Colorado Christian University

10/08/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/08/2025 17:24

Colorado Christian University Professor Publishes The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry

Posted on October 08, 2025

Colorado Christian University Professor Publishes The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry

Colorado Christian University (CCU) is proud to announce the release of The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry (Baker Books, 2025), a groundbreaking collaborative work authored by 20 faculty members from the School of Counseling and edited by Dr. Mark Mayfield, Assistant Professor of Counseling at CCU.

Drawing on nearly 20 years in the counseling field and his own pastoral experience, Dr. Mayfield has created a practical and biblically grounded resource for pastors, ministry -leaders, and volunteers navigating the growing mental health crisis.

"At a time when 25-40% of people turn first to clergy for help with mental health struggles, many pastors feel unprepared," said Dr. Mayfield. "This book was written to provide the knowledge, language, and biblical wisdom necessary to care for people with compassion and competence."

A Practical Resource for Ministry

Organized into accessible sections, The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry includes:

  • Clear explanations of common challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and addiction.
  • Clinical and biblical perspectives woven together.
  • Actionable steps for pastors, lay leaders, and volunteers.

The handbook is intentionally designed as both a teaching tool and a quick-reference guide for ministry settings.

Collaborative Scholarship

The book was developed in collaboration with leading clinicians, scholars, and ministry leaders, including many faculty from CCU's School of Counseling. Their expertise enriched the work with diverse perspectives and a Christ-centered integration of psychology and theology.

Early endorsements highlight the book's value:

  • Chap Clark, PhD: "Dr. Mayfield brings together a leading team of scholars and therapists who provide the latest insights for ministry leaders committed to caring for people who need hope and healing."
  • Curt Thompson, MD: "This book meaningfully adds to the necessary conversation about how the church can flourish as a place of hope and healing."
  • Dr. Jack Graham: "An invaluable resource to all who desire to care for those who suffer and provide solid counsel from a spiritual perspective."

"Equipping the church to care for mental and emotional well-being is not just professional work," said Dr. Mayfield. "It's kingdom work."

The Mental Health Handbook for Ministry is available now wherever books are sold.

About Colorado Christian University

Founded in 1914, Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian college in the Rocky Mountain region. Located in Lakewood, Colorado, CCU serves more than 17,000 students on campus and online. The University's mission is to provide Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. CCU offers over 200 academic program options and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the West for its academic excellence, spiritual formation, and commitment to faith integration.

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