our identity is **not in our past but in Christ who has redeemed us**. The Bible acknowledges trauma yet refuses to let it define us.
Redemption also means God forgives completely. In several New Testament passages, the Greek verb *aphiēmi* (“forgive”) is in the perfect tense, indicating a past action with ongoing results. When Jesus says your sins are forgiven, it isn’t just for the past—it’s a once‑for‑all act that covers past, present, and future sins. Our failures no longer define us because God has decisively removed them.
Finally, trauma can be a place of divine purpose. Paul wrote that intense affliction taught him “to rely not on ourselves but on God” and that his suffering produced “an eternal weight of glory”. The same article reminds us that our trauma doesn’t save us; Jesus does. God doesn’t cause abuse or tragedy, but He can redeem our wounds by using what we’ve learned to comfort others (2 Corinthians 1:3‑4).
Your scars can become a source of compassion and testimony that furthers His kingdom.
Trauma is real, but it isn’t your identity. God assigns your worth at creation, seals it through redemption, and continues to forgive and heal. Your story—even its painful chapters—can be part of a larger story of grace.
Verses to remember:
2 Corinthians 1:3‑4, Romans 8:28, Isaiah 61:1‑3, Psalm 147:3.
Myth 7 – “Burnout means failure—you just need to try harder.”
Truth: Burnout is a warning light, not a badge of shame.
It’s easy to think we’re failing when exhaustion hits. Experts emphasise that burnout is not a personal weakness but a reaction to chronic, unresolved stress. Psychologist Britt Slief puts it plainly: “Burnout is not a sign of weakness, but a warning signal from both body and mind that fundamental change is needed”. Treating burnout as laziness ignores the alarm our bodies are sounding.
From my perspective, burnout rarely stems from having “too many things on our plate.” It occurs when we don’t complete enough tasks and don’t leave margin for rest. Unfinished work keeps our minds spinning, and a schedule packed too tightly wears us down. Research‑backed advice mirrors this: establishing routines, prioritising tasks, and breaking them into smaller steps can reduce overwhelm and increase satisfaction as you progress. Regular breaks and self‑care—sleep, exercise, mindfulness, joyful activities—replenish mental energy.
Rest looks different for each person. For some, it’s a long run or a workout; for others, it’s reading a novel, spending time with family, gardening, or even playing video games. Whatever replenishes your mind and soul can be an act of worship and self‑care. Intentionally finish what’s necessary, say “no” to what isn’t, and carve out margin for true rest. Then burnout becomes what it was meant to be—a warning light leading you toward healthier rhythms rather than an indictment of your strength.
Verses to remember:
1 Kings 19:3‑12, Matthew 11:28‑30, Psalm 127:2, Mark 6:31.
Summary
Mental‑health challenges are rising, but they’re not a failure of faith. As a church, we must resist both romanticizing
mental illness and dismissing
it. We honor God when we embrace spiritual practices and the common graces of counseling, medicine, healthy habits, good sleep, and supportive community. Christ calls us to walk in truth, compassion, and hope—bringing our whole selves, including our minds, before Him.
