MCS Hosted Dr. Matthew Sleeth for Mental Health Summit

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, God, and the Bible. 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. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with Nancy, his wife of more than four decades.

On Sunday, Dr. Sleeth spoke at Heritage Baptist and First Baptist to adults on how to “be a force for life in a culture of suicide.” In his book, Hope Always, he leans on his experience of decades as an emergency room doctor to shine a light in the darkness of suicide. He stresses God is the God of LIFE and Satan is the opposition to life. The sobering statistics he shared immediately got his audiences’ attention, stating that every eleven minutes, there is one suicide, three overdoses, and thirty-three people transported to ER with suicidal attempts. 1.5 million people will be brought to ERs in America this year having attempted to take their life. One in eight Americans are on anti-depressants. Dr. Sleeth explained that practicing Sabbath is one of most effective ways to create peace and space in life. As stated on his website, “How can we possibly have “ears to hear” when we are plugged in 24/7? If we never take time to “be still and know” God, how can we grow into mature spiritual beings? The solution is simple. And it is endorsed by the Great Physician Himself. In fact, He invented it. It’s called rest. And like all good things, rest is a gift from God. In his book, 24/6, Dr. Sleeth shares the Bible’s life-giving rhythm for a healthier, more God-centered life.”

On Monday, Dr. Sleeth spoke to Montgomery Christian School K-5 students at chapel. He was truly inspired and humbled to witness our classes recite their memory verses and sing Bible songs for him. Connecting with our students in a powerful way, he explained to them the importance of not lying to people and the importance of trust. Even when it’s hard, Sleeth encouraged students to tell the truth because we belong to God. God says, “I am the truth” connecting that as we begin to speak truth, God speaks to us. Dr. Sleeth encouraged students to apologize if they tell a lie and learn to be truthtellers, as we belong to Jesus-and Jesus is TRUTH. He prayed over them, “Lord, let them live in your truth.” The Bible is the truth, and Dr. and Mrs. Sleeth delivered Bibles to each MCS student.

Dr. Sleeth then spoke to Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School’s seniors, stressing Jesus made no distinction between mental and physical illness. He urged them to realize their purpose and with that knowledge, enjoy a life with greater meaning. Dr. Sleeth encouraged them to keep a “gratitude journal” and make it a daily habit, stating, “A majority of human frustration and disappointment results from the gap between our expectations and reality. Life is hard, and disappointments are inevitable. So, one of the first things we can do is manage our expectations. And always lead with love.”

That evening, Montgomery Christian School parents and other adults attended Parent University, which was held at Young Meadows Church. After gaining attention with mental health and suicide data, along with anecdotal stories of his days as an ER doctor, Dr. Sleeth began his presentation of “Big 4 Disciplines that Help for Mental Health.” Summarized below in an interview with James D. Aten, PhD in Psychology Today:

First, educate yourself by reading Hope Always or a similar resource. No one wants to talk about things they aren’t knowledgeable about. You’ll feel much better equipped to initiate a difficult but necessary conversation. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, and you don’t need to have all the answers either. But we all have an obligation to help a loved one who is in danger. Second, not everyone has a degree in medicine or psychology, but it’s been my experience that everyone has a Ph.D. in discerning attitude. If you lead with love, people will know it. Being prepared means you love even more, not less. Third, Hope Always includes a tool kit in the back filled with practical actions every person and every church can take. If you suspect someone is suicidal, visit, call, and ask questions. Make a playlist of uplifting songs. Invite a lonely or hurting friend to share a meal, take a walk, Sabbath together, or just do something fun. It includes a sample church policy so that every staff member and volunteer know exactly what to do when they suspect someone may be suicidal. If you prepare yourself ahead of time and lead with love, you are absolutely equipped to talk with people who are depressed or suicidal. It’s not only an obligation to do so; it’s a sacred privilege. There is no activity that I’ve been involved in as wonderful as saving lives. You don’t have to be an ER physician to do that. We are all our brothers’ and our sisters' keepers.

On Tuesday, Dr. Sleeth spoke to Trinity Presbyterian School middle and high school students. Offering real hope and inspiration to them by sharing God’s word, he urged them to be practical and believe that God has a plan for their lives. By guiding them to support each other and witness to each other, Dr. Sleeth described how to watch out for clues in themselves and others that may need help: depression, changes in sleep, appetite, psychological or motor skills, interest in usual life, energy, or concentration. He urged students to always remember that if they have a thought of suicide, that voice is Satan and they should RUN from that voice.

Afterwards, MCS hosted mental health professionals for a luncheon at Montgomery Country Club. Dr. Sleeth spoke frankly with peers about what he witnessed treating attempted suicide in the ER, and reminded them of their responsibility to implement Philippians 4:8-9, “8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” He reiterated the practice of keeping a gratitude journal, practicing Sabbath, and H.A.L.T.

MCS staff members were delighted to enjoy a few minutes after school asking questions. MCS staff completed his book study on Hope Always and a video series together over the winter. The most widely appreciated point the staff shared is his highly impactful method for quick success when we encounter someone who is in distress. Remember H.A.L.T. Ask the student or person in trouble the following questions: Are you Hungry? Are you Angry? Are you Lonely? Are you Tired? This also is a helpful tool for ourselves when things are going sideways.

MCS has been so blessed by this transformative visit from Dr. Sleeth, who believes the more we educate, the more we save lives. Asking every audience for a show of hands of who has heard a sermon about suicide, he’s found no hands are raised. One of his goals is to help “destigmatize mental illness in houses of worship. In the Bible, Jesus makes no distinction between mental and physical illnesses. Both were equally worthy of his attention, compassion, and healing.”