United States, 39.76, -98.5United States, Georgia, Fulton County, Atlanta, 33.749, -84.387982024This paper presented a personal journey from a rural upbringing to a realization of one's purpose despite challenges, including a speech impediment, and highlights the impactful role of a mother's love and empowerment in shaping the individual's worldview. It emphasizes the struggles of African American pastors in neglecting their own well-being due to overwhelming expectations, leading to mental health challenges. The problem statement identifies the pressing need for systems to address mental health issues among Black pastors in the African American church and community. It underscores the intersection of forces affecting pastors, including the burden of expectations, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the reluctance to seek help due to societal pressures. The narrative pivots to the project design, discussing the significance of the African American Church in advocating for mental health, drawing on Afrocentric philosophy, liberation theology, and the role of pastors as advocates for change. Challenges specific to African American pastors are highlighted, and the proposed 7-step model aims to decrease mental health issues among Black pastors. The model involves acknowledging the need for assistance, leadership support, collaboration, community awareness, creating networks, prayer, and achieving holistic mental revelation. The research methodology involves adapting a 12-step model akin to Alcoholics Anonymous, focusing on mental health well being. The identified key terms, such as 'Black pastors' and 'mental health issues,' emphasize the significance and relevance of the project, aiming to support the mental and physical health of Black pastors and their communities The narrative emphasizes the importance of caring for clergy mental health as a reflection of God's concern for their well-being and envisions a supportive society and faith community. It emphasizes the role of the church as a vital entity in addressing mental health gaps within the African American community.application/pdfenghttp://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/Interdenominational Theological Center Theses and DissertationsAcademic thesesTheology--Study and teachingTheological seminariesThe mental health, wellbeing, and loneliness of African American pastors in ministry, 2024Text