With Love,
Josh Tufte
References ↴
1. churchandmentalhealth.com
2. vox.com
3. gotquestions.org
4. leeanngtaylor.com
5. proverbs31.org
6. stanthony.org
7. wohbm.org
8. humbleddaily.com
9. thebiblespeakstoyou.com
10. biblicalcounseling.com
11. greekwordstudies.blogspot.com
12. kidscentralinc.org
13. speexx.com
14. openup.com
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About half of Americans now say the Bible is inspired by God but not to be taken literally, and another 30% see it as simply a collection of ancient stories and moral lessons with no divine authority. (Gallup 2025; Lifeway Research 2025). So what does that mean? It means that the assumption many churches still operate under — that people “should” believe in the Bible’s authority just because it is the Bible — is no longer true. We can’t just say, “The Bible says it, so that settles it.” People don’t see Scripture as a default authority anymore. And shouting the truth louder doesn’t make people more likely to listen. But here’s what hasn’t changed: God’s Word is still true. It’s still alive, powerful, and relevant. What’s changed is how we must communicate it. Living the Word Before Talking the Word So what does it mean to “stand on Scripture” in this culture? It means we don’t start by arguing the Bible’s authority — we start by living its truth . If someone doesn’t believe the Bible is true, no amount of quoting verses will change their mind. But living those verses out might. The credibility of our message is built on the authenticity of our lives. People don’t need us to tell them what Jesus said before they see how Jesus lived through us. When they see that our love is real, our joy is unshakable, and our compassion goes further than judgment ever could — that’s when the door to truth begins to open. That’s when they’ll begin to ask questions like, “What makes you different?” And that’s when the answer — “Jesus” — actually means something. Credibility Precedes Clarity: Start With Grace, Lead to Truth This is where we have to be very intentional. Before we speak truth, we must start with grace. We can’t expect non-Christians to act like Christians. Honestly — some days, it’s hard to expect Christians to act like Christians! Grace is where it begins. We build relationships, earn trust, and live with compassion. We let people know they are seen, valued, and loved — long before they understand why. But grace isn’t the end of the story — it’s the road that leads to truth. When we’ve earned the credibility to speak truth into someone’s life, then the Word of God begins to find its way into their heart. That’s when transformation happens — not through confrontation, but through connection. Grace opens the door. Truth sets people free. That’s what Jesus did. When He met the woman at the well (John 4), He didn’t start by condemning her choices — He started by offering her living water. When He met Zacchaeus, He didn’t shout about his corruption — He invited Himself to dinner. Grace first. Truth next. That’s what standing on Scripture looks like in real life. Standing on Truth Doesn’t Mean Isolating People Standing on the truth of God’s Word doesn’t mean isolating ourselves from people who don’t share it. It means stepping toward them — just like Jesus did. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus said: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” This is our mission. It’s not optional. If we’re going to obey Jesus’ command to go and make disciples , it means we have to go where people actually are — not just where we’re comfortable. We’ll be around lifestyles, actions, language, and values that may look nothing like ours. And that’s okay. That’s part of the calling. If we refuse to engage people because they live differently than us, we’re not protecting truth — we’re abandoning mission. We can’t reach people we’re unwilling to be around. We Will Fail If We Don’t Learn to Love First Here’s the hard truth: If we don’t take time to know people — to understand their story, to love them first — we will fail to reach them. You can’t reach who you refuse to know. You can’t influence who you refuse to understand. If all people hear from the Church is what we’re against , they’ll never get close enough to discover Who we’re for. The Gospel is not about proving people wrong; it’s about helping people find life. An Honest Example: Learning to Love Before We Correct Let’s talk plainly. One of the clearest examples of this tension in our culture is how the Church has often responded to people in the LGBTQ+ community. Now, Scripture is clear — God’s design for sexuality and marriage is between a man and a woman. That’s His plan. That’s His best. But when we start conversations by pointing out what’s “wrong” before we’ve shown love, we lose the chance to reach the person behind the label. If I meet someone living in a homosexual lifestyle, I don’t start by saying, “You’re living in sin.” I start by saying, “You’re loved. Tell me your story.” Because if I don’t take time to know them — to understand their pain, their background, their experiences — then I’ll never earn the right to speak truth in love. It’s easy to call out sin when it’s visible and public. It’s harder to deal with the sins that are private and hidden. We readily condemn the person whose lifestyle is visibly different, yet often ignore the reality that many Christians are battling secret sin — like pornography, pride, gossip, greed, or bitterness. One lifestyle is simply easier to point out. But sin is sin. The only difference is whether it’s visible or invisible. That’s why we must approach every person — inside or outside the church — with the same grace and the same truth. Jesus didn’t die for “types of sin.” He died for sinners. That includes all of us. The Balance: Truth Without Love Is Harsh; Love Without Truth Is Hollow If we have truth without