Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund on Breaking the Silence: Mental Health & the Church

“The presence of struggle is not the absence of God.”

These are just a few of the powerful words Rev. Dr. Sarah Lund shares with us today.

Mental health is a topic so many in our country, and our world, avoid. It’s uncomfortable, often laced with shame, and therefore lives in the shadows of our lives. But Rev. Sarah tells us: there’s a different way.

She tells us: it’s okay to not be okay. Mental health challenges and disabilities are not a punishment for sin. We are all made in the image of God, without exception, and we are all loved by the God who created us.

When we talk about mental health, when we bring it out of the shadows and into the light, it helps end not only the unbearable silence, but can also relieve the shame so many feel. Pastor Sarah believes in the power of testimony - sharing our stories so that others know they are not alone. In this episode, Pastor Sarah shares her own story, both the struggles and what those struggles have come to teach her about God and our belovedness.

To hear more of Pastor Sarah’s message, read her book Blessed are the Crazy: Breaking the Silence about Mental Illness, Family, & Church.

If you or someone you love has mental health challenges or is differently abled, this interview is for you. If you are ever in need of immediate help, please see below for important phone lines:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline: 1-800-662-4357
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
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Rev. Sarah was that kid who the teacher called on to stay inside during recess to help students who needed extra time taking tests. No wonder she grew up to be a minister! Ever since college she knew she wanted to dedicate my life to serving God and helping others.

Rev. Sarah's formal education includes degrees from Trinity University (BA), Princeton Theological Seminary (MDiv), Rutgers University (MSW), McCormick Theological Seminary (DMin) and the certificate in Fundraising Management from the IUPUI School of Fundraising.

Since 2003, Rev. Sarah has served large and small congregations in Brooklyn, Minneapolis, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida, and Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2018, she was called to serve as the first woman Senior Pastor at First Congregational United Church of Christ of Indianapolis. In addition, she serves on the National Staff of the United Church of Christ as the Minister for Disabilities and Mental Health Justice.