Depression in African American Clergy

by Wynnetta Wimberley

Overview

In this book Wynnetta Wimberley addresses the often overlooked crisis of depression in African American clergy, investigating the causes underlying this phenomenon while discussing possible productive paths forward. Historically, many African American pastors have had to assume multiple roles in order to meet the needs of congregants impacted by societal oppression. Due to the monumental significance of the preacher in the African American religious tradition, there exists a type of ‘cultural sacramentalization’ of the Black preacher, which sets clergy up for failure by fostering isolation, highly internalized and external expectations, and a loss of self-awareness. Utilizing Donald Winnicott’s theory of the ‘true’ and ‘false’ self, Wimberley examines how depression can emerge from this psycho-socio-theological conflict. When pastors are depressed, they are more prone to encounter difficulties in their personal and professional relationships. Drawing from a communal-contextual model of pastoral theology, this text offers a therapeutically sensitive response to African American clergy suffering with depression.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781349956739
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan US
Publication date:	06/23/2018
Series:	Black Religion/Womanist Thought/Social Justice
Edition description:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2016
Pages:	120
Product dimensions:	5.83(w) x 8.27(h) x (d)

About the Author

Wynnetta Wimberley is Adjunct Professor of Pastoral Theology, Care, and Counseling at Emory University, USA, and is on staff at the Emory University School of Medicine. She is clinically trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, having earned her ThD in Pastoral Counseling from Emory University, and MDiv and ThM degrees, respectively, from Princeton Theological Seminary, USA. An ordained pastor in the American Baptist Churches, USA, with over twenty years of ministry with marginalized communities, she consults with pastors in crisis.

Table of Contents

Foreword; Emmanuel Y. Lartey.- Part I.- 1. Depression in the Pulpit.- 2. Depression in the Data.- Part II.- 3. Depression in the Slavocracy.- 4. Depression as Cultural Stigma.- Part III.- 5. A Setup for Depression.- 6. A Pastoral Theological Response.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“Wynnetta Wimberley argues that many African American clergy experience depression, and that it must be addressed with a pastoral response that considers the particularities of culture, context, and community. The author gives solid research and convincing argument among cultural trauma from slavery, historic black religion, historic African American Protestant church culture and its reification of the local pastor…I believe that this is such an important text and that the field desperately needs it. This is indispensable reading material for all African American clergy in leadership positions.” (Dwight N. Hopkins, Professor of Theology, the University of Chicago Divinity School, USA)

“This is a bold and courageous work about a topic that is oftentimes met with shame, hushed voices, and avoidant glances. The subject of emotional health is frequently ignored or given superficial redress within our communities, and much more so within our congregations. The author delicately balances honoring the faith leader’s call and position with the reality that spiritual callings are wrapped in flesh, prone to fragility and vulnerability. This is a must-read for pastors and those who care for and support them!” (Regina S. Brown, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, transitionspsych.org)

“With courage and candor, ‘Depression in African American Clergy’ points out the unfortunate pattern of black clergy denying the importance of behavioral health and mental wellness as central to ministry service. By tracing the cultural roots of mental illness in black communities, the author helps us to understand why so many resist candid conversations about depression. To be sure, the author neither patronizes nor pathologizes black Christian leaders. But, she does inaugurate a necessary conversation concerning what responsible and healthy leadership should look like in our churches. This book should be on the shelf of every clergy member in this country!” (Jonathan L. Walton, Caroline Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and the Nathan M. Pusey Minister in the Memorial Church of Harvard University)