love, we become harsh, judgmental, and self-righteous. If we have love without truth, we become sentimental, spineless, and spiritually useless. The power of standing on Scripture is when both meet — grace and truth, hand in hand. John 1:14 says, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, full of grace and truth.” Jesus didn’t pick one over the other. He lived both. And He’s our example. So we don’t compromise truth to be accepted, but we also don’t weaponize truth to be right. We embody it — with compassion, conviction, and courage. Living the Mission Standing on Scripture means we believe it’s more than a book. It’s the living Word of God. But it also means that we become living proof that it works. At Passion Church, that’s what we want to be known for — not just quoting verses, but living them. When we feed the hungry, serve our community, or sit down with someone far from God — we’re standing on Scripture. When we forgive when it’s hard, love when it’s inconvenient, and speak truth when it’s unpopular — we’re standing on Scripture. When we walk into broken spaces and say, “I’ll stay with you until Jesus changes everything” — that’s standing on Scripture. We are not called to win debates. We are called to win hearts. Why This Matters Now Our culture doesn’t need a louder church; it needs a more loving, more authentic, more faithful one. If people can see what the Bible looks like lived out — not just quoted — they might start to believe it again. Our calling isn’t to drag people to conviction; it’s to draw them to Christ. And when they meet Him, Scripture will take care of itself — because the Author of the Word will speak to their hearts in ways we never could. Standing on Scripture, Still Standing on Scripture doesn’t mean shouting louder about what’s wrong with the world. It means living so faithfully that the world can’t help but notice what’s right about Jesus. We don’t isolate; we engage. We don’t condemn; we care. We don’t hide truth; we embody it. And we remember that even when the world no longer believes the Bible, the Word of God still has the power to change lives — one relationship, one act of love, one step of faith at a time. Because the Bible isn’t fragile. It’s not losing power. It’s just waiting for people like us to live it again. Final Encouragement So, church — let’s be people who start with grace and lead to truth. Let’s stop expecting non-Christians to act like Christians and start modeling what it means to follow Christ. Let’s take our mission seriously — to go, to make disciples, to love deeply, and to live boldly. Because standing on Scripture doesn’t just mean believing it’s true. It means becoming the evidence that it is.
Every living thing has DNA — the invisible code that determines its identity, function, and purpose. It’s what makes an eagle soar, a rose bloom, and your heart beat. The same is true for the Church. God has written something deep into the heart of every believer and every local body of Christ — a spiritual DNA that defines who we are, what we believe, and how we live. At Passion Church, we believe God has called us to rediscover and live out our DNA — to be a people who love deeply, live boldly, and shine brightly in our world. We find this calling in Matthew 28:18–20 , where Jesus gives His followers the mission that still defines His Church today: “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." That’s our why. It’s our spiritual DNA — to make disciples, love people, and bring the hope of Jesus to our city and beyond. That’s why we’re launching a brand-new series called Passion DNA: Who We Are and Why We Exist, a six-week journey designed to help us all understand the heartbeat of Passion Church — our foundation, our mission, our culture, and our calling. Our Foundation: It All Starts With Jesus Everything begins and stands on Jesus. Ephesians 2:4–5 reminds us, “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in sin—it is by grace you have been saved.” That’s our starting point and our ending point. We aren’t here to promote a brand, a personality, or a program — we’re here to lift up the name of Jesus. The Gospel is the heartbeat of Passion Church. We were dead, but Jesus made us alive. We didn’t earn it; grace gave it. And now we exist to help others experience that same transforming grace. When Jesus is the foundation, everything else finds its place. Our Identity: Passionate About God and People If our foundation is Jesus, then our identity is love. When Jesus was asked to summarize all of Scripture, He said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–39) That’s who we are. Passion Church exists to love God fully and love people deeply. And love isn’t just a feeling — it’s an action. That’s why we’re not just talking about love; we’re showing it. On Week 2 of this series, instead of having a normal service, we’re having Serve Sunday — a morning of worship, prayer, and community outreach. We’ll gather for breakfast, share a short devotion, and then go into our city to mow lawns, clean homes, deliver meals, and care for our neighbors. Because love that doesn’t move isn’t love at all. Every act of service is an act of worship. This is what we mean when we say: “At Passion Church, service isn’t what we do — it’s who we are.” Our Mission: Reaching People Far From God Through Authentic Relationships Jesus said in Luke 19:10, “The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” That’s His mission — and now it’s ours. We exist to reach people far from God through authentic relationships. Jesus didn’t shout His love from a distance — He walked into people’s lives, sat at their tables, listened to their stories, and invited them into His grace. In a world where everyone’s connected online but isolated in real life, people are desperate for genuine connection. That’s where the Church shines. We reach people