He’s tackling it head-on.
At the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, Pastor Reina Olmeda spoke about the necessity for church leaders to embrace their emotions, using the example of Jesus’ human vulnerabilities to illustrate how this can enhance their connection with the Holy Spirit. This discussion coincided with the launch of the NHCLC’s Mental Health Initiative, the first national mental health program created by Latino Evangelicals, which Olmeda leads as the co-pastor of Transformation Church in Pennsylvania.
Olmeda highlighted the widespread issues of anxiety, depression, and discouragement among spiritual leaders, noting that these feelings are not uncommon and should not be stigmatized. She stressed the importance of providing churches with the resources needed to support their congregations. “Embracing vulnerability allows the Holy Spirit to communicate with us,” she stated, indicating that recognizing and addressing one’s emotions is a pathway to healing.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Olmeda shared her struggles with emotional expression during her graduate studies, where cultural norms discouraged open sharing of feelings. Initially reluctant to participate in a group exercise aimed at exploring personal emotions, she eventually felt compelled to engage. Choosing a pencil as a symbol of her desire to “rewrite her story,” Olmeda allowed herself to confront her feelings, marking a transformative moment in her spiritual and emotional development.
Encouraging all spiritual leaders and community members to acknowledge their emotions, Olmeda emphasized that genuine emotional expression can foster deeper connections with others and enhance one’s relationship with God. She pointed to Jesus’ own emotional expressions throughout the Bible as a reminder that acknowledging our feelings is a crucial aspect of the human experience.
In her closing remarks, Olmeda expressed gratitude to the Trauma Healing Institute and the American Bible Society for their collaborative efforts in supporting churches. Maghan Perez from the American Bible Society highlighted the success of evidence-based trauma healing programs that integrate biblical principles with mental health practices, benefiting over 450,000 individuals globally. Together, they aim to create church environments that prioritize emotional well-being and provide support for those navigating grief and loss.