Beyond prayer: Rethinking healing services in the Methodist Church of Southern Africa through a Wesleyan mental health lens

Abstract

Healing has long been an integral element of the Christian faith, understood not only as a physical process but also as a spiritual reality. The Lordship of Jesus Christ has been consistently affirmed as a powerful force in the ministry of healing. Consequently, various Christian denominations have developed their own theological perspectives and practices concerning healing. Within this context, it is unsurprising that Christians – particularly within the Black African constituency of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA) – seek healing through the Church. This research seeks to draw the Church’s attention to a growing phenomenon, both globally and locally: Mental health. Firstly, the article employs a qualitative research approach to examine the severity of the mental health crisis. Secondly, it explores the understanding and practices of healing within the broader African context. Thirdly, it investigates the theological and practical dimensions of healing within the MCSA. Fourthly, it examines in depth John Wesley’s theological understanding of healing, including the foundations that shaped his perspective. Fifthly, it provides a detailed analysis of healing service practices in Black African congregations of the MCSA.
Contribution: Finally, the article proposes strategies for integrating mental health care into the Church’s ministry, including collaboration with governmental and private sector institutions. The article ultimately argues that the MCSA must remain responsive to evolving societal needs in order to maintain its relevance and effectively serve its communities.