New pamphlet series talks about tough issues

Thousands of people in our communities are suffering in silence because they don’t get the help they need to face addictions, mental disorders, experiences of abuse, or other personal issues.

That reality is what’s behind a new series of 21 pastoral care pamphlets by the Mennonite and Mennonite Brethren denominations. Called Close to Home, the pamphlets will bring together professional therapy, Christian faith, and congregational care.

The first three – “Dealing with Pornography,” “Dealing with Spouse Abuse,” and “Dealing with Eating Disorders” – will be released this month.

Further pamphlets in the Close to Home series, on topics such as anxiety disorders, alcoholism, marital discord, self-mutilation, bullying, and gambling addiction, will appear over the next three years.

Each contains a story of healing, a brief explanation of the problem, a reflection on how faith relates to the issue, and practical steps towards healing.

In only 12 small pages, the pamphlets do not pretend to say all there is to say on any one issue. They are explicitly designed to lead towards conversation and more in-depth responses.

The pamphlets can be displayed on literature racks in counselling offices, church foyers, or even church restrooms (for anonymous pickup), or can be used as discussion resources for adults.

How it began

Close to Home germinated about a year ago following a conversation between series editor Byron Rempel-Burkholder of Mennonite Publishing House and an acquaintance being treated for an eating disorder.

“We ruminated on how awkward it was for her to reach out for help, even in her church community,” Rempel-Burkholder recalled.

“While she felt fortunate to be part of a supportive community, she observed that church people generally do not know enough about eating disorders and other close-to-home issues.” The church’s responses, therefore, are lacking, or even inappropriate and unhealthy at times.

The series took shape last fall when a group of 11 therapists, seminary teachers, pastors, and publishing staff met to work out a development plan.

Bringing out the best

Rempel-Burkholder was inspired by the synergy in that meeting. “Both the process and the eventual product seemed to bring out the best in Anabaptist values of compassion, truth-telling, and ecclesiology,” he said.

Matthew Isert-Bender, pastor of Nith Valley (Ont.) Mennonite Church, said he is excited to see the integrated healing that Close to Home promotes. As a former social worker, he has noticed that many church people drive a wedge between therapy and biblical faith.

MB Biblical Seminary professor Delores Friesen said, “I like the emphasis on prevention and growth, and the use of story and Scripture.”

Mennonite Publishing Network is spearheading and publishing the series, with the Mennonite Brethren conference’s Kindred Productions a key partner. See Close to Home for release schedules, excerpts, and order information.

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