The R.A.C.E S2 EP4: Bridging the Gap: Faith, Finances & Mental Wellness in the Modern Church

The R.A.C.E. –  Bridging the Gap: Faith, Finances & Mental Wellness in the Modern Church

This conversation centers around the intersection of mental health, financial stability, and the evolving role of the church in community engagement, especially in a post-pandemic context. The speakers explore how mental wellness is connected to financial wellness, challenging stigmas around mental health and encouraging holistic approaches to care — including therapy, stillness, and spiritual grounding. They emphasize that feeling overwhelmed doesn't always mean illness; sometimes, it means you're carrying too much without support.

The dialogue also dives into the idea that the church must move beyond traditional teachings of tithing and scripture, and begin to provide practical support systems — such as financial literacy, counseling, and community gardens — as ministries in their own right.

Further, there's a call to "green the budget" — meaning communities and churches should align their spending with justice by investing in sustainable practices like local food systems, renewable energy, and community programs. The group discusses how church and community must no longer function as separate entities but instead collaborate through outreach, inclusivity, and intergenerational communication.

At its core, this conversation is a powerful reflection on how churches and communities can restructure leadership, build bridges, and create systems that heal, sustain, and empower people — mind, body, and spirit.