Pastor Toby Slough of Cross Timbers Church in Texas has faced many challenges over the past 30 years he has been building and seeing his church flourish. There were many reasons why he was called to start a church, but one of his top priorities was to raise awareness of mental health. Currently, his organization, his Goby Ministries, ARC (Association of Associated Churches) Provide resources and support to other church planters.
More than 30 years ago, at a time when mental health was taboo and rarely talked about, Toby Slough was diagnosed with anxiety panic disorder. Overcoming this situation in the 1990s was difficult to say the least, and it got so bad that one day he tried to take his own life.
Today, there is less of a negative stigma when it comes to mental health wellness. Fortunately, so many people find it easier to ask for help when they need it.
Toby Slough says Cross Timbers Church was founded out of the Restoration movement as he was in the midst of a learning process. Now, 20 years later, he has written a book that compiles all the lessons he learned while battling anxiety and panic.
Pastor Slough has learned many lessons as a partner in ARC (Association of Associated Churches). Here are some mental health tips from ARC church leaders for church planters.
connect the power of god
Toby Slough says that initially his definition of freedom was to never have a panic attack and to never feel anxious.
But through study, prayer, and counseling, he realized that freedom was not about not having those things, but instead about connecting to the power grid within himself in the midst of those things.
Through his writings and other means; ARC church planter is now helping people connect the power of God to the very real problems they face in life.
This is especially important if you have children. Because the greatest gift you can give your child is building a healthy self.
Fight what you feel with what you know
When you're feeling anxious, panicky, or depressed, it can be difficult to pull yourself out. Pastor Slough says going through something like this can leave you feeling isolated. The little voice inside you gets louder and tells lies about yourself.
ARC church planters may be susceptible to this type of doubt, as they may feel uncomfortable with their new venture while balancing many other challenges in life.
The way out of this situation is to fight what you feel and what you know. Toby Slough says his friend reminded him of the 40 “I AMs.” Here are 40 words from the Bible that God tells you who you are.
Them 40 I AM It is the basis of the teachings of Cross Timbers Church.
learn to rest
All the leaders I work with ARC (Association of Associated Churches) We need to recognize the importance of rest. Pastor Slough says it's important to teach people how to rest.
The important thing is not to stop all activities, but to find a way to rest your soul. This can come in the form of doing something you enjoy, such as reading, exercising, playing sports, or cooking.
Help people discover their rhythm, what feeds their soul. Then people will be better rested, recharged, and ready to open their lives to God's Word.
About ARC (Association of Associated Churches)
ARC (Association of Associated Churches) represents a collaborative network of independent congregations from a variety of denominations, networks, and backgrounds. Its primary mission is to provide essential support and resources to church founders and pastors, enabling them to effectively share the teachings of Jesus. ARC's operational approach is centered on empowering and equipping church leaders to facilitate the widespread dissemination of the life-changing message of Jesus. Founded in 2000, ARC has evolved into a worldwide organization that has played a pivotal role in facilitating the planting of more than 1,000 new churches.
