Mind Over Matter

There is no doubt that society today is experiencing a mental health crisis. Depression and anxiety are on the rise, and many people find themselves feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to turn. In times like these, what is the church doing to help? As Christians, what does it look like to address mental health from a spiritual perspective?


It's Mind over Matter: It's Not That Crazy by Staccato Powell II is a compelling dissertation which provides an in-depth study into the mental health epidemic of people, preachers, and parishioners within the context of Fisher African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Phoenix, Arizona. Informed and inspired by his own experiences with mental illness, Staccato initially intended to write a book addressing the church's response to mental illness. When discovering the lack of response from the church as a whole in this area, however, his focus shifted to educating the church on new ways to think about mental health.


Discussing biblical characters, such as Job and the demoniac in Luke 5, as well as historical figures like Abraham Lincoln, Staccato focuses on the mental health struggles each individual had and how we can learn from their experiences in our own lives. The book addresses mental health from a variety of perspectives and encourages readers that mental illness is not a sign of weakness. Rather, people who struggle with mental illness possess great strength and the capacity to live fulfilling, positive lives.
Reverend Doctor Staccato Keithan Powell II was born on an Easter Sunday in April 22, 1984. In 2003, Reverend Powell attended Lincoln University. It would be here that Rev. Powell was initiated into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Beta Chapter. He would describe his initiation as one of the most challenging but rewarding experiences. Rev. Powell would graduate from Lincoln University in 2007 and begin to shape the lives of the individuals he encountered in an excellent way. After graduating from the first HBCU in the nation he immediately enrolled into Duke University and completed his Master's of Divinity at the oldest black institution of the south, Shaw University, to study under Gardner C. Taylor. He currently serves as the senior pastor of Fisher A.M.E. Zion church in Phoenix, AZ. Recently he received his Doctorate in Ministry at United Theological Seminary where he is now an adjunct professor.