Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Department

Seminary

First Advisor

Laura Gordon, DMin

Second Advisor

Sheila Tolbert, DMin

Third Advisor

Kimla Beasley

Abstract

The Black church has historically served as a cornerstone for African American spiritual and communal life yet faces significant challenges in addressing mental health needs rooted in generational trauma and systemic oppression. This dissertation explores the crisis of silence surrounding mental health in Black church contexts, where stigma, pastoral limitations, and historical mistrust of institutional systems create barriers to healing. Through examination of biblical perspectives on suffering, church-based mental health programs, and emerging digital ministry models, this study demonstrates that online platforms can effectively integrate trauma-informed care with theological education.

The research presents a digital, trauma-informed, biblically-based, mental health education (DTI-BB-MHE) framework that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary psychological practice, arguing parishioners need not choose between faith and mental health treatment. Field research conducted through a three-week virtual training program (January-February 2024) with six Zoom-based sessions demonstrated 100% participant satisfaction and 80% increased comfort discussing mental health in faith settings. The curriculum paired biblical narratives (Ruth, Job, David, and others) with DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, educating participants on conditions including grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia while introducing therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy alongside spiritual interventions.

The dissertation’s artifact—a Google Sites-based digital platform—successfully hosted interactive content combining PowerPoint presentations, AI-generated imagery, Mentimeter polling, and downloadable resources. Results affirm biblically-grounded, culturally sensitive digital ministry can reduce stigma, provide safe spaces for vulnerable conversations, and equip both laity and clergy for trauma-informed care. Although this research centered on Black church communities, its framework applies across diverse contexts, offering a universal mode for faith-based, trauma-informed digital engagement. The study concludes that digital platforms, when designed with theological integrity and psychological accuracy, offer scalable solutions for addressing mental health in Black church communities while honoring their spiritual heritage and acknowledging the lasting impact of generational and current oppressive systems.

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