not by arguing louder, but by loving better. We build bridges, not walls. We go because Jesus came. Every believer has a “one” — someone God has placed in your path who needs to experience His love through your relationship. Who’s your one? Who could encounter Jesus because you were willing to be real, compassionate, and present? Our Culture: The Way We Live Culture eats strategy for breakfast. What we believe is vital, but what we live is what changes the world. At Passion Church, our culture is simple: we want to look like Jesus. To do that, we’ve identified five defining values — our cultural DNA markers: Passionate – We worship and serve with fire because our Savior is worthy. “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” – Romans 12:11 Dedicated – We stay committed when it’s not convenient. “They devoted themselves…” – Acts 2:42 Compassionate – We see people through Jesus’ eyes. “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them.” – Matthew 9:36 Authentic – We lead with honesty and humility. “We have renounced secret and shameful ways.” – 2 Corinthians 4:2 Generous – We live open-handed because God gave first. “God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7 This is what it means to be part of the Passion Church family. We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We’re not driven by ego, but by mission. We’re a people who live the Gospel every day, not just on Sundays. Our Foundation of Truth: Built on the Word In a world of shifting opinions, one thing remains unshakable: God’s Word. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, correcting, and training in righteousness…” The Bible is not a suggestion book — it’s the living voice of God to His people. It’s our authority, our guide, and our source of hope. When we stand on the Word, we don’t crumble under pressure. When we live by the Word, we’re not swayed by the latest trend or headline. Truth doesn’t change with culture; it transcends it. At Passion Church, we believe the Bible defines our beliefs, directs our actions, and anchors our DNA in eternal truth. Our Response: Built to Last In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus told the story of two builders: one built on rock, the other on sand. Both faced storms, but only one stood firm. The difference wasn’t in their talent or tools — it was in their foundation. Jesus said, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” We want to be that kind of people. The kind who don’t just hear truth but live it. The kind who don’t just attend church but build it. We’re building something that lasts — lives, families, and a church that stands strong through every season. This Is Our DNA Over these six weeks, we’ll rediscover who we are and why we exist. We’ll celebrate our foundation in Jesus, our identity of love, our mission to reach people through authentic relationships, our Christ-shaped culture, our confidence in Scripture, and our call to live it all out daily. Because Passion Church isn’t a building or a brand — it’s a people. People who believe that God’s not done with our city. People who believe the local church is still the hope of the world. People who believe Jesus changes everything. Your Invitation We want you to be part of this journey. Whether you’ve been part of Passion Church for years or you’ve never set foot in our doors, this is your moment to see what God is doing here. Join us for the Passion DNA Series, and discover what it means to belong to a church built on Jesus, rooted in truth, and fueled by love. Come learn your part in the story God is writing through Passion Church. Come rediscover your calling. Come experience your spiritual DNA come alive. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11 This is who we are. This is why we exist. This is Passion DNA. See you soon! Pastor Josh
Let's be honest: this question shouldn't have to be asked, but here we are. And if you're asking it, you're already being wise. Whether you're new to Kernersville, new to faith, or just looking for a church home where you can actually feel... well, safe, this conversation matters more than ever. I've been pastoring for over a decade now, and I've seen both sides of this coin. I've watched churches get security spectacularly wrong, and I've seen what it looks like when a church creates genuine safety, not just the kind that keeps bad guys out, but the kind that lets hurting people in. So let's talk about what real church safety looks like and what you should be looking for when you're church shopping in our little corner of North Carolina. Physical Safety: More Than Just Locks and Cameras Here's what I wish someone had told me when I started in ministry: church security isn't about creating a fortress, it's about creating a haven. There's a big difference. A truly secure church should have done its homework. They should have conducted a security risk assessment, covering everything from their building layout to how they handle money on Sundays. So, here is what to look for: Are there greeters who clearly know what they're doing beyond just saying hello? Do they have adequate lighting in the parking lot? (Trust me, this matters more than you think.) Are doors managed well, meaning they know which ones should be locked and which ones shouldn't? Is there a communication system in place for emergencies? The parking lot is actually a big deal. I know it sounds weird, but criminals know that during church services, cars are left unattended for an hour or more at predictable times. A good church pays attention to this stuff. Some churches hire professional security services. Others train volunteers with law enforcement or military backgrounds. Both can work great; what matters is that someone's actually thinking about it. Emotional and Spiritual Safety: The Harder Conversation Okay, here's where it gets real. Physical safety