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

Executive Director, Understanding the Scriptures

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. Ordained 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, Past member American Association of Christian Counselors, completed Fresh Hope Hope coaching training on July 2, 2022, stand in Host for Apostle Dekontee Johnson on the Blessed Word of Life International radio program 4th Saturday 3rd month on WYCB 1340 AM from 5pm - 5:30pm. Streaming on Facebook TBA.

Understanding the Scriptures Ministries:

Preaching the whole Word of God

Teaching on the following systematic theology areas:

What is Systematic Theology 

https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-systematic-theology-and-why-do-we-need-it.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI6JCgxumWhgMVMK1aBR0WPQf7EAAYBCAAEgJXPPD_BwE

Systematic” refers to something being put into a system. Systematic theology is, therefore, the division of theology into systems that explain its various areas. For example, many books of the Bible give information about the angels. No one book gives all the information about the angels. Systematic theology takes all the information about angels from all the books of the Bible and organizes it into a system called angelology. That is what systematic theology is all about—organizing the teachings of the Bible into categorical systems.

Theology Proper or Paterology is the study of God the Father. Christology is the study of God the Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Pneumatology is the study of God the Holy Spirit. Bibliology is the study of the Bible. Soteriology is the study of salvation. Ecclesiology is the study of the church. Eschatology is the study of the end times. Angelology is the study of angels. Christian Demonology is the study of demons from a Christian perspective. Christian Anthropology is the study of humanity. Hamartiology is the study of sin. Systematic theology is an important tool in helping us to understand and teach the Bible in an organized manner.

In addition to systematic theology, there are other ways that theology can be divided. Biblical theology is the study of a certain book (or books) of the Bible and emphasizing the different aspects of theology it focuses on. For example, the Gospel of John is very Christological since it focuses so much on the deity of Christ (John 1:1, 14; 8:58; 10:30; 20:28). Historical theology is the study of doctrines and how they have developed over the centuries of the Christian church. Dogmatic theology is the study of the doctrines of certain Christian groups that have systematized doctrine—for example, Calvinistic theology and dispensational theology. Contemporary theology is the study of doctrines that have developed or come into focus in recent times. No matter what method of theology is studied, what is important is that theology is studied.

Forgiveness Ministry

Judicial forgiveness 

Paternal forgiveness 

Interpersonal forgiveness 

Evangelistical forgiveness 

Societal forgiveness 

Mental Health Ministry

Pastoral Counseling and Care Ministry

Scriptures behind this ministry:

Note: God does not require success but faithfulness in what He has given you to do.

Galatians 5:22 (TNIV)

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Romans 11:29 (KJV)

²⁹For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (KJV)

⁹The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

Psalms 71:18 (KJV)

¹⁸Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have shewed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners;
Isaiah 61:2 To proclaim the favorable year of the Lord And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn,
Isaiah 61:3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.

Luke 4:18 (KJV)

¹⁸The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Purpose of Ministry: To encourage, strengthen and provide ministry & healing to the Body of Christ through Preaching, Teaching & Pastoral Care and Counseling.
Advocacy to the church and community for individuals and families affected by mental health issues and substance use disorders.

Mission Statement: Non believer, To help them have a clear mind so they will know the love of God through Jesus Christ without any coercion.

Believers, To love them unconditionally as brothers and sisters in Christ even with their mental health issues.

To present the Gospel message to all in the power of God and love.

Romans 12:9 (TNIV)

⁹Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.

Romans 12:11 (TNIV)

¹¹Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Romans 12:13-16 (TNIV)

¹³Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not think you are superior.

Note: The links on Understanding the Scriptures website does not necessary reflect the views of Understanding the Scriptures Ministry. They are here to help those who are struggling by providing views from other websites that may be helpful. The best path is to seek out a professional if you struggle from mental illness. You can contact the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to help you get started on a path to healing. Also Hope Coaching may be helpful and you will find their link further down the page. Prayerfully you attend a church that can also be a support in your recovery.

Do the majority of Pentecostals believe that God uses medicine for physical healing and behavioral health care personnel and medicine in mental health recovery?

https://muschealth.org/-/sm/health/patients-and-visitors-media/patients-and-visitors-files/pdf/caring-spirit-june-2017-jul-2017.ashx?la=en%20It’s#:~:text=Though%20a%20few%20independent%20Pentecostal,and%20prayer%20from%20fellow%20believers.

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/#

Pastoral Care and Counseling, 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:

• The Roman Road to Salvation

What is the Romans Road?

Simply put, the Romans Road shows the path to Heaven. It uses points from the book of Romans in the Bible to explain God’s gift of salvation. At each stop we learn something new about why we need salvation, how God has provided for it, and how we receive it.

As you look at each of the six points outlined here, take time to reflect on what God’s Word has to say. Remember that the book of Romans was written to people just like you and me: people living in a busy culture, trying to make sense of what is true and what is most important in life.

The Romans Road describes the only way to Heaven. Study it, learn it, and follow it!

1. Everyone Needs Salvation

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

2. Jesus Died For Our Salvation

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)

3. Salvation Is A Gift

The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

4. We Are Saved By Grace

And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.
(Romans 11:6)

5. Salvation Comes Through Faith

Where to find Bibles and Bible study material:

https://www.biblestudytools.com/isaiah/41-10-compare.html

https://www.blueletterbible.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.gotquestions.org/

https://netbible.org/reader/bible/Matthew%201

If you have decided to make Jesus your Lord and Savior after reading the Roman Road, send me an email and find a local Bible believing Church.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

⁸For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

⁹Not of works, lest any man should boast.

To him who … believes on Him who justi...

• What is the prayer of Ssalvation

https://www.gotquestions.org/prayer-of-salvation.html

Hope Based Coaching

Taken from from Fresh Hope for Mental Health website: https://freshhope.us/hope-coach

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.

Pastoral Care and Counseling 

Pastoral care and counseling implies people caring for others in a manner which mirrors the way Jesus cared for people and taught his disciples to do the same. It is not just about caring for people who are in crisis and despair, but also about empowering people to be able to live life to its fullest, all the while leaning on the hope that can be given through the resurrection story. Pastoral care and counseling involves the members of the church congregation caring for people within the congregation and the surrounding community. Caring for the surrounding community gives the church and the congregation the opportunity to make known the salvific story, which is the basis for pastoral care and counseling. In the early years of pastoral care and counseling it was thought that pastoral care was only carried out by ordained clergy. Furthermore, for some time pastoral care and counseling were only carried out by ordained clergy. However, in the postmodern world pastoral care and counseling are being rendered by clergy and laity working side by side, meeting the needs of those within the congregation who are hurting, discouraged, and in need of healing. The ordained clergy are training those lay members who feel the call to assist others within the congregation and community in need of care and counseling. Pastoral care and counseling are promoted by professionals and individuals who make it their business to intentionally care for others.

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