Rev Matt iBlog

A few years ago, I took the courage to share my personal story of suffering with depression. I didn’t know what to expect—but what I found was an outpouring of love and support. Many people came forward and shared their own stories of mental health struggles. That solidarity and honesty were deeply comforting. Members of Muswell Hill Methodist Church were fantastic, and I remain grateful for their kindness. Since then, I’ve reflected on the wider context we’re living in. From the global pandemic to the continuing cost-of-living crisis, our society is under intense pressure. It’s no wonder we’re facing a growing mental health crisis across the UK. During my current sabbatical, I’ve been focusing on different aspects of inclusivity. One area that’s especially close to my heart is how the Christian Church responds to mental health. The Bible isn’t silent on the subject of mental anguish. Elijah, fearing for his life at the hands of Queen Jezebel, sat down under a broom tree and prayed for...

During my sabbatical, I’ve had the opportunity to attend Andy’s Man Club , a free nationwide support group that runs every Monday at 7PM. These groups create a safe, judgment-free, and non-clinical environment where men can open up about the storms affecting their lives. There’s no pressure to speak—men are welcome to just listen if they wish. I’ll be honest: I was nervous the first time I went. The team leaders wait outside the venue to welcome people in. Even now, I still feel a bit intimidated seeing them standing outside, but they’re genuinely there to help men feel at ease. It made me think about how people must feel walking into church for the first time, and how we might be more intentional in creating a welcoming, non-intimidating environment. Once I was sat in the circle, I felt right at home. It was amazing to be part of a community of men from all walks of life, sharing the same space and supporting one another. One of the group’s simple but powerful rules is: no phones out....