Mark Meynell

Of course there are plenty of uncomfortable, avoided subjects in the pulpit, but perhaps there's one we need to stop avoiding—depression. As Mark Meynell, a British brother in Christ who trains preachers across Europe, argues, "The Bible is fearless in exploring the darker sides of human experience—including [depression] … and preachers aren't immune to it either." This week we feature a combo interview/sermon from Mark on how to address an issue that afflicts many of our listeners—and many of us preachers too. So check out how he addresses this affliction in his expository sermon from Psalm 42, and his own experience.

When Mark preached his sermon on Psalm 42 the congregation also heard from Dr. Henny Saunders, a clinical psychologist, who briefly addressed the nature and seriousness of depression. So why are we offer a preaching skills article from a psychologist rather than a preacher. First, Dr. Saunders offers some powerful and very quotable illustration material about Mark's text. But, secondly, I was moved by Dr. Saunders heartfelt appeal to deal with depression by building Christian community.

Also, check out these new resources:

• Featured Illustration: Mozart Worked Hard to Be Creative
• Featured Video: Back to Church Invite: This mini-movie encourages the church to step into its mission, live in motion, and show our communities the love of Jesus.
• Featured Sermon: "Facing Up to Depression" by Mark Meynell
• Featured Skills Article: "Depression: The fact, the need for realism" by Henny Saunders

Matt Woodley
Editor, PreachingToday.com
mwoodley@christianitytoday.com

P.S. If you missed it last week, John Mark Comer wrote a fantastic piece about weaving the idea of vocation into our sermons. Be sure to check it out!

Matt Woodley is the pastor of compassion ministries at Church of the Resurrection in Wheaton, Illinois.