Is Your Church Equipped to Handle a Suicide Epidemic? – An Interview with Dr. Matthew Sleeth

Every single day, someone you know is thinking about committing suicide. Ten million Americans will consider killing themselves in the upcoming year. On today’s episode, Thom and Sam talk to Dr. Matthew Sleeth about how Christians—and our churches—can offer hope and be part of the solution.<br /><br />Dr. Matthew Sleeth<br /><br />Matthew Sleeth, MD, a former emergency room physician and chief of the hospital medical staff, resigned from his position to teach, preach, and write about faith and health. Dr. Sleeth has spoken at more than one thousand churches, campuses, and events, including serving as a monthly guest preacher at the Washington National Cathedral. Recognized by Newsweek as one of the nation’s most influential Christian leaders, Dr. Sleeth is the executive director of Blessed Earth and author of numerous articles and books, including Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide, which released from Tyndale House Publishers in May 2021. Matthew lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with Nancy, his wife of forty years. Their grown children serve with their families in full-time parish ministry and as medical missionaries in Africa<br />1. We’ve heard suicide described as an epidemic in the U.S. Would you share some of the facts about the prevalence of this issue among Americans today?<br />2. Are Christians equipped to handle a suicide epidemic?<br />3. What do you think is the primary challenge for pastors and other ministry leaders trying to make a difference in today’s culture of suicide?<br />4. What are some practical ways we as the church can cultivate communities of hope amidst all the trauma and trials people face in today’s world? <br /><br /><br /> <br />Resources:<br /><br /> Hope Always: How to Be a Force for Life in a Culture of Suicide by Dr. Matthew Sleeth<br /><br /><br /> Dr. Matthew Sleeth<br /><br /><br /> Know Your Community<br /><br /><br /> Free 30-day trial Church Answers Silver membership<br /><br /><br /> <br />Episode Sponsors:<br /><br />If you're a church, school