Elder Willie L. Brown, B.S, M.Min.

Executive Director, Understanding the Scriptures Professional Mental Health Coach and Professional Life Coach

Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in America 2024

Ministries, Credentials and Mental Health Training and Work

First license to preach by Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, Midwest City, Oklahoma; Former Pentecostal Fellowship leader at Bolling AFB, Washington, D.C , Tinker AFB, Oklahoma; Completed my Ministerial Internship Program in 1987 at National Church of God in Fort Washington, MD; Ordained to Counseling Ministry by AEGA and Former Area Coordinator Association of Evangelical Gospel Assemblies (AEGA)for the state of Maryland, previously ordained by Church of God in Christ 2007. Moved on to Independent church. Ordained by World Christianship ministry 2002. Former Assistant Pastor, Pastor, Former Bus Ministry Director, Former Director of Biblical Counseling at Echoes from the Street Ministry, Former Chaplain and Vice-President Christian Fundamentalist Internal Revenue Employee (CFIRE), Veteran Mental Health First Aid certified, National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Maryland former Veteran Council Representative, NAMI Family to Family Teacher, NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator, Former Board member NAMI Prince George County, Member Steering Committee NAMI Southern Maryland, member American Association of Christian Counselors, completed Fresh Hope coaching training on July 2, 2022, Mental Health Coach diploma from American Association of Christian Counselors. Stand in Host for Apostle Dekontee Johnson on the Blessed Word of Life International radio program 4th Saturday monthly on WYCB 1340 AM from 5pm - 5:30pm as opportunity arises. Mental Coaching (1st responder) diploma and Master Diploma Professional Mental Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselor (AACC). Diploma Professional Life Coaching with International Christian Coaching Association. I have been teaching Forgiveness for years. I received my
Forgiveness Life Coach Certification (Accredited) and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) Life Coach Certification from Transformation Academy. I use CBT Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solutions Focus and Client-Centered techniques in my coaching

Willie L. Brown Professional Mental Health Coach

Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach with the American Association of Christian Counselors

A Board Certified Master Mental Health Coach credential can be earned through Light University, powered by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). This program offers biblically-based, clinically-excellent training in mental health coaching. It includes specialized courses taught by leading experts, and upon completion, individuals are eligible to apply for the certification.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NKJV)

³Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, ⁴who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

2 Corinthians 12:9 (NKJV)

⁹And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Services

Professional Mental Health Coaching

Christian Forgiveness Life Coaching

Substance Use Disorder Coaching

Coaching,Tools: CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Health

Certification) Accredited, Client Centered, Solutions

Focused, Accredited Trauma Informed Coaching,

"Empowering African American men, particularly

those 25 and older facing the stresses of life, to

build resilience and thrive is the focus. Coaching is

also offered to a broader clientele."

Administrative:

I f you would like to make an appointment please use the following email: info@understanding-the-scriptures.org

Fee: available after consultation.

What is Mental Health Coaching

Mental health coaching is a form of support that helps individuals address common life challenges and improve their overall well-being, focusing on present and future goals. Unlike traditional therapy, which may delve into past experiences, coaching is action-oriented and emphasizes setting goals, developing strategies, and building resilience. It can help with stress management, anxiety, relationship issues, and other areas impacting mental well-being.

What is Christian-Based Forgiveness Coaching

Christian-based forgiveness coaching uses faith as a foundation for healing and reconciliation. It emphasizes biblical principles of forgiveness, helping individuals release resentment and move towards a more peaceful and fulfilling life. This approach differs from traditional coaching as it incorporates spiritual guidance and encouragement rooted in Christian teachings.

What is SUD Coaching

SUD coaching, or Substance Use Disorder coaching, is a type of support that helps individuals navigate their recovery from addiction. It's a non-clinical, person-centered approach where a trained professional, often with lived experience of addiction and recovery, provides guidance and support to help individuals achieve their recovery goals.

What is Trauma Informed Coaching

A trauma-informed coach is a professional who has received specialized training in understanding and responding to the impact of trauma on individuals. They use this knowledge to create a safe and supportive environment for clients who have experienced trauma, helping them to:

- Acknowledge and understand the effects of trauma:
  Trauma-informed coaches recognize that trauma can have a profound impact on a person's physical, emotional, and mental health.

Create a safe and supportive space:
They strive to create a non-judgmental and empathetic environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Empower clients:
Trauma-informed coaches focus on empowering clients to build resilience, cope with challenges, and achieve their goals.

