The Depth: Past the Pulpit

Jeanette Brown,

Lake Worth

BY JULIE KHANNA

@KHANNACONNECTIONS @JEANETTEANDHERSTAGES @1201BAKESHOPANDCOFFEE PHOTO CREDIT : @JSPHOTO_OFFICIAL AND @VICTOR__JZ

It’s not your parent’s church anymore. In the day of hype priests- the term coined for skinny jean-adorned megachurch pastors, barbershop sermons, and the juxtaposition of pop culture and praise, faith has evolved into whoever, and wherever, you are. Even though the look and feel of church may have changed, the mental health benefits haven’t.

A 2020 Gallup poll showed 46% of Americans who attend religious services on a weekly basis rated their mental health as excellent compared to 29% of Americans who document their attendance as seldom/never. 35% of Americans reporting nearly weekly/monthly attendance rate their mental health as excellent, demonstrating an improvement over those that report seldom/never.

I’ve had individuals divulge that these shows saved their life. Artists struggling in recovery finding an outlet to express. Victims of abuse braving the stage to share their story. Loneliness being lifted. Moments of tragedy and victory mourned and celebrated together.”

With the data supporting the positive impact of religion on mental health, the need for healthy congregation is apparent. But the emphasis has to be on healthy.

Common complaints of dated religious models include harsh judgment, unrealistic expectations, rigid conformity, and excluding humans based on sexual orientation and lifestyle.

The consequence?

People stopped attending church. In a 2020 study, fewer than 50% of American households report having a house of worship membership. It’s the lowest percentage in an eight-decade decline.

To reap the positive mental health benefits of religion, the church needs to feel safe, welcoming, and inclusive. It should be a place to receive, share and grow- and that place just might be upon the stage at your local coffee shop.

Dubbed The Hostess With The Mostess, devout Christian Jeanette Hickman Brown is known for the powerful platforms she creates for people of all backgrounds, religions, and walks of life.

“One thing Scripture explains is that we are all broken, each of us in need of the Savior. This fundamental truth has guided me in how I interact with the world around me, treating others as equals. No one is perfect, all of us struggle, and all of us sin.” Here, you’re welcome as you are.

Jeanette curates a level of intimacy that provides a sense of safety, vulnerability, and fellowship, allowing people to share some of their rawest experiences at her shows.

“That’s an aspect I love about the stages I get to create and the community I foster. I’ve seen so much impact. I’ve had individuals divulge that these shows saved their life. Artists struggling in recovery finding an outlet to express. Victims of abuse braving the stage to share their story. Loneliness being lifted. Moments of tragedy and victory mourned and celebrated together.”

Gatherers certainly don’t have to take the stage to be transformed or feel embraced. The words spilled from the souls sharing on stage travel into the hearts of the audience and then spread out into the community.

“At my shows you are seen. You are respected. You are encouraged. In a world that wants to divide and destroy, my intention for these events is to bridge and build,” said Jeanette. “The love and welcoming environment they feel is created as a way to express my faith. It isn’t walking through the doors of a church, but it’s a start to open the doors of their heart to a love that wants to redeem and to sanctify.”

While the definition of church might remain up for grabs, the benefits are undeniable. Your church might not be within a traditional house of worship, or maybe it is. Maybe you get your hymns to the beat of a rock band or through a lyrically gifted rapper. Maybe your fellowship consists of yoga mats and deep stretches first. The moral of the story is- your church doesn’t need to look the way you remembered it to be an effective and powerful tool for your mental health as long as it’s a safe space, or stage, for trusted conversations and compassion.

The Depth is a space for faith-based leaders and individuals to share their thoughts, guidance, encouragement, what they’re witnessing, and more. To contribute, send your article ideas to thewell@bewellpbc.org with “The Depth” in the subject line.