The Essentials of Suicide Prevention

“As a leading expert in the church’s role in suicide prevention, Karen Mason has compiled a tremendously helpful resource on the ‘essential elements’ for the church’s role in preserving the lives of suicidal individuals. This book will be invaluable for church leaders who want to provide a skillful, compassionate, and life-affirming response to people’s suffering and distress.”


—Curtis Lehmann, licensed psychologist, Center for Flourishing





“The Essentials of Suicide Prevention is an essential resource for pastoral leaders. Karen Mason’s research and insights thoroughly integrate the disciplines of theology and psychology, duly recognizing the purpose and mission of the church as an important part of preventive care and holistic health. Church leaders will be simultaneously informed and inspired as this book raises awareness and better equips leaders to serve this present age via the life-affirming hope of the gospel.”


—C. Guy Robinson, pastor, Tabernacle of the Lord Church





“Persons experiencing suicidal desperation are often considered sick people who need to be fixed so they can fit into the faith community again. The Essentials of Suicide Prevention takes an important step in the opposite direction: changing faith communities to become places where the suicidally desperate find remedies to issues that made them desperate in the first place.”


—Fe Anam Avis, author of A Second Day: A Hopeful Journey out of Suicidal Thinking





“The Essentials of Suicide Prevention is a gift to the church. In a winsome, well-researched, and accessible way, Mason engages with one of the most slippery areas of ministry in which a church can take part—suicide prevention. There isn’t a person in a congregation who hasn’t been affected by suicide. The ‘essentials’ in this helpful book provide concrete steps for suicide prevention that any church can implement and from which any church can benefit.”


—Scott M. Gibson, George W. Truett Theological Seminary





“After reading this work my immediate reaction was to rise to action. Karen Mason’s


careful and expert research on the topic not only illumines the problem (stigmas


and a faulty anthropology) but provides a doable way forward for the church. In


this case, reading and following the blueprint she offers truly is a matter of life or


death.”


—Donna Petter, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary





“The Essentials for Suicide Prevention is a must-read for clergy and other leaders who want to stop being observers and take action in helping those who may be suicidal. Through her extensive research, Mason provides encouraging resources that will make measurable differences in the well-being of its members and visitors.”


—Jeff Elhart, Executive Committee member, National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention