The Importance of Mental Health for Christian Missionaries

By Michael C. Burris

Introduction

Christian missionaries are among the most dedicated servants in the body of Christ, taking the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Mark 16:15). Yet, amid their zeal to fulfill the Great Commission, many missionaries face emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges—especially those who labor in foreign or isolated environments. This paper underscores the importance of mental health for missionaries, identifies key warning signs of distress, offers biblically grounded best practices, and provides helpful resources for support.

The Biblical Foundation for Mental Wellness

The Bible emphasizes the connection between our spiritual and emotional well-being. Proverbs 17:22 says, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Scripture clearly affirms that emotional health is vital to our overall well-being. While the term “mental health” is not found in Scripture, its principles abound. Elijah’s experience in 1 Kings 19 illustrates this truth: after great spiritual victories, he fled in fear, isolated himself, and wished for death (1 Kings 19:4). God responded not with condemnation but with physical rest, nourishment, and gentle guidance (vv. 5-8).

Jesus Himself often withdrew to rest and pray (Luke 5:16), modeling the importance of solitude for renewal. The Apostle Paul, a missionary to many nations, also expressed emotional burdens, admitting in 2 Corinthians 1:8 that he was “pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.”

Unique Stressors Faced by Missionaries

Missionaries often face a unique set of stressors, including:

  • Cultural isolation
  • Language barriers and communication fatigue
  • Spiritual warefare and persecution
  • Separation from family and support networks
  • Unrealistic expectations and burnout

Living in areas where Christianity is not welcomed or understood can lead to feelings of loneliness, depression, or fear. These realities, when ignored, can erode one’s mental, emotional, and spiritual strength.

Warning Signs of Mental and Emotional Distress

Missionaries and their sending churches must recognize early warning signs of mental health challenges. These may include:

  • Persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness (cf. Psalm 42:11)
  • Withdrawal from ministry or social interaction
  • Changes in sleep or eating patterns
  • Increased irritability or anger
  • Neglect of personal hygiene or responsibilities
  • Expressions of despair or suicidal thoughts

These signs should not be seen as spiritual failure but as indicators that care and support are needed. Galatians 6:2 calls us to “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Biblical Best Practices for Mental Health Maintenance

  1. Daily Communion with God
    • “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee” (Isaiah 26:3). Regular prayer, Scripture reading, and worship are the missionary’s greatest defenses against mental exhaustion.
  2. Sabbath Rest and Rhythms of Renewal
    • God instituted rest from the beginning (Genesis 2:2-3). Missionaries must intentionally carve out time for rest and refreshment. Jesus said, “Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while” (Mark 6:31).
  3. Strong Support Networks
    • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us that “two are better than one.” Missionaries benefit from frequent check-ins with sending churches, accountability partners, and fellow believers.
  4. Honest Lament and Emotional Expression
    • The Psalms are filled with expressions of sorrow, fear, and even frustration. Psalm 13:1 asks, “How long wilt thou forget me, O Lord?” Missionaries should be encouraged to bring all emotions before the Lord without shame.
  5. Seek Wise Counsel
    • Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude ofcounsellors there is safety.” Seeking professional Christian counseling is not a sign of weakness but wisdom.

Resources and Support

There are several Christian organizations and materials that offer missionary mental health support:

Additionally, sending churches should consider annual debriefings, furlough periods, and spiritual retreats for their missionaries.

Conclusion

Christian missionaries are on the frontlines of spiritual battle and cultural change. Just as soldiers require rest and care, so do those who labor in the Gospel. Mental health is not a secular concern but a sacred one. God cares deeply for the whole person—spirit, soul, and body (1 Thessalonians 5:23). By acknowledging the importance of mental health, watching for warning signs, and practicing biblically sound care, the Church can help missionaries thrive—even in the most isolated places on earth.

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