‘Sometimes sheep need a vet’: A qualitative study of Pentecostal clergy knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours regarding mental health

Abstract

Clergy are often the first point of contact for religious Canadians when in mental distress, and clergy can impact help-seeking behaviours. As such, this study explores the mental health perspectives of clergy in a diverse and growing Christian denomination, the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC). 29 PAOC ministers with at least 2 years of experience offering pastoral care participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews, aiming to explore their mental health related beliefs, behaviours, and attitudes. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis techniques, Results indicated that participants generally held a multifactorial understanding of mental illness, including biomedical attributions and beliefs in spiritual causes and divine healing. To address mental distress, they typically offered some level of spiritual care themselves, including recommending church-based curricula. They also often urged formal service use, making referrals to mental health professionals. Notably, the sample largely reported a lack of formal mental health training and inconsistent support from the wider church. In sum, this study suggests that PAOC ministers hold nuanced views on mental health, and that clergy may require additional training and support to help them better address mental health issues in congregants.