This week I received the news that Jarrid Wilson, a beloved and talented young pastor, had died by suicide. In his ministry, Jarrid was deeply committed to the cause of suicide prevention and to ministering to those suffering from depression. Upon learning of his death, I was deeply grieved, and my heart continues to ache for Jarrid’s family. Friends have set up an account to help support Juli, Jarrid’s wife, and their two young children, which you can find at this link: gofundme.com/f/a-tribute-to-jarrid-wilson

In thinking about Jarrid’s death, I’m also reminded of a growing crisis of suicide and self-harm among pastors and those serving in ministry. The Gospel Coalition has published a very helpful article on this subject that I would also commend to you: thegospelcoalition.org/article/why-pastors-are-committing-suicide/

Finally, if you are personally struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, I want to encourage you to talk to someone immediately. Here is the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255

As Jarrid so often reminded us, the fact that a person is a Christian does not mean that they will not struggle with these things. But because of Jesus, death never has the final word. This is a time for the body of Christ to do all we can to care for those who are hurting or suffering around us. I want to encourage you to be proactive in reaching out to those you know who might be struggling right now.

• Ep. 13 | On Jarrid Wilson's Death ( Download)
• Megachurch pastor, mental health advocate Jarrid Wilson dies by suicide ( Download)
• Megachurch Pastor And Mental Health Advocate Jarrid Wilson Dies By Suicide | TIME ( Download)
• Activist Mommy Has Gone Too Far | On Jarrid Wilson Death ( Download)
• Jarrid Wilson, Riverside pastor and founder of Christian suicide outreach, takes own life | ABC7 ( Download)
• Megachurch Pastor & Mental Health Advocate Jarrid Wilson Dies By Suicide At Age 30 | PeopleTV ( Download)
• Pastor Jarrid Wilson Took His Own Life | God is Grey ( Download)
• BREAKING: Pastor Jarrid Wilson Dead At 30 From Apparent Suicide ( Download)
• The reality of Jarrid Wilson's death, from a Christian perspective ( Download)
• Pastor Jarrid Wilson of Greg Laurie's Harvest Church Commits Suicide ( Download)
• The Truth about Pastor Jarrid Wilson ( Download)
• Jarrid Wilson was planning to partner with Russell Moore before he died ( Download)
• Jarrid Wilson, Pastor and Mental Health Advocate, Remembered After Suicide ( Download)
• punishment for people who commit suicide ( Download)
• Pressures for pastors battling mental illness ( Download)