God, Help Us!
An Anthology of the Mind of Humanity, Body of Christ and the Soul of the Movement
by
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What causes preachers to kill themselves? What are the driving forces behind suicidal thoughts? What can we do about it? There are a plethora of questions one raises regarding the issue of suicide amongst preachers. Perhaps as a society we've become desensitized to the self-inflicted deaths of laity, but what about clergy? In recent reports, preachers of various backgrounds and ages have committed suicide. The goal of this article is to stimulate thought and invoke meaningful discussion regarding the mental stability of the preacher. Too often we've ignored the symptoms, disregarded the signs, and masked the pain of dysfunction in the pulpit.
Let's raise the questions together. Who do the preachers talk to when they are in a domestic dispute with their spouse? Where do the preachers go for help when they are struggling with narcotics or in the business of illegal pharmaceutical distribution? How should preachers handle their sexual orientation when they believe God's word as truth and respect the position of the ecclesiastical institution on homosexuality, yet the flesh is weak and has succumbed to the falsehoods of the world? Where do preachers go for wise counsel when they have tasted the forbidden fruit of adultery or fornication? How can preachers maintain sexual purity and holiness when they are constantly bombarded with sexual images throughout the media? How can we hold one another accountable when each preacher has skeletons in the closet that he or she does not want to let out? Where do the preacher renew their minds when the proclivity of embezzlement is insatiable and the fingers are prone to fondle the very thing that the bible says can be the root of all kinds of evil if one loves it (1 Timothy 6:7 NIV).
Who wants to share if there is not going to be equitability? Some take the disposition that if one reveal's his or her hidden secrets, the other does not. Still, some preachers believe that if they share their vices and personal challenges, their business will be painted on the canvas of life for all to see. The fear of humiliation can be devastating. People know how to talk about each other and pass judgment, but fail in the ministry of reconciliation, restoration and revitalization. Life is difficult and filled with demands that often become insurmountable.
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About the Book
“God, Help Us!” is an anthology of writings that explore the many challenges of the universal church as it wrestles with its relevancy in a fast-paced ever evolving and diverse culture. Has the church moved away from the tenets of Christ? Many Christians have redefined the Ten Commandments, holiness and true faith to suit their personal needs. Therefore, each chapter in its approach deals with some of the ills of the world that have infiltrated the ranks of the church, such as (but not limited to) mental illness, dishonesty, sin, church hurt, misguided leadership, narcissism, poor fiscal management, and sexual indecency. I’m afraid that each topic has led to the decline of church attendance, quieted its prophetic voice in the community, and drastically reduced the effectiveness of saving souls. This book provides recommendations for going back to our first love, which is Jesus and His mission, purposeful living, balance, and wellness. It is my hope that this book transcends denominational affiliation and touches each generation to win the world for Christ one soul at a time.
About the Author
The Rev. Dr. R.J. Chandler Sr. is the organizing pastor of Transformation African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church located in Dover, DE and Liberating Power African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Bridgeville, DE. He is the Faculty Senate President and Lead Faculty of Architecture Engineering and Construction Management at Delaware Technical Community College. He is a husband and father of four children.