When Faith Hurts: Understanding Church Hurt and Its Impact on Mental Health in the Black Community
- Shanique Edwards
- Aug 1
- 4 min read
For many in the Black community, the church is more than a place of worship—it’s a sanctuary, a cultural cornerstone, and a source of strength in times of adversity. From the fight for civil rights to the preservation of traditions, the Black church has played a vital role in shaping identity and resilience. But for some, this sacred space has also been a source of deep pain.
Church hurt—emotional or spiritual pain caused by experiences within a church community—can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. It’s a complex issue that requires both acknowledgment and intentional healing, especially given the significance of faith in the lives of many Black individuals.
What Is Church Hurt?
Church hurt can stem from a variety of experiences, including:
Spiritual Abuse: Misuse of authority by leaders to control or manipulate congregants.
Judgment and Shame: Feeling condemned or ostracized due to life choices, mental health struggles, or personal identity.
Gossip and Betrayal: Breaches of trust within the church community.
Exclusion and Discrimination: Experiences of racism, sexism, ableism or other forms of prejudice within the church.
These experiences can lead to feelings of rejection, betrayal, and a loss of trust—not only in the church but, for some, in God as well.
The Impact of Church Hurt on Mental Health
Church hurt is deeply personal and can significantly impact mental well-being. Its effects may include:
Loss of Community: The church is often a source of belonging and support. When that space becomes a source of pain, individuals may feel isolated and disconnected.
Spiritual Disillusionment: Church hurt can cause a crisis of faith, leaving individuals questioning their beliefs or feeling distant from God.
Emotional and Psychological Distress: Feelings of shame, guilt, anxiety, or depression may arise, especially if individuals internalize the hurt.
Barriers to Healing: For many, the church is a space to seek counsel and healing. When that space is compromised, it can be harder to access mental health support.
Within the Black community, church hurt carries additional weight due to the central role the church plays in cultural and spiritual life. Historically, the church has been a refuge from systemic racism and a source of empowerment. When this trusted institution causes harm, the sense of betrayal can be even more profound.
Furthermore, stigma around mental health in some Black church communities may prevent individuals from seeking help, leaving them to suffer in silence.
Fostering Healing from Church Hurt
Healing from church hurt is a deeply personal journey, but there are steps that can help individuals reclaim their faith and mental well-being:
1. Acknowledge the Pain
Healing begins with recognizing and validating the hurt. It’s okay to feel angry, sad, or betrayed. Give yourself permission to process those emotions without judgment.
2. Seek Safe Spaces
If your church community has been a source of pain, look for alternative spaces where you can heal and grow. This might include faith-based counseling, small groups, or other spiritual communities that align with your values.
3. Rebuild Trust Gradually
Reconnecting with faith or the church after hurt takes time. Focus on rebuilding trust with God and allowing that to guide your journey toward reconnecting with a church community, if and when you’re ready.
4. Seek Professional Support
Therapists who specialize in faith-based or culturally informed counseling can provide a space to explore both the spiritual and emotional aspects of church hurt. Therapy can help unpack feelings of betrayal and find pathways to healing.
5. Redefine Your Faith
Church hurt doesn’t have to mean the end of your faith journey. It’s an opportunity to explore your personal relationship with God outside of institutional structures. Journaling, prayer, meditation, or studying scripture on your own terms can deepen your connection to your faith.
6. Practice Forgiveness—For Yourself
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing harmful behavior, but it allows you to release the burden of carrying that pain. Forgive yourself for any feelings of guilt or shame, and consider forgiveness as a step toward your healing, not for others but for your peace.
Creating Safe Churches for the Future
To prevent church hurt and foster healing, churches must commit to creating psychologically safe and inclusive environments. This includes:
Offering mental health resources and destigmatizing therapy.
Training leaders in trauma-informed care and cultural sensitivity.
Prioritizing accountability and transparency within leadership.
Building a culture of empathy, compassion, and inclusivity.
Church hurt is real, but so is the possibility of healing. If you’ve experienced pain in a space meant to uplift you, know that your story matters, your pain is valid, and your healing is possible.
Faith doesn’t erase hurt, but it can guide us through it. Healing from church hurt is about reclaiming your connection to God, your community, and yourself in ways that honor your truth.
If you’re navigating church hurt and need guidance or support, connect with us for resources and workshops that address faith, mental health, and healing. Let’s intentional works towards transforming our pain into purpose and find the peace we deserve.
About Shanique Victoria Edwards
Shanique Victoria Edwards, BSc, MDiv, and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), is the founder of Shanique Victoria Psychotherapy & Wellness, a virtual private practice committed to providing compassionate and transformative mental health care to all individuals. While Shanique works with a diverse range of clients, her practice has a committed focus on supporting Black and racialized individuals through culturally relevant and faith-informed care. She is passionate about creating safe spaces where clients can explore their mental health, navigate challenges, and build resilience.
Shanique specializes in areas such as racial trauma recovery, mental wellness, and integrating spirituality into therapy. Her work is particularly informed by an Afro-Caribbean lens, ensuring that her services are culturally affirming and grounded in an understanding of her clients’ lived experiences.
In addition to her private practice, Shanique is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and facilitator. She has delivered workshops and presentations on topics including racial trauma and mental health, cultural competency in mental health care, navigating burnout and compassion fatigue, and promoting inclusivity in clinical practice. She has also developed programs on Africentric crisis intervention, making mental health services safe for Black and racialized individuals, and fostering healing and resilience in marginalized communities.
Through her writing, speaking engagements, and community collaborations, Shanique advocates for equity and inclusion while empowering individuals to embrace their unique paths toward healing and growth. Her work bridges cultural understanding with evidence-based practices, making mental health care accessible and affirming for all.
For more resources and to learn more about Shanique’s work, visit www.shaniquevictoria.com.