is the easier part. Emotional safety? That's where churches often struggle, and honestly, it's where the real damage happens. I remember talking to a woman who told me, "Josh, I've been hurt by churches before. How do I know this place is different?" That question broke my heart and made me realize we needed to do better at showing, not just saying, that we're a safe place for broken people. Red flags to watch for: Leadership that never admits mistakes or shows vulnerability Preaching that sounds like "we're right, everyone else is wrong" all the time An absence of support ministries for real-life struggles Green flags to look for: Pastors who talk about their own failures and growth Support groups for grief, divorce, addiction, or other life challenges Leadership that includes diverse voices and perspectives Teaching that's more about "here's what Scripture says" and less about "here's why we're better than them" Before you ever step foot in a church building, there is an easy and effective way to learn more about them. Spend some time on its website. Listen to a few sermons online. Do they sound like people you'd want to have coffee with? Do they talk about helping hurting people, or do they mostly talk about how awesome their church is? Is the Bible a consistent focus during teaching? Are the messages relatable? Leadership Structure: Character Over Charisma This might be the most important thing I tell people: don't choose a church based on how polished the pastor's preaching is. I know a pastor who can make the phone book sound inspiring, but his church is an emotional disaster zone because he's never learned to say "I was wrong." Look for leaders who demonstrate the "fruit of the Spirit": love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These aren't optional character traits for church leaders; they're non-negotiables. Pay attention to how disagreements are handled. Every church has them; what matters is whether they're handled with grace or with pride. A healthy church can have people who disagree about secondary issues while still loving each other well. Child Protection: Non-Negotiable Territory If you have kids, this should be one of your first questions. And even if you don't have kids, how a church protects children tells you everything about their values. Churches should have clear policies about background checks, two-adult rules in children's areas, and transparent procedures for reporting concerns. If they get defensive about these questions or act like asking is somehow distrustful, that is a red flag. At Passion Church, we're actually grateful when parents ask these questions because it shows they're engaged and protective. That's exactly what we want. Our kids' ministry operates with full transparency because children's safety isn't negotiable. The Practical Stuff: How to Actually Evaluate Here's my advice when looking at a church to attend from this perspective: Start online. Spend 30 minutes on their website. What do they emphasize? What do they barely mention? Do they sound like people you'd want to know? Listen to sermons. Most churches post them online now. Listen to 2-3 recent messages. How does the pastor handle Scripture? How does he talk about people who disagree with him? Does he sound humble or arrogant? Visit slowly. Don't feel pressured to jump in with both feet. Visit a few times, attend different types of gatherings, talk to regular people (not just the staff). Ask good questions: What's your church's approach to people who are struggling? How do you handle disagreements within the leadership? What support do you offer for people going through difficult seasons? Can you tell me about your security procedures? What Safety Looks Like at Passion Church I'm obviously biased, but I think we've learned some things about creating genuine safety over the years. We've got trained volunteers who help with security, & uniformed officers at every service, but they're also the same people who'll help you find the bathroom or get your kids checked in. We believe safety means creating space for people to ask hard questions, struggle with doubt, and work through real-life problems without judgment. It means having clear policies that protect everyone, especially the vulnerable. Most importantly, it means understanding that church isn't supposed to be a place for perfect people; it's supposed to be a hospital for broken people. If you're looking for perfect, you're going to be disappointed. If you're looking for an authentic, grace-filled community where you can grow and heal, well, that's what we're shooting for. Your 10-Minute Daily Challenge Here's something you can start today: spend 10 minutes each day this week researching one church in the Kernersville area. Look up their website, listen to part of a sermon, read their values or beliefs page. Don't worry about making a decision yet: just start getting familiar with what's out there. By the end of the week, you'll have a much better sense of which churches might be worth visiting in person. The goal isn't to find the perfect church (spoiler alert: it doesn't exist), but to find a place where you can be known, loved, and challenged to grow in your faith. Come Check Us Out Look, I'd love for you to visit Passion Church, but more than that, I want you to find a church home where you can thrive and grow closer to Jesus Christ. If that's us, awesome. If it's not, I genuinely hope you find what you're looking for. But if you want to see what we're about, come join us this Sunday at either 9:30am or 11:00am . We'll be the ones trying to create the kind of place we'd want our own families to attend: safe, authentic, and full of grace. We are located at 612 Edgewood Street, Kernersville NC, 27284. You're not just welcome here, you're wanted. Come as you are, questions and all. Let's figure out this faith thing together.