Use trauma-sensitive strategies:
They use coaching techniques that are tailored to the specific needs of trauma survivors, such as pacing, grounding, and validating emotions.

Collaborate with other professionals:
They may collaborate with therapists, social workers, or other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive support to clients.

Understanding the Scripture Coaching Services

(Biblical Worldview: Christian-Based Forgiveness Life Coaching; Professional Mental Health Coaching, Professional Biblical Life Coach)

Contact: info@understanding-the-scriptures.org and as the subject Understanding the Scriptures Coaching Services.

Why mental illness is not sin.

https://enlightenmentalhealth.org/why-mental-illness-is-not-a-sin/#:~:text=Sin%20is%20very%20real%2C%20but,by%20sin%20is%20not%20biblical.
Why Your Church Needs a Mental Health Ministry

https://aacc.net/2023/03/03/why-your-church-needs-a-mental-health-ministry/#:~:text=We%20believe%20that%20mental%20health,not%20connected%20to%20a%20church.

The Stigma Around Mental Illness for Christians

https://www.wtcsb.org/the-stigma-around-mental-illness-for-christians/#

Mental Health Ministries

1 Corinthians 2:2-6 (KJV)

²For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

³And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling.

⁴And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:

⁵That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

⁶Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought

How common are mental illnesses ?

Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

More than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness.
Over 1 in 5 youth (ages 13-18) either currently or at some point during their life, have had a seriously debilitating mental illness.⁵
About 1 in 25 U.S. adults lives with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.⁶

How common is mental illness in the church

23 percent of pastors acknowledge they have personally struggled with a mental illness. 49 percent of pastors say they rarely or never speak to their congregation about mental illness. 27 percent of churches have a plan to assist families affected by mental illness.

65 percent of churchgoing family members of those with mental illness want their church to talk openly about mental illness.
59 percent of those actually suffering from mental illness say the same.
53 percent of churchgoers with mental illness say the church has been supportive.
76 percent of churchgoers say suicide is a problem that needs to be addressed in their community.
32 percent of churchgoers say a close acquaintance or family member has died by suicide.
80 percent of pastors say their church is equipped to assist someone who is threatening to take his or her own life.
92 percent of pastors say their church is equipped to care for the family that experiences the suicide of a loved one.
4 percent of churchgoers who lost a loved one to suicide say church leaders were aware of their loved one’s struggles.
68 percent of Americans feel they would be welcome in church if they were mentally ill.
35 percent of Americans say mental illness could be overcome with Bible study and prayer alone.

Mental Health Ministry: Advocacy to the Church and Community on Mental Illness

Matthew 4:24 (MSG)

^{“From there he went all over Galilee. He used synagogues for meeting places and taught people the truth of God. God’s kingdom was his theme—that beginning right now they were under God’s government, a good government! He also healed people of their diseases and of the bad effects of their bad lives. Word got around the entire Roman province of Syria. People brought anybody with a sickness, whether mental, emotional, or physical. Jesus healed them, one and all. More and more people came, the momentum gathering. Besides those from Galilee, crowds came from the “Ten Towns” across the lake, others up from Jerusalem and Judea, still others from across the Jordan.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:23-25‬ ‭MSG‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/97/mat.4.23-25.MSG}

April 2013 while waiting for my son at the bus stop I fell asleep. When I woke up my iPhone was next to me and on it in the subject line in bold was the statement “We are the only army that shoot our wounded”. After that I began to research about those that are mental ill and their relationship with the Church. I found some alarming things. Many were coming to the church but felt they were not welcome with their mental illness and some left the church and did not attend anymore. That statement concerning Christian being the only army that shoot its wounded was never on mind before so I then because of my brother, the aunt who raised me and other family members suffering mental illness I decided to joined NAMI as a volunteer and that is where I begin to learn about mental illness and its stigma. When I was a child I was taken to see a mental health professional because not being raised around my siblings I would cry for no reason and not eat. There was no diagnosis but when the doctor said if I did not start eating I would be sent away I started to eat and recovered quickly. Yes I have preached and spoken at churches on mental illness and the journey continues. Remember Jesus died for us all. Ministering to those individual and families affected by mental illness is a mission field and the Church need to be trained to minister in that area with awareness, education, compassion and sensitivity.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.

— Lewis B. Smedes

Providing ministry through the following: small group studies, and seminars, workshops, guest pulpit speakers and zoom